The Port Arthur City Council convened on September 18, 2025, to address critical issues surrounding personnel classifications and budget implications. The meeting featured a detailed discussion led by Councilman Doucet, who expressed ongoing concerns regarding the handling of reclassified positions within the city's personnel schedule.

Councilman Doucet emphasized that when positions are reclassified and their pay ranges adjusted, these changes should be treated as new positions for budgetary purposes. He argued that the current practice of not including these reclassifications in the count of new positions misrepresents the city's staffing needs and financial obligations. Doucet pointed out that if a position is eliminated and subsequently reclassified, it should still be accounted for in the budget, as it may require additional funding that has not been allocated.

In response, Dr. Thiepen clarified the city's personnel policy, stating that the city manager has the authority to make decisions regarding reclassifications. He explained that reclassification involves evaluating the duties and responsibilities of a position and adjusting compensation accordingly. However, he noted that new positions, which do not previously exist, follow a similar analytical process but are distinct from reclassifications.

The discussion highlighted the need for transparency and clarity in how personnel changes are reported and funded. Doucet urged the council to recognize the financial implications of these decisions, stressing that any adjustments to pay ranges necessitate council approval to ensure proper budgeting.

The meeting concluded with a call for further examination of the personnel policy and its application to ensure that all changes are accurately reflected in the city's budget. The council plans to continue this dialogue in future sessions to address these critical issues effectively.