SL council okays planner, city administrator-treasurer posts
SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake city council members addressed a pair of personnel positions — city planner and city administrator-treasurer — during their Wednesday, March 4 meeting.
A majority approved a motion by Susan Carson, seconded by Andrew Arnold, to advertise for a part-time senior planner to handle land-use, zoning, building, and environmental regulation responsibilities.
During discussions over the past month, the two council members reiterated that the planning job was approved in the city’s 2026 budget as an in-house position. Council member Kayleen Bryson also favored the motion. It was opposed by council member Judith Gorman.
Councilman John Carlson was absent and excused from last week's meeting.
Gorman had supported Mayor Peter Sharp’s recommendation to consider hiring an outside contractor. But Gorman’s motion to retain Safebuilt LLC, a nationwide consultant which had submitted a service proposal, died for lack of a second.
Carlson, during the council’s Feb. 4 meeting, asked for consideration of contracting with local architect Alex Kovach, who resigned as mayor in 2022 to become Soap Lake’s planning consultant.
Kovach, whose contract was terminated by Sharp last May, said he was willing to resume providing professional services at rates that he claimed would significantly save money for the city.
With last week’s 3-1 vote, Soap Lake is now advertising for the part-time planner. The job description calls for working 20 to 25 hours per week with a salary range of $70,000 to $80,000 annually.
The council also unanimously approved an ordinance that establishes a position of city administrator/treasurer and clarifies the position of city clerk, which previously held treasurer or finance officer responsibilities.
In their Feb. 18 meeting, council members received assurance from Sharp that the clerk would continue to be a union-protected position.
The administrator-treasurer will be responsible for city personnel, finances, and implementation of ordinances, resolutions, and policies. Soap Lake is also advertising that job on its website and through the Association of Washington Cities, listing a salary ranging between $135,000 and $155,000 annually plus benefits.
