5.4 ERMUSR 04-11-2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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security department. This is a FTE growth rate of 0.88%. During this same time period,the number of electric meters has grown by 20%. And with planned future electric service territory transfers, and projected organic customer growth, it is anticipated that the number of electric meters with grow by an additional 12%by 2020. In addition to the system growth, ERMU is anticipating a number of key retirements within that same time period. Also evaluated was the locator position. In 2009 ERMU had two full time locators. During the recession, one of the locators applied for an internal promotion and became a Meter Technician. That second locator position was not backfilled at that time. With the added 12 square miles of electric service territory, and the additional 2,000 customers that will be transferred from Connexus by 2020, ERMU will need to hire that second locator at some time. With the recovery of the economy,the number of locates has increased substantially. The W&BC discussed options and recommend hiring a second locator in 2018. This delay in hiring can be accomplished through utilizing other labor resources temporarily. To do this,the W&BC discussed changing the Meter Reader position from part time to full time as this is going to be needed either way, then monitor the locating work load. Another factor that may change the timing of hiring a second locater is the possibility of performing locating services for the City of Elk River for Wastewater and Storm Water utilities. This will be evaluated for future discussion. The W&BC also discussed the vacant Key Accounts Specialist position. With the sun setting of ERMU's load management programs and the potential for replacement programs being developed soon,the W&BC discussed delaying the hiring of a Key Accounts Specialist until the position description can be finalized with updated essential job duties and required skills. The W&BC will bring the Conservation&Key Accounts Manager in to evaluate the Key Accounts Specialist position after a plan for the load management programs has been approved by the Commission. The W&BC considered the information and recommend to the Commission that they approve a number of changes in staffing levels. First,the W&BC recommend hiring one additional apprentice lineworker to accommodate the growth in the electric system. Second,the W&BC recommended the hiring of a second additional apprentice lineworker as a proactive measure to prepare for anticipated retirements. Third,the W&BC recommends increasing the Meter Reader position from a part time position to a full time position. Pay Equity Compliance: The W&BC reviewed the requirements and formulaic methodology for calculating and submitting the pay equity reports. It is required to file the pay equity report to the State of Minnesota every three years. ERMU's next required filing is at the end of 2017. ERMU is currently in compliance. FINANCIAL IMPACT: The additions of the two apprentice lineworkers and the change in job status for the Meter Reader are not directly budgeted. However, the anticipated retirements will create some temporary savings in labor expense through the hiring process. Additionally, there are labor expense savings which have occurred as a result of the other vacant manager and specialist positions. It is anticipated that these factors will net out with minimal financial impact to the 2017 budget. Page 2 of 2 178