Richmond City Council discusses hiring 62 new positions amid budget concerns

During the Richmond City Council meeting on June 24, 2025, a significant discussion centered around the city's hiring strategy and the position control list, which outlines all authorized positions within the city. City officials clarified that while the position control list includes a broad range of potential roles, the actual number of hires will focus on priority positions, particularly in public safety and community services.

The council highlighted that they had authorized 55 additional positions in the previous fiscal year, contributing to a net increase of 51 employees since 2021. This growth reflects the city's commitment to enhancing services, despite challenges in the hiring process, such as background checks and competition from other cities for qualified candidates.

City officials expressed optimism about future hiring, particularly for the community crisis response program, public works, and the new Advanced Life Support (ALS) paramedic program. They noted that the hiring process is underway, with 130 applicants for community crisis response positions currently being interviewed.

However, the council also acknowledged that the ability to fill these positions depends on various factors, including the completion of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) negotiations with bargaining units and the availability of federal funding, which could impact the housing authority and employment training department.

Additionally, the meeting addressed a reduction in positions within the fire department, which decreased from 100 to 104 positions, including sworn and unsworn personnel. This adjustment reflects ongoing evaluations of departmental needs and resources.

As Richmond continues to navigate its hiring landscape, city officials remain focused on prioritizing roles that directly benefit the community, ensuring that residents receive the necessary services and support. The council's discussions underscore a proactive approach to staffing, aiming to enhance public safety and community well-being in the face of economic challenges.