Prosser doesn't want to spend for an assistant city manager; instead he gets an assistant to the city manager

Sandi Fowler, the city's neighborhood liaison, has been promoted to the position of assistant to the city manager, a move that puts her title in line with all the duties she has been performing.

Early after the arrival of City Manager Jim Prosser in August 2006, Fowler was moved from the Community Development Department into the city manager's office. It was a signal that Prosser cared about neighborhoods.

In her new position, she will earn $66,726 a year. Her old salary was $60,548.

Fowler says she will continue to be responsible for activities related to the neighborhoods. But she now also will coordinate customer service and strategic planning for the city.

"Producing results regarding interdepartmental effectiveness and the city's responsiveness to citizens are expected to be high priorities for my work," Fowler says.

A committee advising the City Council on City Hall reorganization recommended a year ago that the city consider hiring an assistant city manager to help Prosser. However, Prosser said then he did not want to hire an assistant city manager at a time when the city was cutting postions.

The cost of an assistant city manager likely would be double what Fowler will receive as an assistant to the city manager.