Placerville Council addresses staffing shortages at water reclamation facility during budget meeting

The Placerville City Council addressed critical staffing issues at the water reclamation facility during a special meeting on May 20, 2025. Council members discussed the urgent need to fill several key positions to ensure the facility operates effectively and meets water quality standards.

The council acknowledged that the current staffing levels are insufficient, with senior operators unable to take necessary time off due to the workload. This situation raises concerns about employee retention and the potential for non-compliance with water quality regulations, which could result in significant fines for the city.

A cost of service study is underway, which will inform future staffing decisions and potentially lead to rate increases for water and sewer services. Council members emphasized that while some positions may be reclassified, no current positions will be eliminated. Instead, the focus will be on hiring additional senior operators to alleviate the burden on existing staff.

The urgency of these discussions reflects the city's commitment to maintaining high operational standards at the water reclamation facility. The council plans to expedite the rate study process to address staffing needs promptly, ensuring that the facility can continue to serve the community effectively.

In addition to staffing concerns, the council briefly reviewed a computer equipment replacement budget, highlighting the importance of maintaining updated technology to support city operations. Overall, the meeting underscored the city's proactive approach to addressing critical infrastructure and staffing challenges, with a clear focus on the implications for community services and compliance.