Pragmatic fix keeps Chelan finance operations on track

CHELAN — A staffing squeeze inside Chelan’s finance department could have slowed payroll, billing and front-counter services at City Hall. Instead, city leaders say a quick adjustment kept operations steady.

During the Feb. 10 Chelan City Council meeting, City Administrator Laura McAloon described what she called a “perfect storm” inside the finance office: one employee out on extended leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act and another who recently resigned.

The overlapping absences left the department short-handed at a time when payroll must still be processed, utility bills sent and residents assisted at the front counter.

Rather than shift workloads onto already stretched staff or risk service delays, the city approved a temporary contract with Express Employment Professionals to provide interim support while recruitment and training move forward. The agreement allows for up to $18,000 in temporary staffing services.

The arrangement leaves the door open to potentially hire the temporary worker, should the eventual candidate fit the role well, or if the employee on leave comes back sooner than expected, to terminate the Express contract before committing to the entire amount authorized by the council.

“We needed to make sure that payroll continues, bills go out and the front desk remains staffed,” McAloon told council. “This gives us breathing room while we stabilize.”

Council approved the contract as part of the consent agenda.

The move reflects a pattern of pragmatic adjustments city leaders have made in recent months when faced with operational challenges. In January, council approved a seasonal license agreement allowing the city’s airport manager to park and live in a recreational vehicle onsite at the Chelan Municipal Airport. The arrangement restored an on-site management presence at the airport while addressing housing availability constraints and operational needs.

In both cases, city officials opted for practical solutions over delay — aiming to maintain continuity without expanding permanent staffing or long-term costs.

Finance operations are expected to return to full staffing once recruitment efforts are complete. In the meantime, city officials said residents should see no interruption in payroll processing, utility billing or in-person service at City Hall.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media