Fortuna approves hiring-freeze exception to recruit part-time code compliance officer

The Fortuna City Council on May 18 unanimously approved an exception to the hiring freeze to allow recruitment and appointment to the part-time Code Compliance Officer I position in the Police Department.

City staff said the current employee in that role is a retired annuitant whose appointment must conclude effective June 30, 2026, under CalPERS retired-annuitant rules. Staff explained the rules limit retired-annuitant assignments to temporary appointments, require bona fide separation from service and cap work at 960 hours per fiscal year. Without recruitment, staff warned, the city’s ability to respond to nuisance complaints and ongoing enforcement cases would be significantly limited.

The staff report said the position does not create new staffing or request additional appropriation; the part-time position is budgeted and funded through Measure E and is intended to preserve case continuity and documentation needed for enforcement and potential legal proceedings.

During public comment a resident urged quick hiring to address overgrown yards, debris and sidewalk obstructions and said they might apply for the job. Council members discussed whether the role could remain temporary; staff reiterated CalPERS limitations and said returning the same retired annuitant would require a separation period and would likely need a different temporary appointment.

The motion to approve the hiring-freeze exception passed by roll call unanimous vote: Council member Conley Aye; Council member Stevens Yes; Mayor Pro Tem Trent Yes; Mayor Mike Johnson Yes.