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Council approves new workforce and compensation analyst for HR after debate on timing and cost
Summary
The council approved restructuring in the human resources department and adding a workforce & compensation analyst position, with staff saying current vacancies and an HRIS rollout create efficiencies; net cost this year estimated at roughly $23,000–$29,000 and FY28 funding to be identified.
The Dubuque City Council approved a reorganization of the human resources department and the creation of a workforce and compensation analyst position after a councilmember asked for clarification about staffing and cost on Aug. 3.
Shelley Stigford, the city’s chief human resources officer, told the council the department is operating below recommended staffing levels and that a phased approach is required to reach a full‑service HR model. "Research indicates that we really should be in the range of 14 to 17 FTE," Stigford said, adding the city currently has eight HR staff and two imminent retirements that created an opportunity to reexamine the structure. She described the analyst role as focusing on compensation benchmarking, reporting and succession planning and said the position involves judgment and one‑on‑one evaluation work that is not automatable.
City Manager Mike Van Milligan and Budget Manager Laura Bendorf said current year savings from vacancies will cover the net cost this fiscal year; the position will require identification of a funding source in the FY28 budget. "We do intend to fill those positions," Van Milligan said of other vacant jobs, while noting the net cost for this year reflects savings from positions left open. Councilmember Line Decker and Councilmember Wethal expressed concern about adding FTEs outside the budget process; Stigford and staff said the net first‑year cost was roughly $23,000 (council discussion referenced figures between $23,000 and $29,000) and that the changes are intended to be phased.
After discussion on timing and the role of technology, the council voted 5‑2 to approve the consent item containing the HR changes. Two councilmembers — Wethal and Leyendecker — recorded "no" votes during the consent roll call.
