Tumwater council approves two positions to strengthen payroll and police administrative capacity

Tumwater’s council voted to authorize two new staff positions — a payroll technician to provide backup and a police executive assistant to support command staff — after staff argued that payroll operations were under‑resourced and complex.

Administrative Services presenter Michelle told the council payroll administration currently relies largely on a single payroll officer despite the city’s authorized headcount more than doubling from roughly 136 in 1997 to 275 today. She said that complexity — multiple bargaining agreements, specialty pays and numerous employee status changes — creates operational risk without dedicated backup.

Finance Director Troy provided budget context, reporting that the city’s beginning fund balance for 2025 was about $2 million higher than estimated. While revenues are below budgeted projections by roughly $3.1 million, expenditures so far are approximately $5.7 million under budget; overall, he said the city was about $4.6 million better than prior projections and not currently spending down the fund balance. Troy said some revenue shortfalls (e.g., sales tax and utility tax timing) are expected to even out and noted one December accrual will improve a medic program shortfall.

Council members asked about the new positions’ duties, whether the payroll hire would focus on public safety payroll, benefit packages and hiring timelines. Staff said the payroll technician would have a special emphasis on public safety payroll while learning the whole system and that they hoped to onboard hires within about eight weeks. The salary ranges presented cover base pay only; benefits are additional.

Councilmember Megan Sullivan moved to approve the positions; Mayor Pro Tem Kelly Von Holtz seconded. The motion passed by voice vote.

What’s next: Staff will post and recruit for the positions; staff also said further internal process improvement and possible audits are under consideration to reduce payroll errors and future liabilities.

Sources: Presentation by Administrative Services (Michelle) and Finance Director Troy; council discussion and motion by Councilmember Megan Sullivan; vote recorded by Mayor Lietta Dalhoff.