5.2. ERMUSR 09-09-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Specialist and the Accounts Payable/Payroll Specialist. During the ABS module software conversion it has become evident that these two specialist positions need to have a backup. Both of these specialist positions would benefit from having someone with accounting or finance experience, and this would apply for the backup as well. The logic behind not filling the vacant Billing Specialist position was that there would not be sufficient time to train in a new person while implementing the software conversion. We also wanted to wait and see how the job duties might change due to the software conversion. It has become critical that we back fill the vacant position now with an accountant to assist during the software implementation and provide much needed backup for the Purchasing Specialist and the Accounts Payable/Payroll Specialist. After the implementation,this accountant position will transition into more routine duties while continuing to provide the essential backup coverage. The Billing Specialist position is at Pay Grade 3 of the Office Group of the ERMU Pay Plan and the Accountant position is at Pay Grade 6. With an October hire, there would be a differential from the current budgeted labor costs of approximately$3,900 not considering benefits. By not immediately backfilling the vacated Billing Specialist position, there has been a labor savings through mid-September of approximately$12,500 not including benefits. Inventory/Maintenance Person The second critical position change is the Inventory/Maintenance Person position. This position performs and assists with inventory duties, performs building maintenance and custodial duties for the Field Services Buildings, and assists with other field and office staff general duties. With the changes related to the implementation of the ABS module, the inventory system has evolved significantly. This position has assisted the Purchasing Specialist with physical duties relating to inventory. There is a critical need to change this role to provide additional oversight for inventory from the field. This change would also involve providing a layer of backup for the Billing Specialist. Currently this position performs the general maintenance and custodial duties for all of the Field Services Buildings. In order to add additional inventory responsibilities to this position, the maintenance and custodial duties will need to be shifted elsewhere. The custodial duties for the Utilities' Office Building are contracted with the City of Elk River. This contractual relationship has worked very well. Management has held discussions the City Finance Director about the possibility of expanding the contracted custodial duties to include the Field Services Buildings. These discussions are ongoing, but it is extremely likely that the City and Utilities will find mutually beneficial solution for a reasonable cost. If it is not possible, ERMU would look at other custodial contract options. The proposed changes to this position would result in a change in the job position points and would result in a shift from Pay Grade 5 of the Field Group of the ERMU Pay Plan to Pay Grade 6. This proposed change would result in an approximate $1,500 increase for the balance of 2014 not including benefits. Bore Rig Operator/Groundsworker The third critical position change discussed was the Bore Rig Operator/Groundsworker position. This position is part of a two person team that performs the operation of the bore rig machinery and related equipment. Originally this position was filled by lineworkers while the new construction had decreased. When the workload increased, the position was filled by one of POWERED Page 2 of 3 INATURE1 Reliable Public Power Provider P OwERED T O S ERVE 29