AgdaPkt 2000-02-14 - Laserfiche WebLink

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~~\ REPO To the Honorab ouncil . Q~g'l1i February 14, 2000 Subject Agreement for temporary professional accounting services for the Finance Department Recommendation It is recommended that the City Council approve a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with Susan B. Merrill, CPA, for professional accounting services. Background The need for these services arises because of the unfilled vacancy of a Senior Accountant for which an active recruitment is underway. Ms. Merrill will provide services in support of the Finance Department during the period before a permanent appointment is made. Up until 1993, Financial Management Services had three Senior Accountants. At that time, as a cost-saving measure, we reduced our staff by one Senior Accountant. Previously, we had sufficient staff to cover unexpected vacancies. That is not true today. The absence of a key employee out of a total staff of ten will impose an extremely heavy burden on personnel. We have reviewed several alternatives and believe that the proposed solution is the least disruptive to the organization. By obtaining the services of Ms. Merrill, who is an experienced municipal accounting professional, the Financial Management Services Division will be able to maintain the current level of service. Fiscal Impact Ms. Merrill will provide services for approximately 24 hours per week. At a pay rate of $60.00 per hour, the total cost will not exceed $25,000. The length of service and the resulting cost will ultimately depend on the time required to fill the vacant position. This cost will be partly offset by salary savings. A formal request for a budget amendment will be presented later if a budget shortfall should result. frtL ~ Brian Ponty Director of Finance and Financial Planning etlwJ- Ed Everett City Manager Attachment Resolution Agreement for Professional Services ~... ~ --r