By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The City of Hutchinson has hired its permanent Human Relations Officer.
"There was an extended effort that involved numerous community stakeholders, city staff, elected officials," said City Manager Jeff Cantrell. "Ultimately, came up with David Sotelo, who had been performing in the interim role, doing a fine job of it. We're pleased to announce that he will be the full-time HRO for the City of Hutch."
The Human Relations Officer's position has changed considerably in recent years.
"That position now has a lot more to do with community outreach than in might have had in the past in a part-time capacity," Cantrell said. "The majority of the effort of the position will involve community outreach, but certainly there will be a component of that position that investigates complaints community-wide."
The search committee really liked Sotelo's background and experience.
"They valued his knowledge of the community and the fact that he was previously involved with the Human Relations Commission and city staff in various departments. I believe that he had some additional outside organization involvement here in the community, as well."
The salary for the position will be $55,990 and will be subject to future increases based on completion of the required college degree. Sotelo will start full-time April 12.