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Calaveras County reports vacancy rates below 20% and names chief negotiator for 2026 labor talks
Summary
Human Resources reported a countywide vacancy rate of 12.43%, outlined recruitment and retention steps required under AB 2561, and the board approved a resolution naming Chay Johnson chief negotiator for 2026 labor negotiations.
The Calaveras County Board of Supervisors heard a public report on vacancies and recruitment on May 12 and approved a resolution formalizing the county's labor negotiation team.
Human Resources Director Judy Hawkins told the board the countywide vacancy rate stood at 12.43% as of the April 17 pay period, below the 20% threshold that triggers additional reporting under AB 2561. Hawkins said non‑general‑fund departments had the highest rate, at a little over 13%, while general fund departments were just under 12%.
"I am happy to announce that our vacancy rates are below 20%," Judy Hawkins said, noting the county had conducted 115 active recruitments over the past year, received 5,918 applications, and ultimately hired or placed about 670 candidates.
Hawkins outlined recurring challenges that lead candidates to withdraw late in the process, including long commutes and housing availability for out‑of‑area hires. To reduce dropouts, HR staff now reach out to applicants who live outside the area to confirm they understand that positions require relocation and are not remote. The county also noted work with local workforce partners, community colleges, and an apprenticeship pilot for information‑technology roles.
HR manager Nick Marvin described additional retention efforts, including quarterly HR 101 training for supervisors and leadership coaching to improve manager–employee relationships, and said the county is reviewing benefits and targeted outreach for hard‑to‑fill roles such as engineering manager.
During the same meeting the board considered and adopted a resolution establishing the county's negotiation team and bargaining guidelines for 2026. Hawkins recommended naming attorney Chay Johnson of Liebert Cassidy as the county's chief negotiator; the board amended the resolution to list that name explicitly and approved it.
The board did not take other regulatory action during the hearing; the report was filed and staff were directed to continue recruitment and retention initiatives ahead of the upcoming budget and union negotiations.
What's next: county staff will present proposed benefit adjustments and additional recruitment outreach plans to the board during budget hearings and as negotiation strategies are finalized.
