The Salt Lake City Council unanimously passed on a proposal to hire an "assistant to the mayor."

For council members, it appears the request simply came at the wrong time.

"To use one-time money to hire [an employee] seems to be the wrong policy decision," Councilman Dale Lambert said.

Several members argued the request should come during hearings in the coming months that will determine how the city distributes its money in the next fiscal year. At that point, the position would be vying for funding against the city's other needs.

The decision came as the council was working on additions to the current budget, which will expire June 30.

The administration was asking for the employee - at a cost of $10,130 until a new budget is approved - to take some of the building pressure off Mayor Rocky Anderson's staff. The job description would include helping to start up a volunteer program and researching and coordinating grant proposals.

To fund a position over a full year, it would cost the city $50,665.

- Jacob Santini