Sierra County Board Hears Job Vacancy Numbers

SIERRA COUNTY — California’s Assembly Bill 2561 imposes new requirements for counties to report job vacancy information in an effort to find solutions for understaffing. As a result, Sierra County Personnel Director Judi Behlke gave a presentation to the Board of Supervisors on the current state of the county’s staffing, potential reasons for vacancies, and possible resolutions.

According to Behlke, all of the county’s bargaining units fall at or below a 20% vacancy rate, a threshold that would require the county to provide extra information about the vacancies. Sierra County’s miscellaneous bargaining unit has a 5.13% vacancy rate, the Road Unit has a 7.7% vacancy rate, and the Deputy Sheriff’s Association has a 20% vacancy rate, exactly, with four out of 20 positions vacant. The Sheriff’s Department is also hopeful it will fill several of its open positions, with a candidate deputy sheriff, dispatcher, and probation officer currently undergoing the screening process.

Although the low vacancy rate came as good news to the county, Behlke’s presentation still identified some of the challenges associated with recruiting for county positions. Sierra County’s rural location is one of the major factors contributing to vacancies, drawing some candidates and discouraging others. Lack of long-term housing is also one of the most significant recruiting challenges. Additionally, the county does not offer sign-on bonuses, which may be available from other agencies. Finally, the county reports a general lack of qualified or experienced candidates.

Behlke says that to overcome its hiring issues, the county promotes its unique recreational location and natural beauty. The county also offers benefits that often exceed those of others, including life insurance and air ambulance coverage.

Supervisor Lee Adams thanked Behlke for the presentation, noting that Assembly Bill 2561 was initially opposed by him and the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC). While RCRC believed that the bill would only add an unnecessary burden to counties without reimbursement, Adams changed his opinion, saying, “I have to tell you, as I sit here listening to your report, I’m now thinking maybe this is a good idea for us to do a little introspection to see where we can change things.” Adams also reiterated the need to find a solution to short-term vacation rentals, which severely limit the housing supply for potential local workers.