Council holds AB 2561 hearing on workforce vacancies; staff reports five full-time vacancies and retention steps

Carpinteria held its statutorily required annual public hearing on workforce vacancies and recruitment/retention efforts (Assembly Bill 2561) at the June 9 meeting. Staff presented an overview of the city's workforce status and recent steps to retain and recruit employees.

Staff'reported figures and initiatives: - As of June 5 the city had 43 authorized full-time positions and five full-time vacancies (listed categories included an environmental program manager, public works manager, community engagement library specialist, parks and facilities maintenance supervisor; a part-time community garden coordinator was noted as not subject to AB 2561 reporting). - Average time to fill positions was reported at roughly 60—to—90 days (includes the typical four-week posting period). - Recent retention measures included adoption of an updated salary schedule and a 3.9% cost-of-living increase, reclassification of one position to better match operational needs and expanded bilingual pay eligibility for SEIU positions with a proposed expansion to all full-time staff (except the city manager) in the upcoming budget.

Labor organizations: SEIU elected not to present at the hearing; staff noted the city will provide the required follow-up notices.

Council action: The council voted to receive and file the presentation (motion passed unanimously).

Why it matters: AB 2561 requires transparency on vacancies and workforce strategies. The presentation identified positions that are current recruitment priorities and described compensation and programmatic steps intended to reduce vacancies.