Loomis organization study shows staff stretched to limit

Loomis Town was advised to basically double its modest staff to handle a growing workload and match similar-sized towns, according to a recent study. Loomis contracted with Moss Adams LLP to conduct an organizational assessment to show how staffing compares to similar jurisdictions. With conclusions posted online May 20, the study examined where adjustments should be made to match industry "best practices." Overall, Loomis' staff is much smaller than similar communities, authorities said. "It's half the size of Winters, which has a similar population," consultants said. The Loomis staff is almost one-third the size of Nevada City staff, yet the nearby Nevada County hamlet (3,224) has less than half the Loomis population (6,779). "When a town runs too lean, it causes heavy workloads that result in backlogs and long wait times for constituents," said Town Manager Wes Heathcock. Before hiring staff or reorganizing departments, Loomis leaders wanted an outside, objective review. "Data-driven decisions are more successful and cost efficient," according to the report. The study found that a few of the Town's functions are not aligned and could be reorganized to be more efficient. The following items were identified: 1. Adding an administrative assistant under Town Clerk Carol Parker will help with general administrative and reception duties. 2. A senior staff member needs to be assigned to be a town manager backup when needed. 3. The engineering and public works departments should collaborate to align similar duties and balance workloads. 4. In the long term, engineering and public works should be merged. 5. All planning, building, permitting and code enforcement-related work should be merged under a community development department overseen by a community development director. 6. Adding a senior engineer and community development director is necessary. "Town leadership is very aware that the number of Town staff is inadequate to meet the increasing needs of the community and residents," the city announced online. Given the size of Loomis, the study determined that adding a deputy town manager was not prudent. Instead, it recommended a senior staff member to serve when necessary. The town engineer's workload is extremely high, with one person (Richard Ly-Lee) operating the highest-funded department. The engineer oversees 10 to 11 contracts and manages all contracts for public works. "Loomis is understaffed in this area in comparison to peers," the report stated. The study recommends adding a mid-level engineering position to oversee day-to-day operations, including responding to resident requests, reviewing permits and handling public records requests. More assessment details are available to view on the Town website.