Staffing vacancies key theme of State of the City address in Salinas

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) - The Salinas community filled Sherwood Hall Tuesday night to learn more about the state of the city.

The event allowed people to connect with various city departments, but also meet Salinas’ new city manager Rene Mendez. He opened up about some of the feedback he’s heard about the city’s issues.

“Staffing is a challenge for all plans and then fiscally... [the city] has to try to maintain a balanced budget and still provide the services that the community needs," Mendez said.

Staffing within the city was a key point during the State of the City address.

Mayor Kimbley Craig pointed out the city has over 80 vacancies, with more than a third being in the police department.

“All of the departments are hiring," Mayor Craig said. "I mean, HR is hiring, our fire department is hiring, the airport community services,"

The State of the City address comes during a transition period for Salinas. Mayor Craig recently announcing she won’t be running for re-election.

Meanwhile, Jesus Valenzuela will be sworn in as District 3 council member on June 11.

People at the event tell KION, they’re hoping city council can work together on achieving some of these goals.

“I hope that there's unity in that city constantly, that we see peace," Salinas resident Gloria de la Rosa said. "Because lately it hasn't been."

"[Mendez] will be able to work to better the city, because right now we're going through a really bad turbulence," Victor Cervantes who lives in Salinas said.

Mendez also addressed the ongoing search for Salinas’ permanent police chief, saying that is a top priority for him as city manager.