Title
Additions to the Sedgwick County Zoo staffing table.
Body
Recommended Action: Approve the additions to the staffing table.
Request: Add two Zoo Maintenance Worker positions and one Zookeeper position to the Zoo staffing table. At the March 26, 2019 Zoological Society Board meeting, the Board unanimously approved an agenda item to request that the Sedgwick County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) add the positions to the Zoo staffing table.
These positions are recommended in the recently completed Strategic Master Plan adopted by the Zoological Society and will assist the Zoo in achieving the objectives identified in the plan. The plan identified the need for additional staff to accomplish the current and future goals of the Zoo. These positions will also address areas of concern identified in the most recent AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) Accreditation Inspection.
The Zoo will use salary savings and reduce the use of paid overtime in areas where these additional staff will be placed.
The funding agreement between Sedgwick County and the Zoological Society stipulates that if expenditures related to staff salaries exceed the budgeted amount based on a five year total, the Society will reimburse the County by that amount.
Alternatives: Do not approve the additions to the staffing table.
Financial Considerations: The attached budget impact forms outline increased costs of $152,854 on an annual basis. Additional budget authority is not being requested at this time as the Zoo will utilize salary savings to pay for these positions.
Legal Considerations: This action is authorized by K.S.A. 19-212. A simple majority vote is required.
Policy Considerations: 4.2001-Wage and Salary.