The Salina City Commission approved changes to the city's staffing tables and salary schedules for 2024 and 2025 during their September 9th meeting. The updates aim to address ongoing recruitment and retention challenges faced by several city departments.
Human Resources Director Natalie Fischer presented the proposed changes, which include reclassifications of certain positions and adjustments to pay grades. The modifications will impact both the 2024 and 2025 staffing tables and position classification listings.
Fischer highlighted that the utilities department has been particularly affected, with an average of 17 vacancies throughout the year, representing nearly 40% of the department's positions. She noted that over half of the employees in utilities now have less than one year of service.The approved changes are expected to have a financial impact of approximately $158,000. Fischer explained that this estimate is conservative, as it's unclear if all positions will be filled.
Other departments, including engineering and public works, are also implementing new strategies to attract and retain employees. These include creating lower pay grade positions to hire individuals with partial skill sets, with the opportunity for advancement as they gain experience and qualifications.
City Manager Mike Schrage mentioned that the city may need to bring additional staffing changes to the commission in the coming weeks or months, as they continue to address recruitment and retention issues in specific divisions.
Commissioners discussed the broader context of workforce challenges, acknowledging that other municipalities and private sector employers are facing similar issues. They also explored ideas such as flexible scheduling and four-day work weeks as potential retention strategies.
The approved staffing and salary changes will take effect as outlined in the resolution, with some modifications implemented immediately and others planned for the upcoming fiscal year.
