AGENDA TITLE:
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Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Elimination of One Electric Line Apprentice Position and Addition of One Electric Lineman/Linewoman Position for Lodi Electric Utility (EU)
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MEETING DATE:
December 17, 2025
PREPARED BY:
Tim Combs, Electric Utility Superintendent
recommendation
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Adopt a resolution authorizing elimination of one Electric Line Apprentice position and addition of one Electric Lineman/Linewoman position for Lodi Electric Utility (LEU).
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
In the past, LEU has hired apprentices in response to a historically limited and consistent pool of unqualified journey level candidates in past years as it relates to line work. At the time, many agencies and outside contractors were providing more favorable compensation and benefits, leaving LEU a less competitive pool of journey level line workers. An alternative strategy was needed to fill vacant positions to keep up with existing workloads associated with distribution system maintenance, as well as construction, to support new development. The ability to hire apprentices afforded an opportunity to hire and train a workforce to LEU standards and fill those vacant positions. LEU’s two most recent Electric Line Apprentices now fill journey level Electric Lineman positions.
A recent line worker recruitment, to fill a position vacated due to an internal promotion, resulted in a number of excellent candidates, likely a result of recently approved salary market adjustments approved by City Council as well as the recently negotiated Memorandum of Understanding with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) who represents the majority of LEU staff.
LEU currently maintains one vacant Electric Lineman/Linewoman position proposed to be filled with one of the several recently qualified candidates. LEU also maintains one vacant Electric Line Apprentice position which was scheduled to be converted to an Electric Lineman/Linewoman as part of the midyear budget process. However, LEU is requesting this action now in an effort to fill the vacancy with qualified candidates currently available for hire. A delay may result in qualified candidates accepting employment elsewhere before LEU is able to once again recruit.
STRATEGIC VISION:
7A. Public Safety: Reach and maintain full staffing.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The cost difference between Electric Line Apprentice and Electric Lineman/Linewoman for the remainder of the current Fiscal Year is approximately $25,000. LEU is able to cover the additional costs with salary savings due to vacancies realized this year.
FUNDING AVAILABLE:
Funding is available in LEU’s Fiscal Year 2025/26 budget, Account No. 50064100.