Killeen City Manager Ron Olson provides City Council a review of organizational accomplishments each 100 days and receives the body’s assessment of his management performance. Tonight, he presented his report on the period of August 26 to December 4.

“City Council’s evaluation of Mr. Olson’s performance remains excellent,” said Mayor Jose Segarra speaking on behalf of the City Council. “Council feels that Mr. Olson is driven and will take the City to a higher level.”

The City Manager provides the following summary to the public of his third100 days:

This 100-day period has produced significant results in organizational advancement beginning with the adoption of a balanced budget September 19. The budget allocated resources to allow the creation and expansion of programs identified as critical to the City. Laying this foundation gives us stronger footing as we take steps toward the future.

Staff drafted and presented a comprehensive financial governance document that contains policies for all aspects of the City’s financial practices. The document incorporates recommendations from the management audit as well as best practices that will create clear guidance for staff and help ensure financial responsibility. City Council deliberated and revised the draft and is expected to act on its adoption December 19.

Other financial work during this timeframe has included developing long-term budget-balancing strategies to present to Council early next year. We have begun preliminary work on the Fiscal Year 2019 Budget. We have also continued the reduction of purchase cards to strengthen internal controls.

Departmental business plans are essential to accurately projecting short and long-term resource needs, so staff has been working to draft those plans. We will now begin refining each plan before incorporating all into one organizational plan.

Employee compensation and benefits remains a priority. Human Resources staff has evaluated historical personnel trend data and updated current market data. They are now designing improvements to the pay plan for future presentation to Council. Research is also being conducted on employee health insurance platforms to determine strategies for providing this benefit in the future.

A risk management program has been established in the Human Resources Department. Council approved funding for new specialized positions this fiscal year, which are now filled. A concentrated effort in workplace safety and managing risk exposure is expected to mitigate injury and loss and produce positive financial results.

Staff completed and presented a comprehensive report on Solid Waste services. City Council has instructed staff to proceed with a request for proposal or bid process.

Plan development continued during this period. Base research has begun to update and improve the City’s Comprehensive Plan. A draft Capital Improvement Plan and policy are also being developed and will be presented to Council in early 2018.

Communications programs are advancing with fiscal year funding for two major projects. Council approved the issuance of an RFP for redevelopment of the City’s website tonight. Proposals will be analyzed, and a recommendation will be brought back for approval. The redesign and reconstruction of City Council Chambers is also underway. Both projects are expected to be completed in 2018.  

The New Year will include progress on all of the aforementioned programs. We will continue our work toward additional plan and policy adoption and implementation. Finally, staff will intensify its work on the Fiscal Year 2019 Budget.