Quesnel, B.C.-  The City of Quesnel  has trimmed management and  shifted some positions to unionized posts in an effort  to meet its 2016 budget.

Gone are the positions of Communications Supervisor, Corporate Services Supervisor, and GIS Technician.

Positions  that will be  converted to unionized posts are:

Information Technologist contract position to a part-time unionized position

management staff Purchasing Agent position to a union function in 2016 as part of a re-organization of Public Works;

Airport Manager position to a Senior Clerk within the union which will allow the current Airport Manager to return to the Public Works Department as Operations Manager.

The  changes  will also see the creation of a new Senior Accounting Clerk position at City Hall without adding an additional FTE

The changes will cost  the City of Quesnel $200 thousand in severance packages this year, but  will  see an annual saving of $250 thousand a year  starting in 2016 ( for a net saving of $50 thousand in 2016)

“Council did not make this restructuring decision lightly or easily,” said Mayor Bob Simpson. “We fully understand the impact these decisions have on the people affected by them and we directed our senior management to ensure resources were made available to assist these long-term employees through their personal transition. However, Council has an obligation to make governance decisions that ensure the long term vibrancy and resiliency of Quesnel and the financial sustainability of the City is foundational to achieving that vision.”

Mayor Simpson says the  restructuring  was not all about the money, but  will  improve the delivery of public services “This restructuring enables us to create positions that address critical skills gaps at City Hall while also addressing a time-sensitive succession issue in our Public Works Department.”