For City Council Meeting September 24, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Michael Milhiser, Interim City Manager
AUTHOR: Shama Curian, Director of Human Resources and Risk Management
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Request City Council to Adopt Resolution No. 8294 Amending the Classification and Compensation Plan to Add Job Classification and Salary of Director of Utilities, Eliminate Job Classification of Utilities Manager, and Amend the Executive Benefits Profile to Include the Director of Utilities Classification
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Adopt Resolution No. 8294 Amending the Classification and Compensation Plan to Add Job Classification and Salary of Director of Utilities, Eliminate Job Classification of Utilities Manager, and Amend the Executive Benefits Profile to Include the Director of Utilities Classification
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BACKGROUND
Since the retirement of the incumbent in late December 2023, the City has struggled to find qualified applicants for the position of Utilities Manager. As such, a comprehensive review of the current job functions and salary was conducted to determine if this position is accurately situated within the City’s current organizational structure for internal equity and external competitiveness. This review identified a need to update the title to Director of Utilities and increase the salary range to 7500, which accurately reflects the scope of significant duties and services that are undertaken by this position.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION
The recruitment for the Utilities Manager classification has been open since December 13, 2023. The first recruitment for this classification had a closing date of December 29, 2023, in which 52 applications were received. However, none of those applications had the qualifications needed for the position as outlined in the job announcement. On January 17, 2024, the recruitment re-opened with closing date of “Open Until Filled”. That recruitment yielded only 8 more applications, but none had experience to successfully carry out the duties of the position. Then, after conducting a salary review with comparator agencies, four months later, on May 8, the position was brought to City Council to request an increase in salary. Since then, only 3 more applications were received but again didn’t have the qualifications needed.
Currently, the duties of this position requires the incumbent to have knowledge of complex principles and practices of engineering design and construction as well as knowledge of civil, water, and wastewater engineering. The incumbent will review the activities and operations of the City’s water/wastewater utilities under a Public Private Partnership. This position also takes on the responsibility of being the City appointed liaison between the City/RUA and the Concessionaire. With this constant review of critical contract and regulatory requirements, this uniquely situated position undertakes complex responsibilities in order to successfully meet service delivery standards. The position requires five to ten years of progressively responsible civil engineering experience and a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in civil engineering, public administration, or a related field.
A review of comparator agencies with classifications similar to that of the duties assigned and experience required of this position was conducted. The analysis also took into consideration industry trends (what classifications traditionally have oversight of these duties) and operational staffing models to identify potential operating efficiencies. The analysis yielded an average monthly salary of $19,524. The study determined that the classification is significantly below average for the level of responsibility and oversight that this classification currently holds.
Balancing the necessity to effectively recruit and retain a talented and qualified workforce with the internal equity and organizational structure of classifications, staff is recommending the pay range to be adjusted from 6100A to 7500 with a title change to Director of Utilities. A review of the service delivery, workload, and supervisorial oversight substantiates a recommended increase of 28% to accurately align the position internally as well as within current labor market.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
The request is not a Project as defined by Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY
Complies with the following Rialto General Plan Guiding Principle:
Our government will lead by example, and will operate in an open, transparent, and responsive manner that meets the needs of the citizens and is a good place to do business.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney has reviewed the resolution and approved it as to form.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Operating Budget Impact
The recommended action will result in an additional cost of $43,514.00 in total compensation (salary and benefits) for the remainder of the Fiscal Year 2024-25, which will be absorbed through cost savings from vacancies and salary savings within the City Manager’s Office.
Capital Improvement Budget Impact
There is no impact to the Capital Improvement Budget through this action.