City of Fortuna faces staffing challenges amid rising turnover and low salaries

The Fortuna City Council meeting held on April 21, 2025, focused on critical issues surrounding employee turnover and compensation within the city’s workforce. The discussions highlighted the challenges faced by the city in retaining qualified staff, particularly in essential public service roles such as police officers, building inspectors, and other licensed professionals.

The meeting began with a presentation on the impact of limited investment in vital services, emphasizing the need to evaluate compensation to ensure competitiveness in the job market. It was noted that Fortuna's salaries for police officers and sergeants lag significantly behind those offered by neighboring cities, with Eureka and Arcata paying nearly 28% more. This disparity raises concerns about the city’s ability to attract and retain talent, particularly as the city anticipates a turnover rate of 50% for part-time staff and over 30% for full-time positions in the upcoming fiscal year.

The presentation also addressed the recruitment difficulties for specialized positions, such as building inspectors, where the lack of a clear career advancement path has hindered the city’s ability to fill vacancies. The building official position, crucial for public safety, was reported to pay 30-37% less than similar roles in Eureka and Arcata, further complicating recruitment efforts.

The council discussed the financial implications of high turnover rates, which not only incur significant costs for recruitment and training—estimated to exceed $100,000 this year—but also lead to a loss of expertise and decreased productivity. Factors contributing to turnover were identified as low salaries, limited career advancement opportunities, and poor work-life balance. The city is exploring options such as a reduced workweek and enhanced professional development to improve employee satisfaction and retention.

In conclusion, the Fortuna City Council recognized the urgent need for a comprehensive classification and total compensation study to address these challenges. The goal is to create a more competitive and supportive work environment that can effectively recruit and retain quality staff, ensuring the city can maintain essential services for its residents. The council plans to continue discussions on these issues in future meetings, aiming to implement strategies that enhance workplace culture and leadership practices.