Rowlett executes reorganization and RIF of two management employees

by PegNews wire

ROWLETT — After months of communication with the city work force about upcoming budget challenges, Rowlett City Manager Lynda Humble today announced the reorganization of several departments and a reduction in force (RIF) of two management level employee positions in an effort to balance the city’s budget for 2009-2010.

“This is the most difficult part of being a city manager,” Humble said. “There is no way to lessen the impact of a reduction in force. We will do everything possible to assist with the transition for those affected.”

The two positions cut in the RIF include the Director of the Development Services Department and the Recreation Operations Supervisor at the Wet Zone Water Park. Humble said the reorganization and RIF will maximize resources, improve service delivery, and streamline processes in the most cost-effective manner. The cuts will result in an approximate savings of $198,000 in the FY 2009-10 budget.

The Development Services Department has been divided among the police department and the public works department. The police department will begin the administration and operation of the animal services division, environmental services, and code enforcement. The public works department will assume the remainder of the responsibilities, which include building inspection and planning.

Humble said the reorganization will greatly improve the ability to provide service delivery to the community and will provide a “one-stop-shop” for planning and development. With the construction of the President George Bush Turnpike and the DART Blue Line light rail underway, Humble said it is vitally important to streamline the development process.

“By placing code enforcement, environmental services, and animal services in the police department as a part of the Community Policing Division they will be able to be the eyes and ears of the community,” said Humble.

The duties of the other position eliminated in the RIF, the Recreation Operations Supervisor at the Wet Zone, will be provided by the three existing supervisor positions at the Water Park.

“We are working to leverage our resources and cut costs where it makes sense. This is no easy task in today’s economy and we, like every other city, have to make some difficult decisions in order to meet the challenges of the downturn in next year’s revenue projections.”

The two employees affected by the RIF have been offered the option of accepting a severance package, which includes 10 weeks of pay and health benefits and the option of continuing to work through the end of the budget year, or to leave effective today.

“The severance package will give the affected employees a chance to actively seek employment elsewhere without having to worry about coming to work every day as well,” Humble said. “We will also assist them in their job hunt by providing references, job hunting training, and counseling.”

Source: City of Rowlett