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Council approves GIS/classification position after heated budget debate over funding and savings
Summary
Council approved an ordinance amendment to add a GIS and field specialist classification after extended debate over whether the position had been rejected earlier and whether funding exists; Director Schultz said the position is funded in enterprise funds and projected $510,000 savings over five years (±20%).
The Department of Utilities requested an amendment to the classification plan to add a utilities GIS and field specialist position (grade 5). Director Schultz explained the role is needed to support the city's asset and work-order management systems and to reduce reliance on contract operations; he estimated an all-in cost and projected roughly $510,000 in savings over five years, plus-or-minus about 20 percent.
Several councilors disputed whether the position had been rejected during the FY'26 personnel-ordinance vote and whether the funding would remain available; some councilors said they believed the council had rejected the position by a 4–3 vote in June. Director Schultz and the solicitor said the funding currently exists within the enterprise funds and that no additional appropriation was required. After an extended debate the council voted in favor (recorded show of hands noted in the meeting), advancing the ordinance amendment to create the classification.
