Page 159 - CityofWataugaAdoptedBudgetFY25

Human

Resources

Mission Statement

The Human Resources Department is committed to
delivering the highest quality of service to all
departments, employees, applicants, and citizens. It supports the City of Watauga through recruitment, training
and retention of a diverse and high performing workforce and management of employee benefits and
compensation. Our goal is to make Watauga A Great Place to Work.

Department Overview
The Human Resources Department is responsible for the following core services: Professional Development
and Performance Management, Employee and Labor Relations, Risk Management, Compensation and Benefits
and Workforce Planning. These include, but are not limited to: Recruitment, On-boarding, Workers’
Compensation, Unemployment Claims, Job Descriptions, Benefits, Employee Relations, Employment
Verification, Employee Engagement, Retirement, ADA, COBRA, FMLA, Performance Evaluations, Training,
Workers’ Compensation, Safety, Compliance with Local Government Code Chapter 143 for Firefighters and
Police Officers, Meet and Confer Negotiations, Personnel Records Management and recommending action on
complex personnel issues including disciplinary issues and termination.

Highlights/Achievements for FY2024

• Managed and tracked 11 workers compensation cases, 33 first aid injuries, 11 FMLA, and 10 vehicle
accidents.
• Marketed and recruited for an increased number of vacancies throughout the year including the
utilization of billboard advertisements.
• Successfully onboarded 37 FT/PT employees.
• Processed 32 terminations, tracking Exit surveys, and running turnover reports.
• Worked on Personnel Enhancement Plan requests – and total compensation worksheets for all
department on personnel requests/changes totaling 38 requests.
• Completed promotional testing for Fire Department Driver, Lieutenant, and Battalion Chief positions
and Police Department Corporal position.
• Proctored 3 entry exams for Police and 1 for Fire, scheduled assisted in coordination of appeal hearing.
• Recruited for one new staff member on the HR team.
• Enhanced the annual compliance training and established a quarterly completion schedule.
• Successfully revised 6 policies, implemented Employee of Month program, Referral Program, & training
agreements.
• Successfully completed Vacation /Compensatory Time to reduce City Leave Liability.
• Collected and tracked all Performance Evaluations for new year March due date.
• Significantly reduced unemployment chargebacks in 2023-2024 and was successful with all claims.
• Implemented new employee appreciation notes for Employee Appreciation Week.
• Successfully completed 2 blood drives, and one upcoming employee fundraising campaign with the
Tree of North Texas.

139