FY2021 Budget

Other, more routine operational budget items include:

✓ Recycling program cost increases. The continued and significant escalation of this program cost is attributable to the change (loss) in global markets for recyclables; ✓ Various information technology equipment replacements and service agreements, including replacement of an outdated phone system; ✓ Police vehicle replacements and public works’ heavy-duty dump truck. Other vehicle replacements are being deferred; ✓ Proactive road maintenance; ✓ Resources to further broaden and support communications and outreach activities; and ✓ Other equipment needs for various departments. Our people continue to be our biggest resource and represent a significant portion of the operating budget. Appropriately and adequately compensating existing staff is essential to effective recruitment and retention. The FY 2021 proposed budget includes a pay adjustment for all staff as outlined later in this budget message. The proposed budget also considers the additional state required LGERS (Local Government Employees Retirement System) employer funding contribution increase and health care costs. The proposed FY 2021 budget includes recommendations for thirteen (13) positions 3 , of which seven (7) are in public safety. Of the position requests, four (4) are requested for full-year appropriation to address the expanded work in those departments that is now beyond the level of support that can be managed with existing staffing. All other position requests are proposed for mid-year implementation. Position requests are outlined in that section of this budget message. When considering additions to staffing levels, requests are comprehensively vetted to justify the increased recurring cost. Demands for service in public safety continue to rise as the town grows and we serve more people. We must also provide the necessary internal administrative support for our personnel and our systems as our staff and technology needs increase and expand. Programmatic and facility needs also require additional staff to manage these programs. A statement of need and basic job duties and responsibilities for each of these positions can be found in the Budget Priorities Summary following the budget message. Additional detail and discussion of forecasted future staffing needs will be provided during budget work sessions. Proposed additions to staff are not unanticipated. In the FY 2020 budget, the preliminary forecast for new positions was 21 in FY 2021 and an additional 18 in FY 2022 – 2024. Updated forecasts project the following future staff needs for the next four years:

3 At adoption, Town Council reduced the number of new positions from the proposed 13 to a total of 6. The following positions were approved: Network & Security Administrator, Human Resources Specialist, Sustainability Program Coordinator and Athletics Facility Maintenance Technician were full year implementations; and Senior Recreation Program Specialist and a Traffic Officer were designated as ½ year implementations.

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