Hughson releases AB 2561 report showing 2025 vacancy and turnover pressures
February 23, 2026 | Hughson City, Stanislaus County, California
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Hughson city staff presented the Assembly Bill 2561 report on the city’s 2025 vacancies, recruitment and retention at the Feb. 23 City Council meeting. The report, required by AB 2561, covered calendar-year 2025 and described recruiting timelines, vacancy counts and retention measures.
According to the presentation, Hughson has 24 budgeted full-time positions. Staff reported an average monthly vacancy rate of 13.5% for 2025, with a high of 16.7% and a low of 12.5%. The city filled five vacancies in 2025; those hires averaged 147 calendar days from vacancy to fill. Staff calculated a 14.5% annual staffing turnover rate for 2025 and said the three vacancies that exceeded a 20% vacancy threshold included a long-unfilled customer service clerk position and operational positions in utilities.
The presenter described the city’s recruitment process—position review, adjustments where needed, and a recruitment period that typically lasts three to six months depending on level—and retention steps such as targeted advertising on social media and local outlets, an added $1,500 midyear advertising allowance in human resources, cross-training, certification support and shared-service arrangements with neighboring jurisdictions.
Council asked how Hughson’s 14.5% turnover compared with nearby cities. Staff said AB 2561 reporting is new and that only a few jurisdictions had completed comparable reporting; they pledged to return with additional comparative data and a fiscal-year version of the report at the next budget cycle. No formal action or direction was taken; the presentation was informational.
Staff noted some operational specifics: the customer service clerk position has remained unfilled and was included in vacancy metrics because it is budgeted; the city has relied on contract services for some certified wastewater work and is evaluating converting or reallocating positions to meet certification needs. Staff said they would continue refining reporting as they gain experience with the new statute.
According to the presentation, Hughson has 24 budgeted full-time positions. Staff reported an average monthly vacancy rate of 13.5% for 2025, with a high of 16.7% and a low of 12.5%. The city filled five vacancies in 2025; those hires averaged 147 calendar days from vacancy to fill. Staff calculated a 14.5% annual staffing turnover rate for 2025 and said the three vacancies that exceeded a 20% vacancy threshold included a long-unfilled customer service clerk position and operational positions in utilities.
The presenter described the city’s recruitment process—position review, adjustments where needed, and a recruitment period that typically lasts three to six months depending on level—and retention steps such as targeted advertising on social media and local outlets, an added $1,500 midyear advertising allowance in human resources, cross-training, certification support and shared-service arrangements with neighboring jurisdictions.
Council asked how Hughson’s 14.5% turnover compared with nearby cities. Staff said AB 2561 reporting is new and that only a few jurisdictions had completed comparable reporting; they pledged to return with additional comparative data and a fiscal-year version of the report at the next budget cycle. No formal action or direction was taken; the presentation was informational.
Staff noted some operational specifics: the customer service clerk position has remained unfilled and was included in vacancy metrics because it is budgeted; the city has relied on contract services for some certified wastewater work and is evaluating converting or reallocating positions to meet certification needs. Staff said they would continue refining reporting as they gain experience with the new statute.
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