Astoria council adopts staffing changes, transfers $120,000 to public works and approves vac-trailer purchase

Astoria City Council on Aug. 19 adopted an amended salary resolution to align job classifications with current workloads and authorized related budget transfers and equipment purchases.

City Manager Spence told the council the salary resolution includes four changes: adding one full-time equivalent for a machine mower/utility worker to support right-of-way maintenance and a meter-replacement program; creating an interim wastewater supervisor classification to reflect the responsibilities and certification timeline for wastewater operators; reclassifying an engineering administrative assistant to a senior engineering/project technician to better manage permit intake and engineering support (an estimated $5,000 annual impact); and consolidating part-time parks job titles into a park specialist classification. Human-resources staff clarified the engineering administrative-assistant role can be adjusted if departmental needs change.

Councilor Adams asked whether adding the higher classification would produce measurable improvements for permit turnaround; Jeff Harrington, Public Works Director, said the change better aligns duties with responsibilities and helps administer multimillion-dollar construction projects, grant administration and compliance. Spence said the meter-replacement program could involve approximately 3,900 meter changes over time.

Councilor Adams moved to adopt the salary resolution and Councilor Brownson seconded; the motion passed by roll call with all council members voting aye.

Shortly afterward, staff requested a transfer of $120,000 from contingency into the Public Works Fund (301) to fund the mower/operator position and associated start-up costs; the transfer was approved by roll call (all ayes).

The council also authorized purchase of a vacuum excavation trailer and valve exerciser through cooperative procurement at a total of $137,844.60 from the Public Works Improvement Fund. Spence said the trailer provides flexible vac capabilities for smaller jobs, reducing wear on the city—s larger vac truck. Councilor Davis moved the authorization and Councilor Hilton seconded; the motion carried by voice vote.

Outcomes and next steps: the salary-resolution changes take effect as adopted; staff will proceed with the meter-replacement planning and the vac-trailer purchase. Council did not identify additional budget impacts beyond the contingency transfer noted in the meeting packet.