TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, City Manager
TITLE: A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of North Port, Florida, Amending the Non-District Budget for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 for an Additional Planner III Full Time Equivalent in the Amount of $46,832; Providing for Findings; Providing for Conflicts; Providing for Severability: and Providing an Effective Date.
Recommended Action
Approve Resolution No. 2022-R-17 on first reading and move to second reading on April 26, 2022.
Recommended Action on Second Reading
Adopt Resolution No. 2022-R-17.
Background Information
The Planning and Zoning Division of the Department of Neighborhood Development Services (NDS) has seen a significant increase in development application submittals over the last year, both in number and complexity. In calendar year 2021, submittals for new development increased by 54 percent over 2020. Based on submittals for January and February 2022, the Division is on track to exceed 2021 by a significant amount.
On January 25, 2022, the City Commission approved a budget amendment to add $288,680 to the Planning and Zoning Division NDS Budget. This funding was to be used for temporary Planning staff assistance in recognition of the increased development and staffing shortage. However, during their discussion, they stated they would strongly prefer permanent staff to be added to the Planning and Zoning Division. The Planning and Zoning Division is moving forward to acquire temporary Planning assistance in the form of a Request for Proposal for a Planning Consultant Library. In addition, the Planning and Zoning Division has also recently received interest from highly qualified professional Planners who would be interested in working for the City of North Port. Although, the City would likely lose the ability to secure any of these prospects if adding a position is postponed to the normal budget cycle. Adding this Planner III full-time equivalent position mid-year would help achieve the Commission’s stated desire to increase permanent Planning staff. This would also ensure that the Planning and Zoning Division is able to manage the increased influx of development in a timely manner.
Funding for this position would be a transfer from the funding added to the Other Contractual Services account from Budget Amendment Resolution No. 2021-R-56 approved on January 25, 2022.
The cost for this position in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget will be $113,420 for salary and benefits. The anticipated hire date is May 15, 2022.
Resolution No. 2022-R-17 has been reviewed by the City Attorney and is legally correct as to form.
Information for Second Reading
At its Regular Meeting on April 12, 2022, Commission continued Resolution No. 2022-R-17 to second reading on April 26, 2022, as presented.
Strategic Plan
Efficient and Effective Government
Financial Impact
Funds will be transferred from the Other Contractual Services account in Planning and Zoning Division in the amount of $46,832.
Procurement
Not applicable.
Attachments:
1. Resolution No. 2022-R-17
Prepared by: Lisa Herrmann, Budget Administrator
Department Director: Kimberly Williams, Finance Director