City Council offers excellent performance rating.
Killeen City Manager Ron Olson presented his eighth 100-day report to Killeen City Council in executive session at Tuesday’s workshop. The report detailed organizational accomplishments for the period of January 9 through April 18.
“City Council has again given Mr. Olson an excellent rating,” said Mayor Jose Segarra. “They specifically noted his efforts to create consistency through policy and his ongoing work to increase organizational efficiency.”
Olson utilizes 100-day increments to plan and measure organizational accomplishments. At the conclusion of each period, he provides a summary to City Council to keep the body informed and to receive its feedback.
The City Manager provides the following summary of his eighth 100 days to the public:
In an effort to more specifically enumerate organizational missions and resource allocations, I have established five primary city functions: public works, public safety, recreation, community and economic development and support services. Each of these functions is supported by departments through specific mission elements. We have now developed a methodology for tracking expenditures by mission element which will serve to more accurately reflect the resources required to provide each service and budget accordingly.
There were some significant operational changes managed during this time period. Bob Gilmore Senior Center was closed due to identified structural weaknesses. Operations were moved to Killeen Community Center where they will remain until a permanent solution is planned and constructed. Stonetree Golf Club management was outsourced to Billy Casper Golf to improve financial outcomes and reduce General Fund subsidy. Staff worked to create a smooth transition for customers and employees to meet the May 1 effective date. Killeen Civic & Conference Center entered a concession agreement with a new vendor who is expected to offer enhanced customer services and additional event revenue.
Significant staff changes occurred during this time. The Community Services, Information Technology and Public Works directors each left employment. We have completed the searches for these key positions, and I brought my selections to Council at this evening’s workshop. Pending Council confirmation, each is expected to begin work within 30 days.
The 86th Texas Legislative Session convened January 8. Staff has been diligently working to accomplish Council’s Legislative Priorities and Principles. The Legislature continues its work through May 27, and it is too soon to predict outcomes; however, our work to increase state reimbursement for the disproportionate impact of veterans exemptions looks very promising.
Public communication and outreach efforts have yielded a number of accomplishments. The completion of renovations and upgrades to City Council Chambers has created a more professional environment and an improved viewing experience for the public. The Killeen Citizens Academy honored 29 graduates who completed nine weeks of curriculum designed to increase their knowledge and understanding of city government. Finally, the Fiscal Year 2018 Annual Report was released to the public to highlight the year’s accomplishments.
As required by City Council’s Financial Management Policy, staff created and published a comprehensive fee schedule for public review. Revised fees will take effect October 1 and be incorporated in the Fiscal Year 2020 Budget.
The ninth 100-day period began April 19 and is primarily focused on development of the Fiscal Year 2020 Budget. I will be working to bring forth a balanced budget that makes strides toward solving the priority issues of compensation equity, retirement funding and deferred building maintenance. An additional strategic issue, staffing and service levels required to achieve missions, will also be evaluated as we plan the budget.