Council approves two staff reclassifications: senior permit technician and water efficiency specialist

The City Council approved two personnel reclassifications at the Jan. 23 meeting.

Community Development staff (S13) described a new senior permit technician classification to handle complex permitting and to serve as lead for permit technicians and developers. The reclassification of one permit technician to senior will cost $2,800 in the current fiscal year; staff said that amount can be absorbed in the existing budget. Councilmember S9 moved approval and S17 seconded; the resolution passed by roll call.

Public Works and city management described a separate reclassification of a vacant water technician position to a water efficiency specialist focused on conservation and customer support. Staff said the change incurs no additional cost because it uses the existing water technician salary schedule and leverages recent internal promotions and retirements. The water efficiency specialist will require certification from the American Water Works Association in water efficiency and state operator certification for distribution.

Council recorded unanimous votes for both items; staff said the new water efficiency specialist will allow focused outreach and conservation work for customers and help city parks reduce water costs.