City staff report continuing reductions and vacancies; transfers and internal hiring seen as mitigation

City staff updated the Personnel and Hiring Committee on position eliminations, vacancies and the strategy to reduce the number of open positions through transfers and internal hiring.

Kimberly Esquire reported the count of positions referenced in the FY25–26 budget, correcting mid‑statement from one figure to another: "en el presupuesto 25 26, hubieron 17, perdón, 114 ... ahora hay 211." Staff explained that transfers and other movements account for the difference and that continued effort is required to lower the number of positions slated for elimination.

Maleca Phillips said the personnel department is accepting transfer requests and prioritizing internal candidates for vacancies: "Estamos aceptando solicitudes para el personal que han pedido transferencias..." Staff noted specific focus areas such as police civilian positions (staff referenced a reduction target from higher numbers toward the '80s to '90s range) and emphasized continuing conversations about staffing and redeployment.

Committee members asked for follow‑up and additional detail on the timeline and criteria for converting temporary or loaned staff into permanent roles; staff said additional analysis and coordination will follow.

No formal policy decision was made at the meeting; staff will provide additional information on transfer timelines and vacancy reduction goals.