City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER
AND CONSOLIDATION OF ONE (1) SENIOR ACCOUNT
CLERK POSITION AND ONE (1) SECRETARY POSITION
INTO THE TITLE OF ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER
OF PUBLIC WORKS, AMENDING THE 2026 FISCAL
YEAR SALARY SCHEDULE, AND GRANTING
A LEAVE OF ABSENCE
Whereas, in correspondence dated February 5, 2026, the Commissioner of the Department of Public Works formally requested authorization for the transfer and consolidation of one (1) Senior Account Clerk position and one (1) Secretary position within the Department of Public Works into a single position titled Assistant Commissioner of Public Works, effective February 9, 2026, subject to approval by the Board of Estimate; and
Whereas, the Department of Public Works currently maintains authorized positions for one (1) Senior Account Clerk and one (1) Secretary within the Commissioner’s Office; and
Whereas, the Department of Public Works continues to manage increasing administrative and financial complexity, including expanded compliance obligations, enhanced financial controls, interdepartmental coordination, extended operations, and emergency response responsibilities; and
Whereas, the Commissioner of Public Works has determined that consolidating the roles, duties, and responsibilities of the Senior Account Clerk and Secretary into a single executive-level administrative position will improve workflow efficiency, transparency, accountability for sensitive administrative and fiscal functions, and strategic support to the Commissioner; and
Whereas, the proposed consolidated position shall be titled Assistant Commissioner of Public Works; and
Whereas, sufficient funding exists within the Department of Public Works 2026 Fiscal Year adopted salary budget to support the creation of the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works position without the need for a transfer of funds; and
Whereas, the 2026 Fiscal Year adopted salary lines include:
• Secretary - Account A1490.101, Commissioner’s Office (Salaries and Wages), $60,000; and
• Senior Account Clerk - Account A1490.101, Commissioner’s Office (Salaries and Wages), $78,540; and
Whereas, there is a remaining balance of $122,554.84 within said salary lines sufficient to fund the proposed Assistant Commissioner of Public Works position; and
Whereas, the Assistant Commissioner of Public Works position shall be established at Grade 14 in accordance with the applicable CSEA Union agreement; and
Whereas, Ms. Lomari Payne currently serves as Senior Account Clerk and is qualified to fulfill the responsibilities of Assistant Commissioner of Public Works; and
Whereas, Ms. Lomari Payne is a member of Teamsters Local 456 and is eligible, pursuant to the applicable collective bargaining agreement, to receive a leave of absence to serve in a higher title; and
Whereas, the requested transfer and consolidation are proposed to be effective February 9, 2026, subject to approval by the City Council and authorization by the Board of Estimate;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON:
Section 1. Authorization of Position Transfer and Consolidation. The City Council hereby authorizes the transfer and consolidation of one (1) Senior Account Clerk position and one (1) Secretary position within the Department of Public Works into a single position titled Assistant Commissioner of Public Works, effective February 9, 2026, subject to approval by the Board of Estimate.
Section 2. Budget Determination. The City Council finds that sufficient funds exist within the Department of Public Works 2026 Fiscal Year adopted salary budget and that no transfer of funds is required to effectuate this Ordinance.
Section 3. Salary Amendment. The City Council hereby amends the 2026 Fiscal Year salary schedule as follows:
• Secretary - New Salary: $1.00
• Senior Account Clerk - New Salary: $1.00
• Assistant Commissioner of Public Works - New Salary: $104,150.70, Grade 14, CSEA Union
Section 4. Leave of Absence. The City Council hereby grants Ms. Lomari Payne a one (1) year leave of absence from the civil service title of Senior Account Clerk in order to serve as Assistant Commissioner of Public Works, effective February 9, 2026, through February 8, 2027, in accordance with the Teamsters Local 456 collective bargaining agreement.
Section 5. Board of Estimate Authorization. This Ordinance shall be submitted to the Board of Estimate for approval and authorization as required by law.
Section 6. Severability. If any provision of this Ordinance is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions.
Section 7. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption by the City Council and subsequent approval by the Board of Estimate and Contract.