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Franklin HR seeks new hires, swaps time clocks for tablets to save funds
Summary
Human Resources presented program-enhancement requests Feb. 19 to replace end-of-life time clocks with tablets (estimated savings ~$159,000), upgrade applicant tracking, add an organizational-development specialist ($78,000 salary) and propose an assistant director placeholder for future structure.
Kevin Townsville, director of human resources and risk management, told the Budget & Finance Committee that HR supports recruiting, benefits, safety training, worker's compensation and workplace investigations for about 800 city employees.
Staff proposed five program enhancements. Sean Groves explained the timekeeping replacement: the vendor’s InTouch 9000 clocks will be inoperable after January 2027; a vendor quote to replace in-kind was about $204,000, but the department recommends a tablet-based solution estimated at roughly $45,000, which staff said would save about $159,000 and reduce vendor lock-in. Groves said tablets would give flexibility if the city later changes payroll systems.
HR also proposed replacing an expiring applicant-tracking system with a modern, mobile-friendly platform to improve candidate experience, compliance tracking and onboarding; and requested an organizational-development specialist to lead succession planning, performance management and leadership training. Jamie Ewald said the new specialist (proposed salary $78,000) would target improved employee engagement and cited previously presented estimates of disengagement costs to justify the request.
Committee discussion focused on ensuring the specialist role’s scope is dedicated and on whether the tablet purchase should be capitalized; staff noted the city’s capital threshold was raised to $50,000 so the ~$45,000 request is appropriately budgeted as an operating expense.
