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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, May 16, 2016 Page 14 City Manager Trudgeon advised that no actual persons to-date had been shifted to that area. However, with the significant experience of Human Resources person- nel the city was seeing more dedicated time in this one-person department. Mr. Trudgeon noted that initial implementation of the HRIS system had problems, but was now working as it should and making operations run smoother. However, Mr. Trudgeon cautioned that an upgrade to the HRIS system was forthcoming, and when upgrading to a new version, he couldn't guarantee there would be no ramifications. But, Mr. Trudgeon noted it was now easier for employees to access their benefits and self-enroll. To clarify, Mr. Trudgeon advised that no additional staff resources had been added to the Human Resources function, just efficiencies realized by the current work force. Mayor Roe noted than an intention of taking one position from part-time to full- time in the previous Administration Department reorganization was to provide more support for the human resources function, but that intention had not been re- alized by that change, with other duties taking up the additional time instead. City Manager Trudgeon agreed that was correct; advising that reporting require- ments for the Human Resources function continue to grow exponentially. As noted by Councilmember McGehee, City Manager Trudgeon stated that, with the improving economy, the city was seeing more movement of employees to other opportunities, as well as ongoing retirements. Councilmember McGehee opined that having someone knowledgeable about day- to-day issues and operations of the city was key if and when the City Manager was out of the office or otherwise unavailable. Mayor Roe noted that those retiring at the top of their skills and earning levels, and their replacement by employees with less experience and time on the job may allow for some net gain to the city in salary and benefit savings; or at least factor into the net annual budget costs. __ Mayor Roe noted that to some extent in the private sector, employees are ex- pected to stay with the organization after receiving educational assistance from tliat employer. City Manager Trudgeon agreed that providing those education opportunities could address employee retention. At the request of Councilmember Laliberte, City Manager Trudgeon advised that more detailed information would be provided to the City Council for their deci- sion-making as it related to the Assistant to the City Manager versus an Assistant City Manager position, and how it was actually envisioned.