Council seeks hiring-freeze backfill process after department heads warn of staffing and safety risks

Councilmember Celely presented a proposed process to manage backfills during the current hiring freeze: department heads would submit staffing requests and supporting documentation to the finance director and city administrator for a recommendation to the finance committee. The aim is to provide clarity to departments about when and how vacancies may be refilled.

Several department heads — most prominently the police chief — warned that recruiting and academy training can take many months and that being unable to refill budgeted positions will increase overtime and risk to officer safety. Chief Kevin McQuian said some hires take "over a year" from testing through training, and urged councils to allow timely refills for budgeted positions to maintain operations.

Council members debated whether to allow prompt backfills within an approved budget or require committee review; they directed staff (Nick and the acting city administrator) to craft a streamlined process and return with a resolution, with members seeking guidance on how step increases and previously promised raises will be treated under the freeze.