MEETING DATE:
MAY 26, 2026
SUBJECT:
Title
PUBLIC HEARING PURSUANT TO ASSEMBLY BILL 2561 TO REPORT ON VACANCIES, RECRUITMENT, AND RETENTION EFFORTS AT THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS
Body
Recommendation
Recommendation
Receive informational report pursuant to Assembly Bill 2561 (AB2561) regarding vacancies, recruitment, and retention activities at the City of San Marcos.
Body
Board or Commission Action
Not applicable
Executive Summary
Assembly Bill 2561 mandates that public agencies conduct an annual public hearing to present workforce data, including vacancy rates and efforts related to recruitment and retention. This report provides the City Council with a current overview of staffing levels within the City of San Marcos, along with a summary of ongoing strategies to attract and retain a qualified workforce.
Discussion
In compliance with AB 2561, the City is presenting updated vacancy data for full-time authorized positions across all employee groups.
As of the date of this report, the City has the following number of vacancies:
• San Marcos Classified Miscellaneous Employees' Association (SMCMEA): 5 vacancies
• San Marcos Professional Firefighters’ Association (SMPFA): 0 vacancies
• San Marcos Supervisors’ Association (SMSA): 2 vacancies
• Unrepresented: 4 vacancies
Based on the total authorized full-time positions in each employee association, the current vacancy rates are:
• SMCMEA: 6.77%
• SMPFA: 0%
• SMSA: 9.09%
• Unrepresented: 4.39%
None of the above groups meet or exceed the 20 percent vacancy threshold outlined in AB 2561 that would require additional notification to recognized employee organizations. However, the City continues to actively monitor workforce trends to ensure timely response to changing staffing needs.
To maintain a stable and effective workforce, the City continues to invest in a range of recruitment and retention initiatives. Current efforts include expanded outreach through digital platforms and professional networks, compensation and benefits benchmarking to remain competitive within the regional labor market, and ongoing training and development opportunities to support employee growth.
Additionally, the City emphasizes internal mobility by creating promotional opportunities to encourage internal advancement. Programs such as employee referral have also contributed to attracting qualified candidates through existing staff.
Collectively, these strategies support the City’s commitment to maintaining a high-performing workforce capable of delivering essential services to the community.
Environmental Review
Not applicable
Fiscal Impact
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with the acceptance of this report.
Attachment(s)
Not applicable
Prepared by: Jacob Lizarraga, Senior Management Analyst, HR/Risk
Submitted by: Jacob Lizarraga, Senior Management Analyst, HR/Risk
Reviewed by: Janelle Laughlin, Administrative Services Director
Approved by: Michelle Bender, City Manager