COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - Concerns from the public over not being able to get help from city offices are prompting debate and potential action at Columbus City Council’s meeting today.
For now, job evaluations are not mandatory for city employees, but they are encouraged. Some council members are looking to change that.
It’s a frustration many can relate to. One concerned resident said she has called city offices multiple times, always reaching voicemail. She went before council Tuesday, calling the lack of response unprofessional and asking about employee evaluations. Her questions could spark changes when it comes to accountability.
“If people are not being evaluated, it’s so easy then to go lacking in what they are supposed to be doing,” said District One Councilman Byron Hickey.
Deputy City Manager Pam Hodge responded that the city does have an evaluation process, but it’s only encouraged, not required.
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“What I’m saying is it is not a mandatory requirement to do a formal evaluation process, but employees are held accountable,” Hodge said.
Hickey argued a formal process is needed.“If there is a performance evaluation put in place it holds people accountable, because now you’ve got a report card,” he said. “If they are doing what they are supposed to be doing you can check it off. If they are not, you can check it off.”
After a short discussion, council members and the deputy city manager agreed to revisit the issue at a later date and consider requiring performance evaluations for all city employees.
As for public safety, council also voted unanimously to increase the pay for police officers who testify in court. Officers were previously paid $25 a day. Moving forward, they will be paid $50.
“The chief and I talk every week about what’s going on in the department, and this was one of those things that was causing a morale problem,” said Mayor Skip Henderson. “They are working long shifts, and then when they come in and have to go to court and testify, sometimes they wouldn’t make it for the court date.”
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