A decision on a plan to consolidate five SeaTac departments and divisions into one community and economic development department has been delayed again.

SeaTac council members were expected to act Feb. 22 on a plan put forth Feb. 8 by interim city manager Todd Cutts.

He proposed adding three new division manager positions to work under Cindy Baker, who was selected to head the new consolidated community and economic development department. Two other managers would transfer from their current divisions. While there would be no net gain of positions in the transition, salaries for the three managers would cost the city an additional $31, 415 per year, Cutts estimated.

The fiscal impact figure is based on paying the five managers at the maximum pay rates.

However, Cutts said some of the positions wouldn't be staffed until, at least, April 1, saving the city $46,000 this year. Human Resources director Anh Hoang indicated earlier that the new managers would not have to be hired at the maximum pay ranges but it might be difficult to attract experienced employees from other cities for lower pay.

On Feb. 22, lawmakers postponed a decision until no later than April 12 to allow Baker a chance to develop a consolidation plan with a savings equal to one division manager within the new department.

The consolidation is designed to improve the city's permitting process for builders.