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STAFF REPORT <br /> <br />TO: Mayor Fischer and Members of the City Council <br /> <br />FROM: Sam Magureanu, Finance Director <br /> Heidi Heller, City Clerk/HR Manager <br /> <br />DATE: April 9, 2025 <br /> <br />RE: Utility Billing /Administrative Support Specialist Full-Time Position <br /> <br />ACTION TO BE CONSIDERED: <br />Item is for discussion only. Staff is requesting City Council direction regarding a new Utility <br />Billing/Administrative Support Specialist job description. <br /> <br />BACKGROUND: <br />On March 31, the Utility Billing Clerk submitted her letter of resignation with an effective date <br />of April 28, 2025. The Utility Billing Clerk plays an essential role in the day-to-day operation of <br />the city as it administers the utility billing system that includes water, sewer, storm water, and <br />refuse collection. <br /> <br />The Utility Billing Clerk position has historically operated as a part-time non-exempt position <br />(20 hours a week) within the finance department, with the position reporting to the Finance <br />Director. The position has historically served as a secondary backup, picking up phones and <br />assisting at the front counter when needed. However, the primary focus of the position has been <br />the utility billing function within the 20 hours a week. <br /> <br />Currently, three staff members assist in covering the front desk. The primary front desk position <br />(Customer Service Specialist) works 40 hours per week. The Accountant (34 hours per week) <br />and Utility Billing Clerk (20 hours per week) serve as first and second backup to the Customer <br />Service Specialist Position. When the Customer Service Specialist is on vacation, City Hall staff <br />members assist part-time employees in covering front office related tasks. <br /> <br />In 2023, the city conducted an Organizational Study and Gap Analysis that recommended a 20 or <br />40-hour-a-week administrative support staff position to provide additional front counter coverage <br />and perform clerical assistance to all departments. At the time of the study, the recommendation <br />was echoed by all leadership team members who recognized a need for additional help at the <br />front counter. Based on the study recommendations, staff included funds in the 2024 and 2025 <br />budgets for a 20-hour part-time administrative support position. No position has been filled; <br />however, in 2024, staff did utilize a staffing agency temporarily for administrative support. <br /> <br />At the end of February 2025, the city participated in a facilitated strategic planning retreat. While <br />the new strategic plan has not yet been formalized, as part of the discussion, the number one <br />priority of the strategic plan is to redefine the front office duties.