Coversheet


	5919 MAIN STREET . NEW PORT RICHEY, FL 34652 . 727.853.1016

TO:	City of New Port Richey City Council
FROM:	Karl Fuchs
DATE:	7/19/2022
RE:	Reorganization of Technology Solutions Department

REQUEST:
Based on the City's information technology / technology solutions requirements, changes to the staffing in the Technology Solutions Department are being requested to better address the current and future needs of the City. These changes include establishing new positions and the realignment of the operational hierarchy of the department.

DISCUSSION:

As a result of the recent addition of Robert Greene and other additions in the Technology Solutions Department, the department gained a clearer understanding of the needs of the City. Right-sizing the department and filling roles that are better aligned to meeting those needs.

An analysis was conducted and identified several factors that will be remedied through restructuring. Currently, the IT Director is the Department Head and reports to the City Manager. Reporting to the IT Director is a Technology Solutions Director who serves as the operational manager for the Network Administrator, Technology Solutions Specialists and Help Desk Technician.

Through the Information Technology Infrastructure Library 4 (ITIL4) framework, efficiencies were identified. Replacing the current Technology Solutions Director with a Technology Solutions Manager assigns the appropriate dispersion from strategic management of the IT Director to an operational manager. This change also more closely mirrors management echelons in other departments within the City. This amended position allows for a lateral peer to the Network Administrator, who is responsible for the IT physical assets and design of IT architecture. The Tech Solutions Manager will be responsible for the application of assets and the management of Technology Solutions personnel from an operational perspective. This amendment creates an environment allowing the focus of these two professionals to zero in on their competencies more effectively. A break in effective communication from City Management to project managers in the Technology Solutions Department has historically plagued effectively meeting mission and future initiatives.

The addition of a Help Desk Support Technician increases the operational reach of the Tech Solutions Department. This frees the Department and City from reliance on costly vendors / contractors to execute functions that are well within the technical competencies of the Department's staff. With this additional technician, the responsiveness in remedying outages and completing trouble tickets is more timely, structured, and orderly.

RECOMMENDATION:

It is recommended that these additions and realignments are approved as proposed. All of these initiatives enhance succession planning and promote growth from within. Growth is in integral component of inspiration and professional self-worth, all of which strengthens the fiber of the City's workforce. Enhancing managerial acumen for middle managers and technical knowhow for entry level professionals all serves to benefit the Technology Solutions Department and the City of New Port Richey at large.

BUDGET/FISCAL IMPACT:

Budget / Fiscal Impacts:

Removal of (1) Technology Solutions Director Position

Addition of (1) Technology Solutions Manager

Addition of (1) Help Desk Support Technician

Total impact results in a fiscal surplus of $7570.00 / FY at current budget.

ATTACHMENTS:
	Description	Type
	Position Description	Backup Material
	Gap Analysis	Backup Material