Gonzales staff report: six vacancies, recruitment pipeline and retention challenges amid tight budget

City staff told the Gonzales City Council on June 15 that the city currently has 45 allotted full-time positions and 11 part-time positions and is operating with six vacancies.

The presenter said the six vacancies include a frozen police captain post (left unfilled for savings), a police corporal position, two officer positions, a public works lead and a finance manager. Staff reported progress on hiring: a police sergeant has been filled; background checks are underway for a conditional officer candidate and for a finance manager; and the police recruit pipeline has produced several officers now working on patrol.

To address workforce shortages staff described ongoing recruitment efforts (online job portals, academies, college and career fairs, use of an electronic billboard) and retention strategies such as training, professional development stipends and employee wellness supports. Staff noted limits on pay competitiveness and a lack of local housing make retention difficult; neighboring cities can offer higher salaries and bonuses.

Council members also connected personnel and budget topics: Council member Ryan said item 6.10 (a resolution revising Measure K funds) was pulled because Measure B did not pass and the city had to move money to support fire department staffing. Staff confirmed the National Night Out budget line is $5,000 and that cuts to small events and scaled-back programming rely on volunteer help.

The council did not take formal action on staffing; staff will continue hiring and report updates during budget adaptation.