District reports 3.3% vacancy rate and high retention at AB 2561 hearing

McKinleyville Community Services District staff presented workforce data at a June 3 public hearing required under Assembly Bill 2561, saying the district’s vacancy rate is 3.3% and that managers have focused recruitment and retention efforts on both outreach and employee wellness.

The presentation, delivered during the board’s public-employee performance session, said the district’s average time-to-hire is roughly 30–45 days, that the retention rate reported for the most recent fiscal year was about 96%, and that the average turnover rate was approximately 1.7%. The staff summary said most recent turnover has come from seasonal and part‑time roles—many held by high‑school and college students who leave after graduation.

Staff described recruitment channels that include district job postings, regionally focused job boards and career-center listings, social media, Craigslist, and attendance at local job/trades events to reach recent graduates. Retention efforts cited included monthly morale activities, small team trainings on communication and resiliency, and targeted management coaching for underperforming employees.

Board members asked whether reduced water use or other external factors explained lower consumption projections in the district’s water plan; staff reiterated that the majority of reported turnover was seasonal and that operations changes (for example, fixing long‑running leaks) also affect workload and metrics.

The board closed the hearing after public comment and accepted the staff presentation. No formal policy change was adopted during the hearing; the presentation served to meet AB 2561’s public‑reporting requirement and to solicit board questions and public input.