PURPOSE

The purpose of this report is to request City Council approval to establish the specifications for the classifications of Budget Assistant CTC No. 0110, Budget Analyst CTC No. 0109, and Senior Budget Analyst CTC No. 0759, as shown in the attachments.

BACKGROUND

The Budget Division of the Financial Services Department, like most departments in the City, has been utilizing the Administrative Analyst series to staff many of their management positions.  Since these classifications are used Citywide, the essential functions of the specifications have remained general.  The general nature of these specifications has created circumstances where incumbents have not always been focused in the budget field as a career.  It has been difficult for the Financial Services Department to retain employees for significant amounts of time because of interests outside the budget realm.  With this in mind, the Budget Division would like to establish a Budget Analyst Series that will allow them to better address the specialized nature of the positions� work duties and focus.  Additionally, it will aid in the retention and recruitment of individuals who offer experience and expertise in municipal budgeting principles and practices. 

The Budget Division plays a vital role in several confidential processes.  As departments submit their proposed budgets, the Budget Division is privy to confidential budgetary information such as Reduction in Force and position upgrades.  The Budget Division also works very closely with the Negotiations and Labor Relations team.  They are given the essential role of recommending feasible options for funding items that are brought to the negotiating table.  In order to ensure confidentiality and to maintain the integrity of negotiations, it is necessary that all of the classifications in the Budget Analyst Series be unrepresented.

ANALYSIS & CONCLUSION

The City is fortunate to have employees with experience in many fields.  Diversity creates an asset in many arenas.  In some situations though, it is more effective to specialize in one discipline.  Such is the case in budget.  The proposed Budget Analyst Series will enable the department to recruit individuals who are interested in a career with a budget emphasis.  The long term goal is to retain employees as they progress through the Budget Analyst Series.

These classifications will be unrepresented management (�Z� group) positions, exempt

from Civil Service and the Fair Labor Standards Act.  These positions will also be included in the City�s Conflict of Interest Code.

FISCAL IMPACT

The salary ranges will be $3,453-$4,195 for Budget Assistant, $4,535-$5,510 for Budget Analyst, and $5,269-$6,402 for Senior Budget Analyst.  These salaries are based on a compensation analysis conducted by the Financial Services Department and are internally compatible with similarly responsible positions.  Two existing positions will be affected by this change which will result in a $6,771 increase to the Department�s budget.  This increase has been included as part of the proposed 2005-06 Fiscal Year budget.

RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends that City Council adopt the proposed resolution establishing the specifications for the classifications of Budget Assistant CTC No. 0110, Budget Analyst CTC No. 0109, and Senior Budget Analyst CTC No.

Respectfully submitted,

Judie Sarquiz

Management Services Director