In a recent government meeting, officials discussed pressing staffing challenges within various city departments, particularly in the parks and forestry sectors. The conversation highlighted the need for a custodian position, primarily driven by increased demands from the maintenance of the parking ramp and the new transfer center. This move aims to alleviate the burden on the general parks department, which has seen its responsibilities grow without a corresponding increase in staff.

Councilmember Feltson raised concerns regarding the council budget, noting that it appears to account for salary increases that will actually be phased in over three years. Officials clarified that while the budget reflects potential salary adjustments, it reserves funds for any new hires that may occur.

The meeting also addressed the significant vacancies within the police department, with officials indicating that unspent funds from these positions would revert to the general fund for future use. The fire department is nearing full staffing, with only three openings remaining, which is seen as a positive development.

Councilor Wirthman brought attention to the understaffing in the forestry department, where the city forester indicated that a city of its size should ideally have around 12 staff members, but currently operates with only four or five. Wirthman proposed exploring the potential of a stormwater fee to help fund additional forestry positions and suggested increasing registration fees for tree care companies, which have remained unchanged for years. This proposal aims to ensure that legitimate tree care businesses are incentivized while regulating less professional operators.

Officials expressed openness to revising the fee schedule and welcomed further input on these matters, indicating a proactive approach to addressing the city's staffing and service challenges.