During the workshop, City Manager Don Magner said Richardson has 113 vacancies, equivalent to 10.9% of the city’s projected staff size. This is higher than the city had in 2019, when it recorded a 4.9% vacancy rate. Public services and parks and recreation are the most affected departments, according to city documents presented at the workshop.
Richardson officials reported the city is receiving far fewer job applications than in years past and has noticed a decrease in the city's ability to retain staff.
The city projects to have an attrition rate of 18.9% after being at 13.6% in 2019. In addition, Richardson officials said the number of city employees with less than a year of service rose to 138 in 2022 compared to 98 in 2019. To offset these issues, Magner said the city plans to better compensate its employees.
A new compensation package is scheduled to include a 6%-11% pay increase for both fire and police personnel, according to a city budget report that also includes funding for public safety steps, when applicable. General city employees are expected to receive an up to 6% merit-based market pay adjustment in addition to a living wage increase for full-time and part-time workers. These pay plan adjustments are expected to cost over $5.8 million, according to city officials.
In addition, the city plans to enhance its employee benefits package, including shifting its retirement program from a 25-year eligibility period to a 20-year eligibility period.
Magner said the city also plans to allow employees to use any amount of sick leave for the care of ill or injured immediate family members. More information and job listings with the city of Richardson can be found here.
Editors note: This story has been updated to more accurately reflect the city's new compensation package for fire and police personnel.
