City Manager David Mirrione provided the staff presentation.
Councilmember Morales requested and received information regarding the potential impact of eliminating vacant positions on the City's operations and staff. Councilmember Morales requested an analysis at a future meeting on the potential impact of cutting employee positions that work in positions that generate revenue for the City.
Mayor Stephens opened the public hearing at 6:52 p.m.
Jay Donato, representing SEIU Unit 521, spoke regarding the need to focus on employee retention due to the tight budget and low staff morale. Mr. Donato asked the City to protect the City's vacancies but not fund them in the upcoming budget to allow them to be filled more easily when funding is available. Mr. Donato opposed a pay cut for City employees because employees may leave for other organizations.
Eva Kelly, representing the Mid-Management Association, provided information regarding vacant positions not included in the information presented, whose responsibilities are being covered by members of the Mid-Management Association and which vacancies represent almost $3.1M in unfilled positions. Ms. Kelly reviewed various positions that the City previously agreed to review in a salary study and positions funded with below average salaries. Ms. Kelly reported on various benefits given to members of the Mid-Management Association below that of other City bargaining units, a hiring and recruitment freeze for Mid-Management Association vacancies, and various proposals offered by the Mid-Management Association that were rejected by the City. Ms. Kelly recommended the City fill currently contracted positions with City employees to reduce costs and commented on the costs associated with the 2025 Hollister Independence Rally. Ms. Kelly described various revenue opportunities for the City, such as annual fee increases, enforcement of code enforcement fines and deadlines, and avoiding implementation of new programs that require ongoing staff to implement. Finally, Ms. Kelly urged the City Council to continue negotiations with the City of San Juan Bautista and County of San Benito County regarding fire contract services, consider cancelling the 2025 Hollister Independence Day Rally due to associated costs, and consider staff furloughs over staff layoffs.
Ambur Cameron, representing the Mid-Management Association, expressed concern regarding the incorrect information presented by the City related to City vacancies and recruitment efforts. Ms. Cameron spoke regarding stagnant wages and lack of upward mobility opportunities for Mid-Management Association members. Ms. Cameron expressed concern regarding additional vacancies that will likely be created without support from the City.
Mayor Stephens closed the public hearing at 7:26 p.m.
The members of the City Council thanked staff for their work to support the City, for coming to the meeting, and for sharing their concerns with the City Council.
City Manager David Mirrione provided corrected information regarding the costs of the 2025 Hollister Independence Rally.