4.2 ERMUSR 07-11-2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Elk River Municipal Utilities UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING TO: FROM: ERMU Commission ERMU Wage & Benefits Committee MEETING DATE: AGENDA ITEM NUMBER: July 11, 2017 4.2 SUBJECT: Wage & Benefits Committee Update ACTION REQUESTED: Approve the organization staffing change to replace the Lead Electrical Technician with the proposed Distribution Engineer. BACKGROUND: The Wage & Benefits Committee (W&BC) was created to help the Commission develop and maintain a pay plan structure and benefits package. The W&BC also helps the Commission with succession planning and to review pay equity compliance. The W&BC evaluates and recommends to the Commission. The W&BC does not have the authority to act without prior Commission delegation of authority. I DISCUSSION: The W&BC met on June 30 regarding two organization staffing issues: the vacant Key Accounts Specialist position and the retirement announcement from the Lead Electrical Technician. Key Accounts Specialist: This budgeted position has been vacant since March 2017. Staff recommended to the Commission that this position remain vacant, if workload permitted, until an implementation plan for the transition away from load management programs had been developed and approved by the Commission. In June the Commission approved the direction for development of this transition plan which now includes moving from load management to time of use rates and behavior modifying programs. Another significant variable that directly impacts the filling of this position had been identified and was presented to the W&BC. Staff is currently working on an initiative for transition from one billing cycle per month to four billing cycles per month. This multi-billing cycle initiative will balance call volume and workload for office staff. This may dramatically alter the level at which the CSRs and Specialists can contribute to addressing conservation program questions on the phone. Management is optimistic that the multi-billing cycle initiative will positively impact this workflow. Because of this workload unknown, management recommended to the W&BC to hold on filling this position until after multi-billing cycles has been implemented. This is scheduled for late 2017 or early 2018. The anticipated change in office workload and workflow would allow for the responsibilities and overall position description to be re-evaluated. It was the consensus of the Page 1 of 2 168