The Board of Mayor and Aldermen on Oct. 2 authorized the city attorney’s office and city staff to solicit proposals from outside human-resources firms to assist with performance reviews, employee grievance processes and updates to the city personnel policies. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0.

Board members said the outside HR firms would provide expertise the city does not have in-house and would not replace existing local staff. City participants said the outsourced firms would be expected to work with an on-the-ground city contact so day-to-day functions remain staffed locally.

The board’s motion (item 25-104) instructs the city attorney’s office and staff to research potential vendors and return proposals for the board’s consideration. The motion was made by Alderman Byrd and seconded by Alderman Tompkins; the transcript records the vote as "Motion carries 7 to 0." The resolution language cited performance reviews, employee grievance processes and support for updating personnel policies.

Separately, the board considered a request (item 25-105) to have the city attorney’s office research outside firms to provide IT services — including security audits and systems configuration. Members discussed the likely scope (an external security audit and a mix of internal/outsourced support) and the value of having both internal IT staff and external contractors. The transcript records a motion and a second and discussion but does not record a roll-call vote for the IT item.

Why it matters: Board members said the changes aim to reduce legal risk, standardize personnel policies, and ensure compliance with evolving employment regulations. Multiple members emphasized keeping a local point of contact to work with any outsourced vendor.

Votes at a glance:
- Item 25-104 (research outside HR firms): motion by Alderman Byrd, second by Alderman Tompkins — approved 7-0.
- Item 25-105 (research outside IT firms): motion and second recorded; no recorded final vote in the meeting transcript.

Clarifying details noted during discussion included that the HR search is intended to cover performance evaluations, reviews required by contract, benefits oversight and compliance; existing city staff would remain involved and could act as a local liaison to any vendor. The transcript records concerns about preserving local jobs and ensuring the vendor would work with on-site staff.