San Gabriel council receives AB 2561 compliance report as citywide vacancy rate falls to 7.8%

San Gabriel City Council received and filed a public hearing report on its compliance with Assembly Bill 2561 on May 5, after Human Resources Risk Management Director Macias told the council the citywide vacancy rate had dropped to 7.8%.

The report described year-over-year changes across bargaining units and the citys recruitment practices. Macias said the city had 205 authorized full-time equivalent positions, with 15 vacancies and one underfilled post, yielding 16 operational vacancies and a 7.8% vacancy rate citywide. "A total of 205 FTEs citywide, 15 are currently vacant. 1 is currently underfilled, resulting in 16 operational vacancies citywide," Macias said.

Macias told the council that the Police Officers Association (POA) vacancy rate fell from 20.5% in April 2025 to 7.7% by April 24, 2026, while the Firefighters Associations vacancy rate rose from 3.3% to 10% over the same period. He credited part of the POA improvement to council-authorized temporary overhires: "Council has given staff the authority to temporarily hire above that number 39 up to 44," Macias said, describing up to five overhires used to train additional recruits.

The presentation explained how AB 2561 requires public agencies to report full-time position vacancies by bargaining unit, to disclose actions taken when a units vacancy rate exceeds 20%, and to present the report publicly prior to budget adoption. Macias summarized the law and said the city was complying with its requirements; AB 2561 went into effect Jan. 1, 2025.

On recruitment tactics, staff described using the NeoGov (GovernmentJobs) application system and evidence-based online assessments to increase the applicant pool and streamline communications. Macias said NeoGov has largely automated routine email notices: "The email communications are 100% automated," he said, while acknowledging that later-stage communications often become more personal and can therefore create occasional gaps.

Councilmembers pressed staff on two sets of issues: how temporary overhires affect reported vacancy figures and whether applicants receive timely feedback. Councilmember Herrera Avila asked whether the five temporary overhires explain the improved POA numbers; Macias confirmed the overhires helped train candidates who are then eligible to fill full positions after academy and probation. Councilmember Ranchaga said constituents had complained about not receiving follow-up after applying; Macias said final disposition notices are part of the NeoGov process and that staff will continue tightening handoffs with departments to reduce delays.

Vice Mayor Ding moved and Councilman Herrera Avila seconded a motion to receive and file the AB 2561 compliance report; the motion passed unanimously, 5-0. The council also approved routine consent calendar items in a separate 5-0 vote earlier in the meeting.

The presentation and council discussion concluded with staff noting ongoing efforts to review workplace policies (including shift-rotation practices codified in memoranda of understanding), to expand recruitment outreach, and to analyze compensation and benefit alternatives to improve retention. Macias said the department will continue to evaluate each recruitment and hire for lessons learned and will report back through established budget and staffing processes.

The meeting also included ceremonial proclamations recognizing Military Appreciation Month, AAPI Heritage Month and AAPI Mental Health Day, and Historic Preservation Month, and short community updates from the mayor, city manager and councilmembers. The council adjourned at 7:55 p.m.; the next regular meeting is scheduled for May 19, 2026.