HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - May 3, 2006 K-04A43ENDA ITEM A04
IdaftaCITY OF Low
COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
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AGENDA TITLE: Authoriillrstion to fill a previously "frozen" JunioNAsslstant/Associate Planner
position in the Community Development Department.
MEETING DATE. May 3, 2006 (carried over from 4-19-06 Regular Council meeting)
PREPAND BY: City Manager
FtE A TION: Authorize the City Manager to fill, at his discretion, a
previously "frozen" Junior/Assistant/Associate Planner
position.
BACKGROUND INFORMAMON: In order to balance the Fiscal Year 2005-06 budget, and to
replenish financial reserves, 29 General Fund positions were
either held vacant, "frozen", or in some cases eliminated.
One of the frozen positions was a Planner in the Community Development Department.
The Planning Division of the Community Development Department is authorized at a staffing level of four
positions. As of last month, three positions were filled and the fourth was frozen and vacant. Due to the
resignation of Associate Planner Mark Meissner, now two Planner positions are vacant. These two
vacant positions are authorized to be filled at the Junior, Assistant, or Associate Planner level, depending
upon the qualifications of the applicant.
The work. load of the Planning Division has been reviewed and it has been determined that both Planner
positions need to be filled at this time. The volume of work has increased and the Division's productivity,
taking into account the best efforts of staff, is expected to decline due to the loss of an experienced
Planner.
The Community Development Department budget is $1,964,680, of which $350,000 is General Fund
transfer. The Community Development Department has taken in more funds than originally budgeted
and can absorb the additional expense. Additionally, the Community Development Department has
saved approximately $100,000 in salary savings over the course of the fiscal year.
The cost of a fully -burdened (with full benefits) Junior Planner at "A" step is $6,091 per month. The cost
of a fully -burdened Assistant Planner at "A" step is $6,579 per month. The cost for a fully -burdened
Associate Planner at "A" step is $7,115 per month.
If this action is approved, this will be the second frozen position authorized for funding. A Police
Department Lieutenant position was previously unfrozen during mid -year budget review.
FISCAL IMPACT: The range of additional costs is approximately $6,091 per month to $7,115 per
month. Additional costs will be balanced against Community Development Department revenues and
current year salary savings. A fully -staffed Planning Division will allow work to be addressed with a lower
paid employee freeing the time of higher compensated employees to focus on more complex issues
requiring a greater level of experience and skill.
FUNDING AVAILABLE: Due to salary savings, funds are available in the Community Development
Budget.
Ruby Pa e, Interim Finance Director Blair King, City Manager
APPROVED: 4;:-J
Blair King, City Manager