HR report: citywide vacancies modest; fire department reports zero vacancies and high morale

The council received the AB2561‑required vacancy and recruitment report from senior HR analyst Rebina Aurora. Aurora told the council that the citywide vacancy rate for calendar year 2025 was 8.12% (a dynamic figure measured over the year) and that the current year‑to‑date average vacancy rate is about 4.67%.

Aurora supplied bargaining‑unit snapshots: the police employees association had an 11.5% vacancy rate for the calendar year (about 5.2% current), the municipal employee association had about 5.9% for the year (5.4% current), and the Laguna Beach Police and Fire Management Association had an 11.1% calendar‑year rate (current ~10%). Aurora described ongoing recruitment and retention efforts including job fairs, outreach, wellness and recognition programs and training to support internal promotions.

Tom Paddton, fire captain and president of the Laguna Beach Firefighters Association, addressed council in support of continued investment in the department. He said the department currently has a 0% vacancy rate, praised improved culture and leadership, and credited council support for competitive pay, the standards‑of‑cover process and strategic investments as contributors to retention and morale.

The HR report was received and filed; no council action was required. Council members thanked staff and the fire association for their work and asked staff to continue monitoring vacancies and recruitment outcomes.

Next steps: the vacancy report remains on file as required by AB2561 and staff will continue recruitment and retention efforts.