Council Receives Annual AB 2561 Vacancy Report; City Reports 14 Vacancies at End of 2024

Pinole — City Human Resources presented the Assembly Bill 2561 annual vacancy and recruitment report at the May 20 meeting, outlining the city’s staffing levels, vacancy rate and retention efforts.

"Assembly Bill 2,561 requires public agencies to hold at least one public hearing per fiscal year and to discuss vacancies and recruitment efforts," HR analyst Charlene Davis told the Council. Davis said that, as of Dec. 31, 2024, the city had 104.25 full‑ and part‑time budgeted positions and 14 total vacancies, for an overall vacancy rate of about 14.43 percent.

Davis reviewed common reasons positions become vacant—promotions, transfers, retirements and resignations—and described recruitment and retention tools the city is using, including flexible schedules, wellness events, an employee-assistance program and a mentorship pilot program. She said the city’s retention rate has improved and cited a retention figure in the 80–87 percent range during questions; staff indicated Contra Costa County’s retention rate was comparable.

Council members asked for context and additional details, including retention trends over prior years and the budgetary impact of vacancies. City staff said they can provide year-over-year retention data and estimated vacancy-cost figures in follow-up materials. Public testimony included remarks by the Pinole Police Employees Association urging competitive pay and retention incentives for sworn officers; that speaker supplied internal tenure breakdowns for officers and sergeants.

The AB 2561 presentation was informational; no council action was required.

Speakers included HR staff Charlene Davis and council members who questioned staffing impacts and next steps.