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Staff reports citywide vacancies above 65 FTEs; labor groups urge faster hiring and protection of funded positions
Summary
Under AB 2561 reporting, the city said it had roughly 476 budgeted FTEs and about 65.5 vacancies; MEA (management) had a vacancy rate above 20%. Labor representatives urged the city to refill funded non-general-fund positions, increase recruitment and retention efforts and avoid excessive contracting-out that raises costs.
Human Resources reported to the council that as of May 1 the city had about 476 budgeted full-time equivalent roles and roughly 65.5 vacant FTEs. The city-wide vacancy picture varies by bargaining group; the Management Employees Association (MEA) group exceeded a 20% vacancy rate, which triggers additional reporting under AB 2561.
HR described tactics underway to reduce vacancies: continuous recruitments for high-need roles, expanded recruitment outreach and targeted sourcing at colleges and professional associations. HR also reported 67 recruitments completed during the reporting period with 28% of hires filled by internal promotions.
Labor representatives from GEM (General Employees Monterey) and MEA told council that many funded positions have not been recruited for and remain vacant for long periods. They said contracting-out work and prolonged vacancies increase overtime and external contracting costs and damage morale. The unions asked for a faster pace of hiring, consideration of wage steps where recruitments fail to attract candidates, and a closer look at positions funded by non-general funds that have been left unfilled.
Council members acknowledged these concerns and emphasized the tension between budget constraints, possible program reductions and the operational impacts of vacancies. The report is part of the state-mandated transparency reporting required under AB 2561.
