Galt reports vacancy disclosure under AB 2561: city details positions, recruitment steps

City human resources staff presented a report to the Galt City Council on recruitment and vacancy disclosure required by Assembly Bill 2561, summarizing authorized positions, current vacancies and steps the city is taking to recruit and retain staff.

Human Resources reported that the Galt public service unit has 59 authorized positions and 10 vacancies, a 16.94 percent vacancy rate. The Galt Police Officers Association was listed at 39 authorized positions with 4 vacancies (11.42 percent). The civilian police classifications showed a recent resignation that increased the vacancy count to 1 in that unit (staff reported a 6.6 percent vacancy rate after the resignation).

Staff outlined multiple recruitment and retention strategies: targeted advertising (including a complimentary billboard on Highway 99), job boards (APWA, California Cities, CalPELRA), participation in local job fairs, a compensation study used in current labor negotiations, internship partnerships with Delta College’s EXCEL program and creation of an employee engagement committee and recognition program to improve retention.

Human Resources said some vacancies have been difficult because of market conditions and specialized skill requirements (electric technician, wastewater systems operator, plant maintenance mechanic and public works maintenance positions were called out). The department emphasized training and competitive pay as retention measures and noted that some recent vacancies originated after the data snapshot was published.

Why it matters: AB 2561 requires transparency about public‑sector vacancies and the city’s recruitment efforts; the report gives residents and council a baseline on workforce shortages and the city’s steps to address them.

Sources: AB 2561 presentation by city human resources at the Galt City Council meeting.