The job security of Hollister’s future department leaders will
no longer be wrapped by a protective layer of red tape.
The job security of Hollister’s future department leaders will no longer be wrapped by a protective layer of red tape.
The City Council Monday approved a policy change that shortens the long-standing termination process and allows the city manager to fire department heads without cause.
The at-will classification will not affect the seven current department heads. They will retain the civil service employee status, which requires several stages of discipline and substantially more documentation before termination can be carried out, according to officials.
“The definition of at-will is that employees serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority (the city manager),” said City Attorney Elaine Cass.
City Manager Dale Shaddox said his former employer, the City of Cotati, classified its department heads as at-will.
Cass said most cities in California classify department heads as at-will employees.
“It’s bringing the city in line with the vast majority of cities in this state,” she said.
At-will employees also generally have more extensive severance packages than civil service workers, according to officials. Hollister, however, has not finalized a severance policy.
Shaddox said severance options will likely be determined on a case-by-case basis during negotiations between the city and hired department heads.
“It’s sort of balancing it out,” Shaddox said. “It (at-will status) makes some people very nervous, but it’s a good employment relationship to have.”
Cass said terminated department heads throughout the state generally receive between one month and six months of severance pay for every year worked.
“Four months (for every year worked) severance pay is not unusual,” Cass said.
The idea for the policy change was formed when former interim city manager Ed Kreins arrived in January. Kreins, who has been city manager in seven cities, “was surprised to discover” the absence of an at-will policy, Shaddox said.
Kreins talked with Councilmen Tony LoBue, who gathered support from the Council members.
“The main benefit is that department heads are held at a different level than regular employees,” LoBue said.
The city’s department heads include the community development director, city clerk, finance director, fire chief, police chief, management services director and public works director.
Shaddox and Cass were already under the at-will status before the approval of Monday’s resolution. The City Council can fire those employees with a majority vote, according to Shaddox.
Several mid-management positions will not be included under the new classification, Shaddox said. Those include the redevelopment agency director, recreation services manager, airport manager and deputy director of public works.
“I’m glad we kept the at-will (status) where we kept it,” Mayor Brian Conroy said.
The city has encountered retirements of key positions during the past year, including that of former Police Chief Bill Pierpoint. Shaddox said he wanted the resolution implemented before the city hired a permanent replacement for Pierpoint.
“My intent is to delay that appointment until the policy (is implemented),” Shaddox said.
