He’s frustrated and somewhat surprised the city plans to cut his
position. With the state of Hollister’s finances, though, Bill Card
understands.
On a personal note, the community development director even
views his likely layoff as an opportune change.
He’s frustrated and somewhat surprised the city plans to cut his position. With the state of Hollister’s finances, though, Bill Card understands.
On a personal note, the community development director even views his likely layoff as an opportune change.
“It’s really a matter of me polishing up my resume and getting it ready to go,” said Card, 52, a Hollister planner for the past 15 years.
He went on: “I’ve gained a lot of knowledge working here. I have a lot of tools I can take with me for another job.”
As the community development director, Card oversees the planning and building divisions, as well as the Redevelopment Agency.
Those offices largely deal with anticipation of new developments in town. And with a sewer moratorium in effect until at least October 2005, which disallows new constructions, the workload has dropped off significantly.
“We don’t have the same level of activity we’ve had previously,” he said.
With that, a “reduction in force” of 36 city employees stands to cut more than half the staff, including his own position that carries six-figure earnings potential. The City Council is expected to approve a layoff plan Jan. 28; it would take effect July 1.
City Manager Dale Shaddox, along with a Council subcommittee, emphasized layoffs across the board. Card’s is among three department head positions up for termination – the others are Fire Chief Bill Garringer and Finance Director Barbara Mulholland.
“And I think that’s fair,” Card said. “I think it’s fair to all employees, rather than cutting everybody from maintenance.”
Contrary to the abnormality of operating without a fire chief, Card said many small towns get by without a planning director.
Although he pointed out: “I think (having a director) is desirous.”
Card started as an associate planner. He was promoted to senior planner in 1993 and planning manager in 2001. When former Community Development Director Ray Hetherington retired in mid-2002, Card became the department’s senior manager.
Despite the moratorium, Card’s share of managerial concerns hasn’t been lacking. Upon accepting the promotion, he also continued planning manager duties until June, when Mary Blais was hired to fill that role. Card has also spearheaded Hollister’s General Plan update since March of last year.
“It’s a little frustrating,” Card said of his double duty and impending layoff. “But that’s just the way it is right now.”
Overall, he has 24 years of public sector experience – he worked for Monterey County for nine years before coming to Hollister.
So he’s not worried about himself or getting another job. His main concern, he said, is the workload of people left behind.
According to the layoff plan, two planners would remain – down from three. Others laid off in the department would include the code enforcement officer, two building inspectors, a building official, an RDA housing official and two clerical workers.
“It’s going to be very difficult.”
Between now and July, if the Council cuts his position, Card plans to help complete the General Plan update and foster a transition for the department – while pursuing another job.
He mentioned the city’s campaign to curb substandard housing, which has been spearheaded by Code Enforcement Officer Tim Burns. Though remaining building inspectors will perform some of those duties, he said, “I think the city will suffer somewhat.”
At some point after the regional water board lifts the moratorium, and planning work begins to pile up, he believes the city will likely need to fill out the department’s staff.
Whether he would return to Hollister, he said, “That’s a good question. I don’t know. I think it would depend on where I am at that time. If they decide to actually have another planning director, if they did open it back up, I’m sure I’d consider it.”
