The background to this is that, at the beginning of the year, an external consultant conducted a staffing needs analysis for the administration. After the results were presented—which confirmed that staffing levels were highly efficient—all positions were redefined and subjected to external, independent evaluations. These evaluations have now led to two reclassifications to a higher pay grade and one promotion, which had been approved in advance by both the staff council and the municipal council.
Marcella Franck, who is responsible for tourism, public relations, and economic development in the Central Department, was promoted to pay grade 9c under the TVöd scale. Sascha Leib, the technical manager at VG-Werke, was promoted to pay grade 12 under the TV-V scale. Mayor Rudolf Jacob pointed out that, with Sascha Leib, it was now truly possible for the first time to consolidate responsibility for road construction, sewer construction, and water main construction under a single person, thereby achieving significant synergy effects.
Christian Füllert, the full-time fire chief of the Winnweiler Municipal Association Fire Department, was promoted to fire commissioner. The mayor noted that, due to his very broad range of qualifications, Mr. Füllert not only performs the actual duties of a fire chief but also carries out fire prevention tasks for the municipal association and, to some extent, for the district. He also noted that the Winnweiler Municipal Association is one of the few municipalities that has managed, without external service providers, to draw up the needs and development plan—which will be mandatory as of January 1, 2028—with Mr. Füllert himself leading the effort.
The mayor congratulated the three employees and thanked them for their dedication. “I am particularly pleased that three employees in particular have received a pay grade increase or promotion—employees who demonstrate significantly above-average performance and outstanding dedication in carrying out their duties,” said Rudolf Jacob as he presented the certificates.