Agenda Item Wording:
title
Vacancies, Recruitment and Retention Efforts - Public hearing on vacancies and recruitment and retention efforts pursuant to California Government Code § 3502.3
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Agenda Date: 04/20/2026
Prepared by: Amy Powell, amy.powell@visalia.gov, 559-713-4575 Shonna Oneal, shonna.oneal@visalia.gov, 559-713-4053
Department Recommendation: It is recommended the City Council conduct a public hearing on position vacancies and recruitment and retention efforts as mandated by California Government Code § 3502.3
Summary:
Assembly Bill (AB) 2561 requires local public agencies to hold an annual public hearing before adopting their budget to report on job vacancies and efforts to recruit and retain employees. The law aims to address staffing shortages that can negatively affect public services, increase workloads, and contribute to employee turnover.
The following reflects the City’s represented and unrepresented bargaining units’ vacancy rates as of February 28, 2026:
|
BARGAINING UNIT |
BUDGETED |
VACANCIES |
VACANCY RATE |
|
Police Managers & Supervisors Association (Group A) |
26 |
0 |
0.0% |
|
Visalia Police Officers Association (Group B) |
140 |
4 |
2.9% |
|
Miscellaneous Supervisors & Managers (Group E) |
112 |
8 |
7.1% |
|
Visalia Firefighters Association (Group G) |
77 |
5 |
6.5% |
|
Northern California Carpenters Regional Council (Group M) |
339 |
26 |
7.7% |
|
Unrepresented Confidential |
19 |
2 |
10.5% |
|
Unrepresented Department Heads |
10 |
0 |
0.0% |
|
Total |
723 |
45 |
6.2% |
No vacancy rates within any of the City’s five bargaining units meet or exceed 20 percent of authorized full-time positions in that bargaining unit.
Background Discussion:
AB 2561 of 2024 requires public agencies to hold a public hearing to address the status of job vacancies and recruitment and retention efforts prior to the adoption of the agency’s annual budget.
The legislature’s intent of AB 2561 is to address the issue of job vacancies in local government, which can adversely impact the delivery of public service, may lead to heavier employee workloads, and may also lead to increased employee turnover.
Pursuant to Government Code § 3502.3, the City is required to do the following:
1. Public hearing: At least once each fiscal year, at a public hearing before the governing body, the City shall present information regarding the status of vacancies and recruitment and retention efforts and identify any necessary changes to policies, procedures and recruitment activities that may lead to obstacles in the hiring process.
2. Employee organization participation: Allow the recognized employee organization for each bargaining unit within the City to make presentations during the public hearing concerning vacancies and recruitment and retention efforts. There are five represented bargaining units at the City and all have been notified of the public hearing and advised of their right to address the Council on the matter.
3. Additional reporting for high vacancy rates: If vacancies within a single bargaining unit meet or exceed 20 percent of authorized full-time positions in that bargaining unit, the City must provide additional information during the public hearing, including the following: (1) the total number of vacancies; (2) the number of applicants; (3) the average time to fill positions; and (4) opportunities to improve compensation and working conditions for employees in the bargaining unit.
Fiscal Impact including annual maintenance and operating costs: There is no fiscal impact associated with conducting this public hearing and receiving this report.
Prior Council Action: n/a
Alternatives: n/a
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to accept the Vacancies and Recruitment and Retention Efforts report as required by Assembly Bill 2561
Environmental Assessment Status: n/a
CEQA Review: n/a
Deadline for Action: 04/20/2026
Attachments: Power Point presentation
Strategic Goal: Indicates which City Strategic Goal(s) this item supports. Check all that apply.
|
☐ Economic Vitality |
☒  Organizational Excellence |
☐ Fiscal Strength |
☐  Infrastructure & Growth |
☐  Quality of Life |