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Council signals support for outside operations assessment; manager to return with cost and appropriation
Summary
Council discussed an RFP for an outside consultant to conduct department‑level efficiency and organizational structure assessments. Staff said some work is already underway; the council agreed staff can continue the RFP process but that any appropriation beyond existing authority will return to council for budget approval.
Council considered a request to add an agenda item to authorize the city manager to issue an RFP for an outside consulting firm to assess departmental efficiencies, organizational structure and operational improvements.
Councilmember McDonald introduced the rationale for an external assessment to identify efficiencies, noting prior studies and the city’s class and compensation work. City Manager Smith and City Attorney Teresa said bringing in a “fresh eye” could generate recommendations staff might not identify internally; staff indicated some RFP work was already underway. The city manager clarified the work is operational and does not require council approval to initiate, but any funding or contracts exceeding the manager’s authority would return to council as appropriation or contract approvals.
Several council members asked whether public safety (police and fire) would be included; Carmen from the public clarified the study would not include police and fire strategic plans or staffing studies, which perform those functions separately. Members of the public expressed concern about the scope and potential costs of consulting work; one public commenter urged that attorney staffing be scrutinized before hiring outside counsel.
Council expressed support for the concept of an outside assessment and a desire for transparency; the consensus was that staff should continue preparing the RFP and return with a clear cost estimate and appropriation request when needed. City Manager Smith said she would work with the CFO and relevant departments to calibrate scope, consultant selection and funding, and that the final contract would be brought back for council approval.
Ending
Council asked staff to proceed with RFP development and to return with a cost and appropriation request for council consideration before any contract award that exceeds managerial authority.
