Council creates telecommunications plant‑manager classification, reassigns vacancy to fund it

The Ketchikan City Council voted to amend the compensation plan on Aug. 6 to add a Telecommunications Plant Manager classification and wage grade. City staff said the classification addresses a long‑standing gap in outside‑plant infrastructure oversight and that the change will be funded by reclassifying an existing vacant, funded position rather than adding a new FTE.

Matt McLaren, who described the duties to the council, said the job would "oversee the outside plant, the infrastructure that we have throughout the community" and help the utility be more proactive on projects and maintenance. City staff told the council they expect short‑term savings by unfunding some positions and that the FTE count would not increase without a future council budget action. The resolution passed in roll call (recorded yes/no votes were read aloud and the chair stated the motion passed).