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Committee lifts hiring freeze to fill accounts-payable administrative assistant in treasurer's office
Summary
The Merrill Personal Finance Committee voted May 26 to lift the hiring freeze so the treasurer's office may fill an administrative assistant (accounts payable) position. Staff described persistent workload pressure and said key tasks are not being completed while the vacancy persists.
The Merrill Personal Finance Committee voted May 26 to lift the hiring freeze and allow the treasurer's office to hire an administrative assistant focused on accounts payable.
Committee member S3 moved to lift the freeze and fill the position; S2 seconded. City staff and several committee members described ongoing workload problems in the treasurer's office, saying the current staffing pattern has left some tasks undone and that one existing employee has not been working full time. The city administrator said the office has a payroll specialist and historical staffing patterns of two people, but staff reported they are "struggling" to keep up and recommended restoring the vacant position.
Committee members discussed whether process changes or additional automation could reduce the need for staff, but staff said those improvements are limited while the office remains short-staffed. S3 noted having seen the finance director working weekends and said the additional hire would let higher-level staff focus on more complex tasks. The motion to lift the hiring freeze carried on a voice vote.
Next steps: Staff will proceed with recruitment for the accounts-payable administrative assistant and report back as appropriate.
