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Council approves GIS/classification change after heated debate over funding and prior rejection
Summary
Council approved creating a 'GIS and field specialist' classification (grade 5) amid dispute about whether the council previously rejected the position and whether the funding was available; directors said funding exists in enterprise funds and projected five-year savings of roughly $510,000; vote recorded as 6–1.
The Department of Utilities asked the council to amend the classification plan to add a GIS and field specialist position at grade 5. Director Schultz said enterprise-fund budgets contain the necessary funding and argued the position will create capacity and reduce reliance on contractors, estimating about $510,000 in five-year savings (plus-or-minus ~20%).
Several councilors contested that the council had earlier rejected the personnel ordinance creating the position and said they did not recall funding remaining available after that vote. "We rejected the personnel ordinance," one councilor said, insisting the prior 4'to'2 vote had removed the position; Director Schultz and the solicitor replied that the enterprise funds and budget appropriations still provide funding and that no additional appropriation is required. After extended debate over budget mechanics and governance, the council approved the ordinance amendment by show of hands, with the count recorded as 6'to'1.
