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The City of Greater Bendigo has informed staff off a planned restructure which would see it operate under four directors rather than five.
Chief executive officer Craig Niemann said the city was in the midst of an internal review with staff consultation to finish next Friday.
“In a nutshell, the proposed restructure relates to four directors not five,” Mr Niemann said.
“But first we’ll review staff feedback, determine what the structure will look like going forward, then start to replace some of the directors who've moved on.”
Two of the five current directors are operating in an acting capacity – however presentation and assets director Darren Fuzzard is set to depart to assume the position of Mount Alexander Shire Council chief executive officer.
Mr Niemann ruled out job cuts but said the reshuffle would include staff from almost all units to fit within the four rebranded directorates.
The CEO said external pressure and upcoming events meant the organisation needed to “minimise duplication” and ensure it was providing “the best services possible”.
“This comes in an environment of rate capping introduced by the state government, proposed changes to the local government act and in which we’ve got to be mindful of council elections later this year and a report from the citizens jury in a few months time,” he said.
“Important that our organisation going forward be agile, adaptable and flexible to respond to future changes.
The city chief indicated the restructure might be a first step, saying rate capping was “likely to continue”.
“It is about continuous improvement and further down the track future directors might look at how they can be more closely aligned,” he said.
Mr Niemann said the city would begin advertising for two permanent directors in several weeks but that there would be no further staff hired other than those outlined in the budget.
The city’s staff is budgeted to increase by 17 people – from 682 full-time equivalent positions in 2015/16 to 699 FTE in 2016/17.
The city said the new positions were a result of growth, government programs, change in part-time hours for some staff, new services to the community and undertaking some activities in house, rather than using contractors.
Employee costs are forecast to rise by 5.3 per cent – or $3.1 million – in 2016/17.
This was attributed to a new enterprise agreement and positions funded by the state government, among other factors.