The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic marked a significant turning point at Sachse City Hall, city human resources director Jana Ventura told Sachse City Council.

The result, she explained in a presentation at the Monday, May 5 regular council meeting, was the creation of a Culture Committee among city staff members and the goal of producing an outline of core values that define the municipal work environment and the city’s relationship with the residents it serves.

Ventura and city communications specialist Esther Weaver told council members of the many changes implemented with the creation of the special committee.

“The core values outline the city’s beliefs and principles that shape decisions,” Ventura said.

One of the goals of the effort to reshape the city’s outlook, Ventura said, was to halt what she called “the great resignation.”  She said the pandemic cost the city many valuable employees who no longer could continue working for the city.

“We sought to boost morale and reduce turnover among staff members,” she added.

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