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Finance and utilities staff present annual report; council hears updates on hiring and solid‑waste transition
Summary
City finance and utility staff presented their annual report to the council, described internal controls and billing operations, outlined personnel needs and automation priorities, and reported that a solid‑waste rollout with Frontier dumpsters and Waste Connections is planned for April.
City finance and utility staff presented the department annual report at Lampasas's February workshop, summarizing internal controls, billing operations, staffing and technology priorities and providing several operational updates.
The finance presentation outlined the department's internal checks and balances, the two authorized check signers, federal and state reporting obligations, and a goal of financial transparency. Utility staff described meter‑reading and billing processes, three billing cycles and outreach to customers (including elderly or fixed‑income residents) to provide payment options and assistance. The utility team also said it is in the middle of a cross‑training effort to cover staff absences.
Staff described several technology and operational needs: aging mail/billing equipment, potential upgrades to automated billing and folding machines, and an interest in enabling paperless bill delivery for customers who opt in. The finance director said accepting email-only delivery could reduce postcard costs but that some customers will still require a paper bill.
On personnel, the city reported active hiring for part‑time library positions and continued recruitment for a public‑works director; the council was told an organizational chart adoption would create a part‑time airport position funded from existing budget funds. Staff said the planned airport position would be paid from current appropriations and that the city would open applications pending final approval of the chart.
On solid waste, staff reported a transition in April to Frontier-supplied dumpsters while Waste Connections will continue to service routes; staff said the rollout includes mirrored routes and a communications plan for residents. The council was told the city's 2024 audit work is underway with auditors on-site and that staff will provide information to the audit committee when the audit is finalized.
No formal vote is required for many of the staff updates, but the council adopted the organizational chart on a voice vote earlier in the meeting and was asked to complete audit questionnaires for the auditors.
