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Montebello holds AB2561 vacancies hearing; citywide vacancy rate 15.4%, MMPA at 28% with unions urging competitive pay
Summary
Under AB2561 (Gov. Code §3502.3) the city reported a 15.4% overall vacancy rate and provided MMPA‑specific details (13 vacancies, 681 applicants, 71 average days to hire); union representatives urged bargaining and compensation steps to retain professionals while firefighters credited recent recruitment efforts that lowered vacancies to 7%.
Montebello staff presented the city’s annual AB2561 public hearing on vacancies, recruitment and retention Wednesday, reporting a 15.4% citywide vacancy rate and highlighting areas for continued recruiting and bargaining focus.
The presentation summarized state requirements under Assembly Bill 2561 (Government Code §3502.3), which requires annual public disclosure of vacancy and hiring information and provides additional reporting when a bargaining group’s vacancy rate reaches 20% or more. Human Resources reported four bargaining groups above the 20% threshold and supplied the detailed requested data for the Montebello Management Professionals Association (MMPA): 13 vacancies, 681 applicants during fiscal year 2024–25, and an average of 71 days to complete hiring from posting.
AFSCME District Council 36 representatives, speaking on behalf of MMPA, told the council the unit’s 28% vacancy rate creates a competitive disadvantage for professional classifications and urged council support for compensation and retention measures as part of successor memoranda of understanding (MOUs). Luis Schmidt of AFSCME said the group seeks steps to retain and attract administrators who run city programs.
Montebello Firefighters Association spokesman Zachary Humber praised recent departmental changes that have reduced vacancies to 7% and credited new recruitment, enhanced training and new medic squads for improving retention and service capacity. The firefighters’ representative urged continued work on competitive compensation for safety staff.
Councilmembers voted to accept the presentation and noted ongoing negotiations with several bargaining units for successor MOUs.
