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Discussion on vacancy rate reduction and staffing targets

0:57:14

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Council Member Carmen De La Rosa questions DCAS officials about the reduction in vacancy rates, which is largely attributed to lowering staffing targets rather than increasing net staffing levels. She inquires about the impact on service delivery and the evaluation process for eliminating vacant positions.

The city reduced its staffing target by 7,096 positions, accounting for over two-thirds of vacancies reduced through January 2024.
DCAS officials state they are not privy to information about staffing levels and budgeted headcount, deferring to OMB for those decisions.

Carmen De La Rosa

0:57:14

I have my first question is, around the 2024 report by the state comptroller, which cited that the reduction in vacancy rate is largely due to the city's decision to lower its staffing targets rather than an increase in net staffing lever levels.

0:57:30

In December 2022, the city's vacancy rate peaked at 8.4%.

0:57:36

Since then, the city has reduced its staffing target by 7,096 positions according to over, accounting for over 2 thirds of the vacancies reduced through January 2024.

0:57:48

So there was a reduction in the target of hiring.

0:57:52

How has the decision to reduce staffing targets impacted the city's ability to deliver services, especially in areas facing high demand?

0:58:01

That's one question.

0:58:02

And 2, what, evaluation is conducted before a vacant position is eliminated to determine that it is no longer needed?

Katrina Porter

0:58:12

So thank you for that question.

0:58:14

From a DCAS perspective, we stay committed to delivering high quality services to support, New Yorkers and city agencies, And we are continually, assessing how we can maximize, the use of the resources that we have available.

0:58:29

As it relates to staffing levels and, you know, budgeted headcount at the city, as city agencies, DCAS is not privy to that information.

0:58:38

However, we can take that question back to our colleagues at OMB for a response.

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DCAS involvement in staffing target reduction decisions