CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: November 04, 2024
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
SUBJECT: ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. ___-24 AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE A SIDE LETTER OF AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE CITY OF PLEASANT HILL AND THE MANAGEMENT
PAY PLAN (MPP) ADDING THE CLASSIFICATION CHIEF FINANCIAL
OFFICER TO THE PLAN
SYNOPSIS
In November 2022, Pleasant Hill voters approved ballot Measure M to change the City Treasurer officially from an elected to an appointed position. In June 2024, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 969, which implemented this change and delegated to the City Manager the authority to appoint the City Treasurer. The City Manager’s office, in collaboration with Human Resources staff, reviewed how surrounding municipalities function with an appointed City Treasurer. After surveying a pool of northern California cities, staff found the appointed City Treasurer role is usually absorbed by a management staff member, typically the head of finance.
Staff is seeking Council’s authorization to create a new classification, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), in the Management Pay Plan. This proposed classification contains all the same functions as the Finance Manager and allows for the addition of the City Treasurer role. Further, the CFO classification aligns with nomenclature of the other administrative service managers (i.e. Chief Technology Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer).
Adoption of the proposed resolution would authorize the City Manager to execute a side letter of agreement between the City of Pleasant Hill and the Pleasant Hill Management Pay Plan Group (MPP) adding the classification Chief Financial Officer to the compensation plan.
DISCUSSION
Background
The City Treasurer has historically been an elected position. However, consistent with Measure M, the City Council amended the Municipal Code such that, effective November 5, 2024, the City Treasurer will become an appointed position at the City of Pleasant Hill. In preparation for this appointment, the City Manager asked staff to research how this role is managed in other cities.
After consulting with the professional Human Resources firm, Gallagher & Associates, about the appointed City Treasurer role and conducting a survey of other northern California agencies, staff found that the head of finance generally absorbs the duties and functions.
Analysis
The proposed CFO job description was sent to the MPP representatives for review and consideration. The MPP did not have any objections to the proposed new classification or salary range, which remains the same as the current Finance Manager range. The proposed new classification will allow for the City Manager to appoint the Chief Financial Officer as the City Treasurer. The CFO classification will continue to manage the Finance Division and could also serve as the City Treasurer, if appointed.
FISCAL IMPACT
The adoption of the proposed resolution and the execution of the side letter of agreement will not have a fiscal impact, as the CFO classification will replace the currently budgeted Finance Manager in the budget.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made through posting of the City Council agenda on the City’s official notice bulletin board, at the Pleasant Hill Senior Center, and at the Pleasant Hill Police Department. The agenda and staff report are posted on the City’s web page.
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the proposed resolution, which authorizes the City Manager to execute the side letter of agreement.
ALTERNATIVES TO RECOMMENDED ACTION
The City Council could decline to adopt the proposed resolution and direct staff to explore alternative solutions for appointment of the City Treasurer.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Proposed Resolution
Exhibit 1 - Side Letter of Agreement
Job Description
Prepared by: Ericka R. Mitchell, Chief Human Resources Officer Approved by: Ethan Bindernagel, City Manager