July 23, 2019 4:50 a.m.
The Roseburg City Council moved forward with adding a Communications Specialist position at its meeting Monday night.
Finance Director Ron Harker said a budget appropriation transfer was needed so the job could be funded in the new fiscal year, which began on July 1st. The expected salary for the position will be around $58,000. The total compensation cost including retirement, and other benefits is estimated to be approximately $102,000.
Prior to discussing the budget transfer, councilors heard from Jeff Brown of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. That group represents most of the unionized city workers. Brown said he was disappointed the City wanted to fund the position and said workers are feeling ignored. Brown’s contention is that if the City’s financial position has changed enough so that it can fund the new job, it should first be looking at re-negotiating the contract with existing workers. Brown said if the transfer was approved, the union would file an unfair labor practice charge against the City.
Most councilors were very supportive of adding the new position. Council President Tom Ryan called it “long overdue” while Councilor Alison Eggers said that “one voice” was needed to represent the City. Councilor Ashley Hicks was the lone voice against the proposal. She said councilors could do a “better job” in this area and that communication with the community should come from those on the council.
Both Mayor Larry Rich and Councilor Brian Prawitz acknowledged the concerns of the union prior to the vote. The transfer proposal passed 6-1.