CITY OF COMMERCE AGENDA REPORT
TO: Honorable City Council Item No.
FROM: City Manager
SUBJECT: A Resolution Approving an Agreement with Robert Half International Inc for Professional Accounting Services and Bank Reconciliation Support Services.
MEETING DATE: July 13, 2022
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve and adopt the Resolution awarding a one-year with a one-year option service agreement with Robert Half International Inc for professional accounting services and bank reconciliation support services and authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement for and on behalf of the City.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:
The Accounting Division has experienced the retirement, resignation, and elimination of key accounting staff members as part of the reduction implemented to navigate the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Additionally, the Department experienced the recent departure of the Full Time Finance Clerk. Currently the Finance Department has 10 Full Time staff and 1.25 Part Time staff. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic staffing levels were 14 Full Time staff and 2 Part Time staff. It should also be noted that one Full Time position is vacant at this time and another Full Time position is being filled by an Acting Part Time employee. The Finance Department has been able to leverage technology to continue to provide services at lower staffing levels and has also utilized contract help during busy parts of the year.
The City Council approved the creation and recruitment of an Accounting Supervisor on September 21, 2021. After a multi-month recruitment and interview process, the City was able to a make an offer to one individual who declined. Rather than begin the search anew, the Department would like to review our options in conjunction with the soon to be completed class and compensation study. Staff plans to present the City Council with options to consider during the fiscal year 22/23 budget process to fill this needed permanent position in the Finance Department. In the meantime, this contract will provide accounting support during the review and recruitment process. The contract recommended in this report is not a permanent solution to Finance Department staffing needs. Once the Finance Department has filled the needed Full Time positions this contract will no longer be needed and will be terminated.
The accounting consultant Robert Half International Inc. has provided staffing support for the City on a short-term basis to assist in handling the day-to-day accounting needs. Staff is recommending Robert Half International Inc for a one-year term due to the time constraints of the impending year end close and audit. Robert Half International Inc will provide continuity with their working knowledge of our Finance system and their familiarity of various project-based services.
ALTERNATIVES:
Approve staff recommendation Provide staff with further direction
FISCAL IMPACT:
It is expected that Robert Half International Inc. contract will cost $210,000. Staff expects these costs to be offset by savings generated from the unfilled full-time and part-time Accounting Staff vacancies that exist at this time. If the full time Accounting Supervisor or similar successor position is filled this contract will no longer be needed and will be terminated.
Recommended by: Josh Brooks, Director of Finance Reviewed by: Vilko Domic, Assistant City Manager Approved as to form: Noel Tapia, City Attorney Respectfully submitted: Edgar P. Cisneros, City Manager
ATTACHMENT:
Robert Half International Inc Agreement Resolution