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Council splits on half-year delay for DPW conversion; approves full-year recreation attendant
Summary
Councilors debated converting part-time positions to full time across Public Works and Recreation. A motion to delay the DPW public-buildings laborer conversion by six months failed 3–8; the council approved funding a recreation facilities attendant position for the full year, 7–4.
The Rochester City Council on Tuesday debated and then split its votes on converting two part-time positions to full-time status, a recurring item in the city’s personnel and retention discussions.
Councilor Walker proposed delaying a planned conversion of a public buildings and grounds laborer from part time to full time for six months. The city manager had proposed a full-year conversion; Walker moved to fund just a half-year of the conversion (a half-year savings of $26,853 from the $53,706 annual cost). Council members and department directors exchanged questions about retention and service impacts. Director Norris and city staff said the incumbent and the department favored an immediate full-time change to reduce turnover; staff explained that under the half-year plan the position would remain part time until Jan. 1, 2026 and then convert to full time.
On a roll-call vote the motion to delay the DPW conversion failed, 3–8; several councilors said they preferred keeping the manager’s full-year staffing plan in place to aid retention.
Separately, the council voted to add a full-year recreation facilities and operations attendant position that had been excluded from the city manager’s budget. Councilor Herrmann moved the measure and it carried 7–4, adding $46,140 to the planned budget for FY26. Supporters said recreation staffing is necessary as the city grows and that existing part-time staff carry heavy workloads; opponents said the new position should return to manager-level review or be delayed.
Councilors asked for clarification on salary proration, benefits impacts and the department’s staffing plans. Staff requested that budget adjustment forms be used for formal changes; the council directed staff to incorporate both approved changes into the next budget draft.
