SIDNEY — This past year, the city of Sidney has been challenged with filling vacancies for different departments due to retirements and resignations. Recruitment started at the beginning of the year for police officers and firefighters. Promotional exams were given to create eligibility lists for the captain and sergeants lists. From those eligibility lists, the city hired six firefighters, five police officers and promoted three police officers to police sergeant and promoted a sergeant to a captain’s position.

“In addition, Police Chief William Balling retired and after a lengthy in-depth hiring process, we hired Chief Mark McDonough as our new Police Chief. We also hired and promoted over 27 employees for other positions of equipment operators, transit drivers, probation officers, deputy bailiff, SAAT coordinator and communication technicians,” said Kelly Holthaus, human resource manager.

Her report continues:

Clemans- Nelson and Associates was hired to perform an analysis on the City’s compensation system for the non-bargaining positions. The wage study involved analysis how the current compensation and structure compared with other comparable municipalities and other government entities. This completed study provided several recommendations including adjusting wage scales and steps to be more realigned to be more competitive in the market with similar sized Cities.

The city brought back the Summer Employee Appreciation Day. All the employees and their families were invited to enjoy the day at Vandemark Farms for all their hard work and dedication to the City. We also held a special Service Award recognition at the Sidney Historic Theatre for our employees who reached their milestone of their years of service. And to end the year of 2022 with the Christmas Luncheon for the employees and retirees which was held at the Fire Station.

The city manager and senior directors reviewed and made recommendations to amend Chapter 131, Personnel Policies, Procedures and Regulations to City Council. Some changes were made to be in compliance with the Ohio Revised Code and State and Federal law.

The city manager along with the team successfully negotiated with the IAFF (International Association of Firefighters). The three-year contract was completed on schedule. Within the next month, negotiations with AFSCME will begin for their three-year contract as well.

The city kicked off the United Way campaign in September. Not only did the city meet the goal with employee’s contributions, the city set a new contribution record of 131% of the goal. The generosity from the employees will greatly benefit the human services needed in our community.

One of the biggest initiatives for 2023, is the process of implementing ESS (Employee Self-Serve). This will give our employees the ability to oversee their information at any time. It will also help with efficiency and streamline internal processes.