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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001 06 11 Consent C Additional Customer Service Representative ;:;;- COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM C CONSENT X INFORMATIONAL PUBLIC HEARING REGULAR June 11,2001 Meeting MGR--~("I\ IDEPT 7f-:::Jr- A llthori7J1tion REQUEST: City Manager Requesting Authorization for a Supplemental Appropriation from the Enterprise Fund in FY 01 in the amount of $9,400 to Hire an Additional Customer Service Representative in the Finance Utility Department. PURPOSE: The purpose of this item is to request authorization to hire an additional Customer Service Representative in the Finance Utility Department as soon as possible. CONSIDERATIONS: This agenda item is needed because the Utility Billing and Customer Service Staff are unable to answer the number of calls we are receiving in a timely manner. The Utility Billing and Customer Service functions currently share responsibility for answering the phone calls coming into the Utility Finance Department. There are 2 employees currently dedicated to the customer service function at the front desk and one utility billing clerk. The volume of calls is not being properly handled with the current staffing levels given their existing workloads. Our customers appear increasingly frustrated with their inability to immediately contact a representative from the Utility Billing and Customer Service Department. The utility has added over 2000 customers in the past 3 years alone without any increase in the number of customer service employees for a number of years. We have attempted to fill the need with temporary employees. This has not worked due to the fact that they usually leave before they learn the job causing a continuous loss of productivity. This employee would be primarily responsible for telephone support and resolution and serve as a backup for our Utility Billing Clerk. The position would report to our Utility Services Manager, Greg Bishop. ... The Customer Service Representative is a pay grade 16 with a salary range of$18,292-$26,523. The additional employee would need a computer, telephone and chair - we have an extra desk. Costs in FY 01 are as follows: Salary Fica Health Pension Computer Telephone Chair Total $5,400 $ 400 $ 800 $ 500 $1,800 $ 300 $ 200 $9.400 FUNDING: An Enterprise Fund appropriation of $9,400 is needed to cover the FY 01 costs associated with the hiring of an additional Customer Service Representative in the Utility Finance Department. RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that authorization be given to hire an additional Customer Service Representative to better serve our customers needs. ATTACHMENTS: None COMMISSION ACTION: