HomeMy WebLinkAboutFS 2016-06-21 Item 2B - Discussion - Fire Department Pipeline EmployeesCity of Tukwila
Allan Ekberg, Mayor
INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
TO: Finance and Safety Committee
FROM: Chris Flores, Interim Fire Chief
CC: Mayor Ekberg
DATE: June 15, 2016
SUBJECT: Pipeline Employees
ISSUE
The Fire Department Administration seeks the authorization to expand the utilization of pipeline
positions from three positions to a total of five positions.
BACKGROUND
The utilization of the pipeline positions in the department has been advantageous. As of the end
of April 2016, the department was over budget by $32,000.00 in Salaries, and under budget
$118,000.00 in Overtime. Overall the department is under budget. Through June 15, 2016 the
department filled 55 24 -hour overtime positions related to minimum staffing. Without the
pipeline positions, the department would have filled 132 24 -hour overtime positions related to
minimum staffing during the same period. The additional staffing created by the utilization of the
pipeline positions has increased in service time for an aid unit, thereby increasing the level of
service. One retirement has reduced pipeline positions from three to two. Two additional
retirements have been declared. Approximately 30% of the uniformed staff is eligible to retire at
this time. When a member retires and a replacement is not in place to fill the vacancy, the
department incurs between 50 and 70 24 -hour shifts of overtime related to maintaining minimum
staffing and service levels.
DISCUSSION
The authority to increase department pipeline positions from three to five will greatly enhance
the capability of the department to keep up with current and pending retirements and
separations, and to continue to provide a staffing and succession practice that is more efficient
and cost effective than through the utilization of excessive overtime expenditures for the
purpose of maintaining minimum staffing. Hiring would not take place until mid to late August of
2016. For 2016 the addition of two pipeline positions would impact the department general fund
budget by approximately $60,000.00 including salaries and benefits.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
For 2016 the addition of two pipeline positions would impact the department's general fund
budget by approximately $60,000.00 including salaries and benefits. This should be offset
during the same period by continuing to remain under budgeted overtime. When the additional
employees complete training and report for duty, their presence should continue to offset
overtime expenditures even further.
RECOMMENDATION
The Council is being asked to approve the proposal and consider this item at the June 27, 2016
Committee of the Whole meeting and subsequent July 05, 2016 Regular Meeting.
ATTACHMENTS
No attachments. 35