Page 129 - CityofWataugaAdoptedBudgetFY25

BUDGET SUMMARY

➢ Employee Programs funded this year include:

Employee engagement and events continue to be a priority this fiscal year and funding
has been provided for programs that bring city employees together. Safety and
supervisor training programs are funded in this year’s budget. The WataugaFit
program continues to be funded this year. This is an employee wellness program to
identify risk and provide avenues for behavior modification which reduces chronic
disease, medical costs, and absenteeism. It is a priority of the City to continue
Health and Wellness programs for City Employees and funding is in place for
additional programs. The employee tuition reimbursement continued to be funded this
fiscal year.

Employee programs continuing this year include an employee award and an
employee of the month program to recognize employees for excellent achievements
and service. In addition, an employee referral program is funded that is designed to
incentivize and encourage employees to market the City and help with recruitment.

Analysis of Full-Time Equivalent Positions

The chart above shows the total number of Full-time equivalent positions from FY2020
to the current FY2025 budget. The drastic reduction of employees in FY2021 is due
to the cost saving measures put in place during the pandemic. The Recreation
department was dramatically impacted by a reduction in personnel due to the
elimination of many programs. Beginning in FY2022, the City began the restoring of
the programs and personnel. The General Fund accounts for the majority of the FTE
growth, due to the restoration of funding of positions as discussed previously. In
FY2023-2024, additional recreation programs were reinstated that include the
Summer Camp program and the pre-school program that facilitated the need for
increased personnel. 3.75 FTEs were added that include 15 part-time positions to
cover the program needs. In addition, a part-time Library position was converted to a
full-time position. The sewer department gained 1.0 FTE for a Maintenance Worker

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