HomeMy WebLinkAboutResponse to Constituent Letter - Mail Packet - 10/08/2024 - Letter from Mayor Jeni Arndt to Fort Collins Water Commission re: 2025-2026 City Manager’s Recommended Budget
Mayor
City Hall
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.416.2154
970.224.6107 - fax
fcgov.com
October 1, 2024
Water Commission
c/o Jeremy Woolf, Staff Liaison
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
Dear Chair Radin and Commission Members,
On behalf of City Council, thank you for providing us with the September 30, 2024
memorandum regarding the 2025-26 City Manager’s Recommended Budget.
We understand that the Board supports increasing the salaries of field operators to be on par with
plant operators for the reasons outlined in your letter including reducing turnover,
acknowledging the significant investment in training, similar job requirements, compensation
equity, physical demands, increased job mobility and financial impact.
Thank you for the expertise and perspectives that you bring to the Board and share with City
Council.
Best Regards,
Jeni Arndt
Mayor
/sek
cc: City Council Members
Kelly DiMartino, City Manager
September 30, 2024
Dear City Council,
I am writing to express the unanimous support of the Fort Collins Water Commission for the Fort Collins
Water Utilities' proposal to increase the salaries of field operators to be on par with plant operators. This
adjustment is a critical step in the One Water initiative and will contribute to the long-term sustainability and
efficiency of our water system.
Key arguments in support of this proposal:
• High Turnover: Field operations have the highest turnover within water operations. This constant
turnover leads to increased training costs, decreased efficiency, and a loss of institutional
knowledge. By improving compensation, we can significantly reduce turnover and offset much of the
salary increase costs.
• Significant Investment: Our utility invests substantial resources in training field operators, including
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), two Colorado Certified Water Professional certifications, and
safety training. Equalizing their pay with plant operators recognizes the value of these skills and the
ongoing commitment to maintaining a highly qualified workforce.
• Similar Job Requirements: While field operators and plant operators’ specific responsibilities differ,
both roles require a high level of technical expertise, physical ability, and periodically require on-call
shifts.
• Compensation Equity: Currently, field operators are not compensated equitably for their
contributions to our utility. By leveling their pay with plant operators, we are recognizing the value of
their work and ensuring fair treatment for all employees.
• Physical Demands: Field operations is a physically demanding job, often involving heavy lifting and
exposure to harsh weather conditions. Recognizing the physical challenges of this role is essential
for fair compensation.
• Increased Job Mobility: The high turnover mentioned earlier is due in part to field operators seeking
higher paying plant operator jobs. Equalizing salaries will mitigate this imbalance and perhaps
encourage movement in both directions. This can lead to a more flexible workforce, improve morale,
and provide opportunities for career advancement.
• Financial Impact: The proposed pay increases, effective January 1, 2025, will be shared by the
Stormwater, Water, and Wastewater funds, with an annual cost of $295,000 per fund. While this
represents a significant investment, it is essential to consider the long-term benefits of a more stable
and motivated workforce.
In conclusion, the Water Commission strongly believes that increasing the salaries of field operators is a wise
investment in the future of our water utility. It will benefit our community, our employees, and our system as a
whole.
Sincerely,
Jordan Radin, PE
Chair, Fort Collins Water Commission
On behalf of the Fort Collins Water Commission