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Fortuna council approves hiring‑freeze exception to recruit part‑time code compliance officer
Summary
The council approved an exception to the hiring freeze to allow recruitment for an existing, budgeted part‑time Code Compliance Officer I position (funded by Measure E); staff cited CalPERS retired‑annuitant rules that end the current appointment on 06/30/2026 and cap retired‑annuitant hours at 960 per fiscal year.
The Fortuna City Council approved a hiring‑freeze exception on May 18, 2026, to allow recruitment and appointment for a budgeted part‑time Code Compliance Officer I position.
Staff told the council the current employee in the role is a retired‑annuitant whose appointment must conclude due to CalPERS rules and related government code limitations; retired‑annuitant employment is capped at 960 hours per fiscal year and requires a bona‑fide separation from service. Because that appointment must end effective June 30, 2026, staff said recruitment in advance of the vacancy is necessary to preserve enforcement continuity and case documentation.
Staff described the responsibilities of the Code Compliance Officer I position: responding to debris and nuisance complaints, inspections, documentation, compliance follow‑up, coordination on abatement matters, and assistance with enforcement actions. Staff said filling the existing, budgeted position does not create a new position or increase authorized staffing levels and that the role is currently funded within the adopted budget (Measure E).
Public comment supported filling the position quickly; a resident said overgrown yards and debris in neighborhoods underscore the need for enforcement. Council members asked whether the role could remain temporary; staff replied that CalPERS rules limit retired‑annuitant reappointments and that continuity requires recruiting for the permanent, budgeted position.
The council moved, seconded and approved the hiring‑freeze exception by recorded roll call: Council member Connolly — Aye; Council member Stevens — Yes; Mayor Pro Tem Trent — Yes; Mayor Johnson — Yes.
Next steps: staff will proceed with recruitment and hiring processes to fill the Code Compliance Officer I vacancy and maintain enforcement operations.
