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Atascadero manager touts low vacancy rate and awards; HR reports 3.4% city vacancy
Summary
City Manager and HR reported low turnover, promotions and a 3.4% vacancy rate (5 of 147 positions) as part of an AB2561 staffing update; the city highlighted recent budget and audit awards and listed volunteer and community events.
Atascadero’s city manager opened the meeting by recognizing the finance team for national budgeting and audit awards and previewing several community events, including an Easter Bunny photo opportunity at the police department, the Party for the Planet Earth Day celebration, a citywide yard sale and a Central Coast Cider Festival.
HR Manager Rachel Hunter presented the city’s AB2561 report on vacancies, recruitment and retention, reporting a vacancy rate of 3.4% as of Dec. 31, 2025 (five vacancies out of 147 budgeted positions). Hunter told council that most recent vacant SEIU positions have been filled and that current vacancies are limited to positions in the police association; she said the city actively uses internal promotions (13 in 2025) and reviews job descriptions and salaries to support recruitment and retention. There was no council motion; the item was received and filed.
Why it matters: City officials said the low vacancy rate helps maintain public services and reduces burn‑out among staff. Council members thanked staff for internal promotion practices and noted the value of long employee tenure in local government service.
What residents and council asked: A public commenter praised the report and credited fiscally responsible policies for enabling recruitment. Council members noted the long tenure of retiring employees and expressed appreciation for internal advancement opportunities.
Next steps: No action required; staff will continue AB2561 compliance reporting and recruitment work.
