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Manassas HR reports hiring surge, benefits changes and in‑house CDL training program
Summary
Human Resources told council the city processed more than 3,100 applications in 2024, improved benefits including deferred‑comp contributions, and developed an in‑house CDL training program that HR says has saved the city roughly $200,000.
Manassas human resources staff reported to the City Council on Jan. 27 that the department processed 3,195 applications in 2024, a roughly 20% year‑over‑year increase, and that the city expanded employee benefits and in‑house training programs to support recruitment and retention.
HR Director Darla Hicks and staff said the city boosted deferred compensation contributions, added leave payouts for retirees, increased insurance contributions for retiring employees and began fronting some new‑hire leave. Hicks said the city completed 76 new hires and 26 new‑hire orientations in the year and that 12 positions filled were internal promotions.
Why it matters: Local government recruiting and retention shape service continuity. HR emphasized quicker hiring timetables and increased communication with employees as priorities.
Key details - Volume: HR processed roughly 3,195 applications in 2024 and conducted more than 300 interviews; turnover across the city was about 11% and average employee tenure averaged around nine to ten years. - Benefits and pay: The city increased its deferred‑comp contribution to $75 per paycheck and added certain retiree insurance and leave enhancements; milestone increases and tuition reimbursement helped retain staff. - Training and workforce pipeline: The city runs an in‑house CDL training program that HR said saved about $200,000 by decreasing outsourced course costs; HR also supports seasonal hiring for pools and recreation and fronted training costs for lifeguard certification. - Public‑safety referral: HR maintains a $500 referral bonus for new hires in police and fire when hires complete one year of service.
Council members praised HR staff for improvements and asked about translation and outreach; staff said Grow Manassas and other materials are produced in English and Spanish and that the city can provide translation accommodations on request.
Ending HR noted upcoming employee recognition events—National Employee Appreciation Day (March 7) and the annual service awards—and said it will continue to streamline hiring and provide training and benefits to reduce vacancies.
