Discussions on a number of budget-related items staffing levels, equipment replacement and a program to track maintenance took center stage at Tuesdays Iola City Council meeting.
The debate grew spirited at several points in the 90-minute meeting, prompting Councilman Ron Ballard to speak out afterward on social media.
Ballard was referring to a pair of votes, both of which he opposed.
The first was the $16,474 the Council approved for a workforce and organizational study, and $32,495 authorized for a software-based work order and asset management system.
IN BOTH instances, Council members argued whether up-front costs will be recouped through lower costs and higher efficiency down the road.
Council members voted, 3-3, on a motion to hire Wichita State Universitys Public Policy and Management Center for $16,474 to study city staffing and organization.
Mayor Jon Wells cast the tie-breaking vote to proceed with the study.
The study, City Administrator Sid Fleming explained, will help the city determine whether it is over-staffed for the services it provides.
If so, Council members have promised any staffing reduction would be done through attrition.
Councilman Chase Martin, who made the motion to hire WSU, spelled out his support.
This will be valuable, Martin said. When you talk about eliminating positions and combining departments, I dont think we can do it as a council. This is a small price to pay. This is whats going to be best for Iola.
Councilwoman Nancy Ford opposed.
Since weve been discussing this over the last several months, how many positions have been vacated, and how many times been brought to us for discussion? She asked. I dont think weve done enough on our own yet.
Wells said the study would yield dividends.
I dont think $16,000 (is a lot) for a massive plan to organize the city and maybe save us tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars, or a million. Id rather have it done right off the bat.
This is the thing were going to be grappling with, he concluded. Lets get some good data.
Ballard, conversely, said his opposition came from two fronts: Firstly, he said WSUs proposal was substandard compared to one from Minnesota that would have cost more than $21,000.
Secondly, the city doesnt need to spend that money, Ballard contended, because its personnel policy manual already contains a provision on eliminating positions. Those decisions are made following a discussion among department heads, Iolas Human Resources manager, city administrator and assistant city administrator.
