Adopt resolution.

The Marketing & Outreach Division (MOD) assists all City departments in disseminating timely information regarding vital services and events. MOD also delivers accurate, immediate emergency information to city residents via multiple media outlets. Given the number of crises the City has faced in recent years, and considering the level of services needed in the future, there is an urgent need for more positions to enhance the division’s ability to deliver timely, accurate messaging to the public and stakeholders of Fairfield.

Under the purview of the City Manager, the Marketing & Outreach Division is looking to expand to provide a full-range of video and graphic services to all City departments, eliminating the need for consultants for these types of services.

In 2019 MOD lost one Communications Technician and in 2020 the Communications Manager retired. MOD is currently in need of additional staffing because of current and future service level considerations.

Therefore, staff recommends the addition of one Communications Technician to assist the Communications Supervisor to ensure efficient service delivery to our city departments, residents, and stakeholders in the community.

The division is also requesting two amendments to the Position Control List:

1. Staff requests the addition of one Communication Technician and
2. Staff requests to upgrade one position, Recreation Program Coordinator from 0.75 pro-rata to 1.0 FTE. In this position, the Recreation Program Coordinator will have more availability to assist the Communications Supervisor and Manager.   

The additional annual cost for a new Communications Technician will be approximately $110,000. The additional annual cost of converting the Recreation Program Coordinator to full-time will be approximately $26,000.  The cost impact for the current fiscal year will be pro-rated and dependent on when the positions are filled or converted.

These positions will be primarily funded by consultant savings in the General Fund (Fund 011).   A budget adjustment may be necessary in FY 2020-21 depending on the timing of filing the position.

Council may decide not approve a resolution to amend the current departmental position control list.  If Council does not approve the proposed changes, services of the Marketing & Outreach Division may not be delivered as timely, accurately, or efficiently as possible.  The burden on City departments may contribute to absence of public information which may negatively affect residents.  Without a new Communications Technician, there will be workload issues in the Marketing & Outreach Division that may lead to delays in disseminating messaging. 

Farbod Pirouzmand, Director of Human Resources

(707) 428-7397

fpirouzmand@fairfield.ca.gov