Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Staff Reports topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Civil service staff report big applicant gains; KPD part‑time extension approved
Summary
Civil service staff reported substantial year‑over‑year increases in qualified applicants and testing averages; the board approved an extension of a part‑time KPD position and heard HR updates on a Harvard Bloomberg consortium acceptance and longevity pay review.
Civil service staff reported a notable increase in both applications and qualified applicants over the last fiscal year and the board approved an extension of a part‑time KPD position.
Missy, presenting the civil service staff report, said the office has seen a marked increase in applicants and in the number deemed qualified. "Last year, we had 25 qualified applicants, but this year, we had a 133," she said for a help‑desk technician posting; for an administrative specialist posting she reported "30 last year...and then we went up to a 198 this year." Missy described testing distribution practices, noting written exams given July 23–25 via the eSkill online platform and an average written‑test score of 77 (the reported written cutoff), plus an average training/experience essay score of 85.
Missy also updated the board on operations: an Oracle software update remains planned for January (year not specified), the office has one grievance and three disciplinary appeals pending, and second‑round interviews are underway to fill an open civil‑service position.
During new business the board considered item 4, an extension of a current part‑time KPD position to continue assistance with background recruiting and recruitment tasks. Staff said HR and finance reviewed the request and supported the extension. A motion to approve the extension was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote; the extension runs through 10/01/2026 as described in the request.
Kelly of Human Resources briefed the board on HR initiatives discussed at a recent city council workshop. Kelly said the HR department was accepted into an 18‑month Harvard Bloomberg consortium to study talent management and employee engagement, and previewed plans for a compensation and classification study planned for mid‑2026. Kelly also discussed longevity pay, noting the existing longevity schedule provides $120 annually (up to a $2,400 lifetime total) and that the department is evaluating whether that recognition reflects current costs and retention needs.
The board thanked departing member Bradshaw, who noted it was his last day of service. With no other business before it, the board adjourned.
