ITEM:                        CONSENT CALENDAR

 

3.                  CONSIDER EXPENDITURE OF PERSONNEL CONTINGENCY FUNDS TO

      HIRE TEMPORARY EMPLOYEE FOR WATER DEMAND DIVISION

 

Meeting Date:           November 17, 2003                Budgeted: Yes           

Program: Personnel Contingency

Staff Contact:            Stephanie Pintar                     Cost Estimate: $4,866

 

General Counsel Approval: N/A

Committee Recommendation: The Administrative Committee reviewed this item on November 6, 2003 and recommended approval.

CEQA Compliance: N/A


SUMMARY: Special project work needs to be done in preparation for and support of the Water Demand Division’s reorganization of database and physical file records of properties within District boundaries. Increased workload in the Water Demand Division over the past year has also created a significant backlog of enforcement letters that need to be issued.  Hiring a temporary employee for approximately seven weeks to perform data entry duties would allow Water Demand Division staff to devote their time and attention to accomplishing these tasks.

 

RECOMMENDATION: Authorize the expenditure of funds to hire one data entry specialist from a temporary employment agency for a 7-week period.  The temporary agency would be paid $17.38 per hour.  This would cover the employee’s hourly wage and agency expenses, including payroll taxes and workers compensation.  The Administrative Committee considered this matter on November 6, 2003 and voted 3 to 0 to recommend approval.

 

IMPACT ON STAFF AND RESOURCES:  Funds totaling $5,100 are included in the Conservation portion of the Personnel Contingency Fund. This fund is intended for use for unexpected personnel expenses, such as the need for temporary help.  It is listed under Personnel Costs in the FY 2003-2004 Budget. The cost of a data entry specialist from a temporary agency would amount to approximately $4,866.

 

BACKGROUND:   Reorganization of the database and physical filing system is an important element of Permit Process Revision, a prime strategic goal for the Water Demand Division.  Division staff can not accomplish the work supporting this project, as well as keep up with timely issuance of enforcement letters, without temporary clerical assistance. The General Manager has authorized up to $2,000 for this purpose.  However, Board approval is requested for funds sufficient to cover the 7-week period of support needed. The temporary agency employee will work in the Water Demand Division and will be supervised by the Water Demand Manager.

  

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