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As the 2024 fiscal year kicks off, Elgin’s City Council will be taking a more proactive approach to filling the town’s vacant positions with an upcoming market analysis.
The city currently has 21 vacant positions to fill, according to an update at the Oct. 24 council meeting, including jobs in the police department, development services and accounting.
City Manager Thomas Mattis believes there are still some issues with compensation and potentially making a commute from Austin worthwhile for job seekers.
“The analysis should help with that,” said Mattis. “If nothing else, illuminate where the problems are.”
The anticipated completion of the survey should enable Elgin to maintain and improve compensation levels, establish appropriate job descriptions, implement certification pay where necessary, ensure organizational structure and develop a pay schedule with grades based on qualifications.
Council members acknowledged that the city is growing, and positions need to be filled and created, but it’s currently a tough employment market.
Some of the open positions, like building inspector, have been vacant for several years.
“I think it’s still a good goal for us to want to do that in-house at some point,” added Mattis.
By filling these positions, the city would be able to have additional management control and save on third-party costs.
Other openings are set for preparations sake, in an ever-expanding city.
The Elgin Police Department will be fully staffed on patrol officers after the academy’s next graduation cycle, but Police Chief Chris Noble has been given funding for an additional four officers, as well as a detective, evidence technician and administrative support person.
The costs associated with these positions are already included in the fiscal year’s budget, available in January, when the market analysis is predicted to be complete.
The budget was also allocated with the study in mind, leaving wiggle room for salaries and changes in compensation.
While not everything is currently filled, the council doesn’t believe service levels are suffering as Elgin continues to develop.
