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Port Orchard authorizes on‑call engineering contract to address staffing gaps; council asks for progress updates
Summary
Council approved a resolution to contract with SCJ Alliance for on‑call engineering support while the city's engineering vacancies are filled; staff said the $100,000 authorization is a stopgap and council asked for return reporting on backlog and expenditures.
The Port Orchard City Council voted to authorize a professional services agreement with SCJ Alliance to provide on‑call engineering staffing assistance while the public works department fills vacancies.
Director Ryan told the council the public works capital program is large — staff reported roughly 40 active projects — and the city is temporarily down staff in an engineering group that is normally four full‑time equivalents. "This is a stopgap because we're actively recruiting on the permanent positions," Director Ryan said.
Council members urged close tracking of hours and workload. One council member noted the council's $100,000 authorization may not cover the sustained needs if the backlog requires extended outside support and asked staff to return sooner rather than later to seek additional authorization if needed.
Why it matters: City staff described the measure as intended to keep permit review and project delivery moving while permanent hires are recruited. Council members expressed support for the approach but emphasized the need for monitoring and possible future amendments to the contract if additional hours are required.
The council adopted the resolution by voice vote; staff said budgeted dollars from unfilled FTE lines will cover the initial work and the council will be notified if the contract is expected to exceed the authorized amount.
