Agenda - Council Work Session - 10/03/2006

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nt Forecasts 20 The table on the following page describes the transition from a department with a current full-time equivalent staffing (including all regular and paid on call employees) from 10.58 to 21.50 — roughly matching the growth rate of the city over the study period. Beginning Personnel - F.T. E. 1.00 1.00 1 1.50 1 1.75 1 2.00 2.00 :Admin Support Ending F.T.E. 100. '>- X1.25 1.75?200 ° 2;00l 2.00 Public Safety Department We were asked to respond to the idea of creating a public safety - department in the future, and specifically, whether the consolidation of fire and police departments has merit. It is our experience that many communities explore this at some point during their evolution; but not many follow through and create a consolidated department. The reasons for this vary; however, in general, it usually comes down to political, organizational and/or community will. Each situation is different; therefore it is impossible to generalize about the reasons why a particular community took action. We can say that in most cases, the impetus for considering this is rooted in a desire for efficiency and coordinating the common elements of emergency response. Because public safety usually represents the largest expenditures in most local govermment budgets, cities logically examine ways to economize. In some cases, this also includes a consolidation with emergency dispatch services. As Ramsey grows both in size and complexity, it will be important to continually review ways to more efficiently deliver services. In the public safety area, like all departments, we favor establishing expectations within the management structure that require periodic, detailed examination of alternate service delivery approaches, which would include reorganization or consolidation. This approach would enable the city to anticipate the discussion, frame it in terms of good management practice, and allow all parties to the discussion the opportunity to participate. .Public Works The chart below illustrates the total expenditures and staffing numbers for Public Works, as projected for the 50,000 population scenario. Public Works is divided into two divisions, Engineering and Operations. Operations includes the Street Maintenance Division, Park Maintenance Division, Utility Maintenance, and Snow and Ice Removal. Snow and Ice removal is a non -staff budgeted department, and thus, is not illustrated. City of Ramsey - Organization Study and Review