Submitted By: Public Works
Prepared By: Dustin Burnside, Utilities Manager
Subject:
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CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION TO FUND TEMPORARY STAFFING RESOURCES IN THE UTILITIES WASTEWATER COLLECTIONS DIVISION IN THE AMOUNT OF $100,000 TO ADDRESS TEMPORARY STAFFING NEEDS
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Summary:
The City Council is being asked to consider adoption of Resolution 26-142 (Attachment 1) to authorize a supplemental appropriation to address temporary staffing and coverage challenges within the Utilities Division. The temporary position will be filled through a staffing agency or limited-term employee with appropriately licensed and experienced staff. The funding is intended to provide additional staffing resources during a defined period and will expire upon completion of the assignment unless further action is taken by the City Council.
The need for temporary staffing was not known at the time of budget preparation. Whereas the Fiscal Year 2027 budget did not include funding for this temporary position, a supplemental appropriation of $100,000 from the Sewer Fund Reserves is requested to for temporary personnel and related operating costs.
Background:
The Collections workgroup within the Utilities Division is currently experiencing a staffing shortfall resulting in coverage challenges that are impacting daily operations, on-call response, and the division’s ability to maintain proactive maintenance activities while responding to urgent service needs. While the City continues to manage staffing within existing authorized positions, short-term supplemental support is needed to maintain essential service delivery, reduce operational strain on available staff, and support safe and reliable utility operations.
To address these near-term impacts, staff is requesting a supplemental appropriation to support temporary staffing resources. This approach provides operational flexibility while the City evaluates longer-term staffing, workload, and service delivery needs.
Discussion:
The recommended position is intended solely to meet a temporary operational need and is not proposed as a permanent addition to the City's staffing allocation. The position will be filled in accordance with applicable City personnel policies and will terminate upon completion of the assignment or at the end of the authorized term. The supplemental appropriation will provide funding for a Professional Services Agreement or limited-term employee including: salary, benefits, and any necessary operating expenses associated with the position. Funding is available within the Sewer Fund Reserves.
Considerations Identified by Staff:
Without a supplemental appropriation, there is no available funding to pursue staffing assistance to maintain current levels of service and manage the daily and after-hours emergency response operations.
Council Options:
• Adopt Resolution No. 26-142, which would approve a supplemental appropriation in the amount of $100,000 from Sewer Fund Reserves to Account 054-473-43890 to cover salary, benefits, and associated costs for the temporary or limited-term position and authorize the City Manager, or designee, to take all necessary actions to implement a contract within the City’s Purchasing Policy or to fill a limited-term position.
• Modify and adopt Resolution No. 26-142.
• Provide alternate direction to staff.
• Deny Resolution No. 26-142.
Environmental Review/Analysis:
This action is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378 because it is an administrative and fiscal activity that will not result in a direct or indirect physical change to the environment.
Fiscal Impact:
Approval of this supplemental appropriation will result in the amount of $100,000 transferred from the Sewer Fund Operating Reserves to Account 054-473-43890, Other Contractual Services for Fiscal Year 2027.
Potential Action(s):
recommendation
If the City Council concurs with the information provided within this staff report, moving this item without modifications would result in adoption of Resolution No. 26-142, which would:
1. Approve a supplemental appropriation from the Sewer Fund Operating Reserves to Account 054-473-43890, Other Contractual Services in the amount of $100,000; and
2. Allow the Utilities Division to pursue temporary staffing resources in order to maintain the current operations of the Sewer Collection System in a safe, reliable manner consistent with regulatory requirements.
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Attachment:
1. Resolution No. 26-142
Notification:
None.