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Tarpon Springs to pilot career‑ladder staffing for water and wastewater staff to boost retention
Summary
Public Services Director Thomas Keiger proposed a pilot career ladder for water/wastewater staff to align positions and pay with licensure and experience; Keiger said the change creates no immediate budget impact and the board approved the pilot.
The board approved an organizational change to establish a pilot career‑ladder staffing plan in the city’s water and wastewater utilities aimed at improving employee retention and matching pay and jobs to FDEP licensure levels.
Public Services representative Thomas Keiger told commissioners the plan would not create new positions or retitle existing staff in a way that changes immediate costs; he said the program would let staff hire at the appropriate credential level and provide clearer paths for trainees to advance when they obtain required licenses. Keiger said the pilot would first cover FDEP‑licensed roles at the water plant, wastewater plant, meter shop and distribution crews.
Commissioners asked whether current employees could move into new classifications as they obtain credentials; Keiger said yes and described the change as a strategic approach to reduce retraining costs and increase retention. Public commenters and commissioners praised the plan as a way to preserve institutional knowledge.
The board approved the organizational changes by roll call.
