During the recent Lawrence City Storm Water Board meeting on April 28, 2025, a significant discussion centered around the staffing and funding mechanisms for stormwater management. The board explored how to effectively transition part-time employees to full-time status to enhance the city's stormwater operations.

A key point raised was the potential for a current part-time employee to move to full-time, which would involve an increase in salary and benefits. This employee, currently earning approximately $25,000 annually, could see their compensation rise to around $50,000 with the added responsibilities. The board emphasized that such transitions are feasible within the existing city budget framework, allowing for incremental pay increases without disrupting overall financial stability.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of tracking employee hours and allocating salaries across different funding sources. It was confirmed that the city has established mechanisms to manage these allocations, ensuring that salaries are appropriately divided among various funds, such as utilities and the general fund. This system allows for a clear understanding of how much each department contributes to an employee's salary based on their assigned responsibilities.

The board expressed readiness to provide detailed information on these mechanisms should the proposed staffing changes be approved. This move is seen as a crucial step towards improving stormwater management in Lawrence, ultimately benefiting the community by enhancing infrastructure and service delivery. As the board continues to refine its approach, the implications of these staffing decisions are expected to resonate throughout the city's stormwater initiatives.