County HR reports 10.55% vacancy rate; behavioral-health physician unit singled out

Nigel Edwards, Solano County human resources director, presented the annual vacancies and recruitment report required by AB 2561 (Government Code section 3502.3). He said the county's overall vacancy rate as of Feb. 28, 2026 was 10.55% and that the adjusted vacancy rate excluding unbudgeted positions is 7.24%.

Edwards flagged Bargaining Unit 11 (physicians, dentists and psychiatrists) for higher vacancy metrics and explained recruitment challenges: long fill times (the county took about 165 days to fill two psychiatrist positions), a tight labor market, burnout in health roles, and statewide provider shortages. He described recruitment tools and incentives now in use: the NEOGOV applicant system, in-person career fairs, hiring bonuses and a student loan repayment match of up to $70,000 over eight years, plus relocation assistance.

Supervisors asked why eligible lists sometimes returned few hires; Edwards said departments may interview candidates who then decline or not respond, or positions may have been open over long periods. The HR director said a classification study and civil-service rule updates are planned (timeline depends on consultant RFP) and that the county has not yet conducted a broad survey of current employees about recruitment/retention needs. No public comments were received during the hearing; the board closed the hearing after discussion.