With city administrative staff cut and the elimination of a once human resources department, the City of Oakdale plans to enter into an agreement with the Municipal Resource Group (MRG) of Danville to conduct some personnel investigations.

According to a proposal by Oakdale City Manager Bryan Whitemyer, the city seeks a third-party to be a fact finder for various matters requiring investigation consisting of tasks such as witness interviews and evidence that periodically arise with the city.

“The Municipal Resource Group has extensive experience providing human resources and labor relations assistance to cities, counties and special districts throughout California,” Whitemyer wrote in his proposal. “MRG employs investigators with detailed training and experience in dealing with local government personnel matters. Contracting with MRG will allow the city to proceed with prompt, thorough and objective investigations in the most efficient manner possible.”

The city has set a $13,000 limit on costs with MRG.

According to the agreement, MRG will assign an individual billed at $225 per hour who will inquire into and review the operations in one or more departments. The individual will provide written reports summarizing findings related to services rendered. MRG may also use a research assistant to assist the investigator billed at $65 per hour.

The city will also be billed for other investigator expenses such as mileage and up to two overnight lodging stays.

Two years ago the city eliminated its human resources analyst position, then held by Michelle McKinsey.

McKinsey, 42, was paid an annual salary of $86,676. Her duties included multiple human resources functions including recruitment, workers compensation, retirement plans, and labor relations. She also served as the city’s public information officer.