Retirements In City's Workforce Create Voids, Savings

Nearly two dozen workers retired from the city of Oak Creek in 2011, creating holes in many departments but potentially saving more than $500,000.

Under a recommendation to be presented to the Common Council, the city would delay filling many of the positions until March 1. In addition, the salaries for those positions would drop to entry level, as most of those leaving had many years of experience.

Those two factors would help save the city an estimated $553,766, City Administrator Gerald Peterson said.

A total of 22 people retired in 2011, accounting for a little less than 10 percent of the workforce. Among those leaving were three police officers, five firefighters, the fire chief, city clerk, parks and recreation director and six people in the .

The vacancies in the Street Department in particular have been felt, Street Superintendent Mike Lampe said.

Lampe said the department has been able to cover snow plow routes but was forced to make other adjustments, such as closing the recycling yard during the because of lack of staffing. Four equipment operator positions are open and would be filled by Feb. 1, under the recommendation.

Oak Creek officials are also recommending the fire chief position be filled as soon as possible, though that decision ultimately rests with the Police and Fire Commission. Tom Rosandich has served as acting fire chief in May.

The city's Personnel Committee unanimously approved the recommendations, which will go before the full Common Council for final approval.

Oak Creek isn't alone in dealing with high turnover - government workers in Wisconsin retired in record numbers in 2011, according to the Wisconsin State Journal.