WM wants new HR position to recruit workers

WM wants new HR position to recruit workers

Council will consider request when adopting 2018 final budget

news@theeveningtimes.com

West Memphis city department heads have proposed anything but carbon copy budgets this year. Police asked for new cameras and equipment, the fire department requested new staff vehicles and an ambulance, and the utilities department had all new projects in the plans. Human Resource Director Janice Coleman joined the expanding plans by proposing a new HR position for city council to consider in the 2018 budget.

Retaining employees in the police, fire and electric departments have presented particularly challenging attrition rates despite restructuring certain jobs, raises, step increases, bonuses and low cost to employee benefits. The city has spent a million dollars on raises, and bonuses the last two years and swallowed increased health insurance premiums for its employees. Despite it all, it’s been hard to close the back door to those leaving, so Coleman proposed a recruiter to open wide the front door to city employment.

The HR director went over the wish list. City council will consider the request as part of the final city budget during its final meeting in January and Coleman heard no opposition to the new job title during the budget hearings.

“I’m very interested in adding some additional help, an extra person,” said Coleman. “It would help us. Our office is open to the public for applications that are filtered HR

Continued from Page 1

through the HR department so we are open to anyone. We get a lot of questions and requests, and another position would help us function a little better to help our city employees more.”

A dedicated recruitment specialist was on tap to augment the human resource department function. Retirements and promotions are opening entry level job opportunities in city government.

“It’s an HR assistant, but what I’d like them to be focusing on recruiting more because we have so many opening positions right now,” said Coleman. “People are getting ready to retire, transition out and I think it would help fill positions faster.”

The pay scale for the new assistant comes in at $30,000 per year and would expand the HR department from two to three total employees. The city has about 375 employees.

Councilwoman Helen Harris acknowledged the need for additional help. Councilor Wayne Croom wondered what qualifications the new position would carry.

“It would be someone we could train,” said Coleman. “Once you start getting your certifications, it gets more expensive to attract and retain someone. I would even consider a part-time person.”

Another request for the HR budget this year included training and travel for Society of Human Resource Professionals sanctioned events.

“These keep me abreast of the latest developments,” said Coleman.

The final change was a request for a little more funding to do the city employee health fair a bit bigger and better this year. “It would be worth it,”

said Coleman. “Our employees really enjoy it.”

By John Rech