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Bismarck approves departmental reorganization to split planning, inspections and IT/GIS
Summary
The commission approved a reorganization that dissolves Community Development and creates separate Planning and Building Inspections departments, elevates IT/GIS to its own department, creates a code-enforcement position, and makes the assistant city administrator a civil-service department director.
The City Commission on Oct. 14 approved a reorganization plan proposed by City Administrator Jason that reorganizes functions across several departments to reflect the city’s growth.
Jason proposed dissolving the Community Development Department and creating two standalone departments — Building Inspections and Planning — led by current division leaders. IT and GIS would be removed from Finance to form a separate IT/GIS department led by the existing manager. The plan also designates a dedicated code-enforcement position to be housed within Building Inspections and converts the assistant city administrator from an appointed role to a civil-service-protected department director to enhance succession planning.
Jason said the changes are intended to improve operational clarity and succession opportunities without adding staff; the city expects minimal net budget impact and some positions would see standard internal adjustments to salary grades. "We would not be adding any additional staff," Jason said; "we would be recognizing individuals that are already here performing in many cases in full capacity." Commissioners debated oversight, civil-service protections and pay adjustments before approving the measure by roll call.
Why it matters: The reorganization restructures departmental accountability for growth-related services (planning, inspections, IT/GIS) and clarifies lines of responsibility for both elected officials and staff.
What’s next: Staff will work with HR and the finance director to implement pay-grade changes and reclassifications and report back on final salary and ordinance language where needed.
