The minimum rate established for the grade is the normal hiring rate when there is a sufficient number of qualified applicants to fill a vacant position at the entry pay for the grade. Circumstances may merit a higher rate if the qualifications, skills and abilities of an applicant exceeds the minimum required to fill a position. Employment above the minimum rate may be authorized through step six when the Department Director determines it is in the best interest of the City based on the pool of candidates and the qualifications of the applicant recommended for hire as compared to those currently or most recently performing the job. The Director of Human Resources has the authority to authorize the proposed rate of pay based on written Department Director justification and City-wide consistency. If the Department Director and Director of Human Resources agree upon a pay rate up to step six, the job offer will be extended by Human Resources. 

All new-hire pay recommendations above step six must be reviewed by Human Resources and receive approval of the City Manager in advance of a job offer. The Department Director is responsible to submit a memo through the Director of Human Resources to the City Manager providing justification for the higher pay rate. Approval will be based on (1) the qualifications of the applicant far exceed the minimum requirements for the position, the knowledge, skills and abilities of the applicant as compared to those employees currently performing the job or most recently performing the job, (2) a shortage of qualified applicants, (3) other qualified applicants have declined employment at a rate lower than may be authorized by the Human Resources Director, or (4) other extenuating reasons as approved by the City Manager.