Plans to fill long-vacant positions in City Hall are a sign that officials feel secure about the economic recovery, according to Oak Harbor Finance Director Doug Merriman.

Merriman said he views the housing market as a key indicator of the health of the economy and the news in that sector has been good on North Whidbey.

“We’re starting to get an uptick in building and construction,” Merriman said. “When you see housing pick up, that’s a good sign.”

Sales tax receipts are also on the increase, he said.

Oak Harbor officials budgeted to fill the city administrator’s executive assistant position this year. The position was left vacant for financial reasons after Karen Crouch, the former executive assistant, quit two years ago.

They also budgeted for an accounting manager in the finance department; the position was vacant for four years.

Ethan Spoo, who doubled as a planner and an economic development coordinator, left the city last year and will be replaced by two people. The Development Services department is budgeted to get a full-time planner, which Merriman said is necessary because of the increase in construction.

The City Council approved Mayor Scott Dudley’s proposal to hire a full-time economic development director who will work directly for the city administrator.

Dudley must return to the council with a detailed job description before the position can be filled.

Wages and benefits for the executive assistant, the accounting manager and economic development coordinator will cost the city about $305,000 a year.

The city is also hiring a project engineer to work on the giant sewage treatment plant project; it is slated as a four-year position, Merriman said.

In addition, the city is hiring a staff archaeologist.

Merriman said city staff members must contact an archaeologist every time they plan to dig — even if just to change a sprinkler head.