City staffing will remain relatively steady if city council approves the new operating budget set for debate starting Jan. 10.
The proposed 2017 budget includes six new permanent positions, but also eliminates three vacant positions and reduces hours according to adjustments in city services.
New temporary FTE’s will be hired throughout city departments, along with some additional hours.
In 2016, the city had 1,469 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees, made up of full and part-time, permanent and temporary staff.
Personnel makes up 40 per cent, or $142.8 million, of the city’s $357 million proposed operating budget for 2017.
The six new positions include:
- One FTE in Environmental Services for new environmental waste management initiatives.
- One FTE in Environmental Services for a laboratory technician to meet new water laboratory standards.
- One FTE in Transit for the new Compressed Natural Gas facility and fueling station.
- One FTE for a Human Resources specialist.
- Two FTEs in Protective Services Directorate to coordinate the policing contract and provide leadership to the areas of crime prevention and implementation of council’s safety strategy.
Some of the new positions will be funded through taxes and some through utility revenue.