Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution approves double filling three Transit Utility Workers for up to eight months. The anticipated cost of the double fill is up to $150,000. Additional costs would be accommodated within Metro Transit's existing operating budget.
Title
Approving double fills for three Transit Utility Workers for up to eight months due to three retirements in the classification in January 2025.
Body
Three Transit Utility Workers at Metro Transit have submitted their retirement paperwork (which cannot be rescinded) for the first two weeks in January 2025. This is a small unit with just 9 employees, so this will be a major loss in a unit with significant responsibilities for the building and grounds maintenance of a 500,000 square foot infrastructure including plumbing, electrical, HVAC and bus fuel systems. Responsibilities also include 280 pieces of mission critical equipment, more than 200 bus shelters, and 46 BRT stations. Transit Utility Workers also provide support for work requests to Metro's almost 500 staff members. Due to the need to fully train new employees while seasoned employees are still available, Metro Transit would like approval to double fill one position in approximately May of 2024 and two positions in approximately July of 2024.
WHEREAS, Metro Transit will be losing approximately 30% of its trained staff in the Building and Grounds Unit due to retirements in January 2025; and
WHEREAS, Metro Transit needs well-trained staff to continue working to maintain its multi-facility infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, without double fills, the months-long training period for new hires would necessitate that some work be done by costly subcontractors, averaging approximately $140 an hour; and
WHEREAS, Metro Transit also has significant salary savings in the Operating Budget from various vacancies during the year to help offset the cost of double fills; and
WHEREAS, Metro Transit would like to double fill one position in May 2024 and two positions in July 2024; and
WHEREAS, Metro Transit has a current eligibility list for the Transit Utility Worker position that could potentially save time and money on recruitment efforts;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that approval is granted to double fill three Transit Utility Worker positions (#2928, #2935 and #3444) for up to eight months between May 2024 and January 2025 to allow for proper training and a smooth transition to new staff doing this critical work.