City of Oak Creek
Common Council Report
Item No.:7
Recommendation: That the Common Council adopt Resolution 10360-031604, A Resolution Establishing the City’s Volunteer Policy.
Background:
In an effort to control costs, the Council has directed that the use of volunteers be considered as a viable method to have some tasks completed without hiring additional personnel. The City recognizes also that there are very capable citizens who would like to participate in their government in some manner. Although volunteers have been utilized in the past, particularly through the Police Department and the RSVP senior program, there has been no overall City policy addressing the placement and use of voluntary help. Elements of a policy, such as a selection process, standards of conduct, background checks, etc., had not been clearly defined. Before considering a greater use of volunteers, it is necessary to have a more formal structure for placement of non-paid workers, for consistency among departments that may have volunteer work available.
With a policy in place, the use of volunteers may now be considered for a far greater range of duties. These volunteers would not replace any full-time work, but may lessen the need for adding part-time paid employees.
After reviewing volunteer policies from other communities and several drafts of a policy designed for our own City’s needs relating to the use of volunteer help, the Personnel Committee has recommended that the attached document be submitted for Council review and adoption. This policy has also been reviewed by the City Attorney and the City’s labor attorney.
Fiscal Impact:
Any costs associated with placement of volunteers, such as the costs of background checks, would likely be offset by the savings in salaries accounts for using non-paid help.
Prepared by and Fiscal Review by:
Beverly A. Buretta, CMC
City Clerk