Summary
Utilities staff proposed reclassifying several roles, adding lift‑station mechanics and planning staffing for a larger wastewater treatment plant, citing vulnerabilities in lift‑station coverage revealed during storms.
Dade City utilities officials told the commission they plan organizational reclassifications and one new hire to strengthen operations and prepare for a planned, larger wastewater treatment plant. The requests center on succession planning, lift‑station reliability and dual‑certified operators for both water and wastewater systems.
Deputy utilities presenter (mister Daniels) and utility staff described a package that would: reclassify the chief wastewater treatment plant operator to a superintendent covering both water and wastewater; reclassify a wastewater operator to a lead operator; change an assistant crew lead to a lift‑station mechanic; and add one new lift‑station mechanic position. Officials said those changes would create a dedicated lift‑station team and improve response to SCADA alarms.
Daniels said the city currently has four operators and a chief at the wastewater plant and two employees checking lift stations, while the system includes about 43 lift stations. "We have 1 lift station mechanic dedicated only to lift stations. And we have 1 lift station mechanic that works at a treatment plant and a water treatment plant," Daniels said, describing the planned structure to ensure constant coverage.
Commissioners and staff tied the staffing plan to the city’s larger capital plan. City staff said design and permitting for the new wastewater treatment plant are budgeted at $3.2 million in fiscal year 2526, with construction budgeted at roughly $38.14 million in 2627. Transmission/force main construction was shown as a separate line item.
Utility presenters emphasized cross‑training and dual certification to ensure continuity. Daniels said the city has at least one dual‑certified operator with an associate degree whom staff would position as superintendent; the goal is more dual‑certified personnel so that absences or turnover would not leave the plant understaffed.
Commissioners asked for cost estimates tied to the reclassifications. Staff provided preliminary salary‑impact ranges: the utility superintendent reclassification would increase the salary base by about $7,000–$11,000; a lead wastewater operator about $3,000–$4,000; and the lift‑station mechanic reclassification roughly $6,000–$9,000. Staff said the lead operator would be expected to have higher level wastewater certification than operators.
No formal action was taken; staff said they will fold these reclassifications and the single new position into the draft budget for later consideration. Officials said further hires could be required in future years as the new plant comes online and operating hours expand.
