Just because council’s off for the next month or so doesn’t mean city business crawls to a complete halt. Yesterday, we learned the city’s adding the new position of Chief Service Officer – and moreover, it shouldn’t cost us a thing.
The Chief Service Officer’s duties “will be to work under the direction of the mayor’s office to develop and implement a comprehensive plan to help increase volunteerism in Austin,” according to a release from the city making the announcement. The idea for the position – and the grant money underwriting it – come from Cities of Service, a “national bipartisan coalition of mayors focused on promoting community service.” The position “will also work directly with Cities of Service leaders and member cities to advance best practices in volunteerism, and to seek additional grant funds to further facilitate community service efforts in Austin.”
The gig is being financed with a $200,000 grant, enough to cover two years. And the mayor is interested in keeping the position afloat through grants, instead of financing it through the city budget. Take it away, press release:
“This position is and should continue to be funded entirely by grant money,” said Leffingwell. “While I expect the Chief Service Officer to provide value to the Austin community over the long term, given the serious budget challenges we continue to face, I do not and will not support using taxpayer money to fund the position. One of the responsibilities of the Chief Service Officer will
be to identify additional grant funds to support service initiatives in Austin, and ultimately that may include continued funding for this position, once we have assessed the position’s value.”
The grant’s slated for council acceptance at their next meeting, July 29, when, perhaps coincidentally, they’ll be in the thick of city budget deliberations.
What the hell else is happening?
On the tumbleweedy city calendar: A joint committee of the Environmental Board and Parks Board is meeting at the Zilker Botanical Gardens, 2220 Barton Springs, 6pm.
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This article appears in June 25 • 2010.