The city of Tucson has a new plan to tackle its staffing shortage, which is expected to get somewhat worse with the projected termination of 86 employees who failed to comply with a COVID-19 vaccine mandate by a Dec. 1 deadline.
Those expected to be fired under the policy include 22 firefighters, 30 policemen and three employees in 911 dispatch, nine in Tucson Water and four in Housing and Community Development, among others.
There are about 600 openings already in city government, but that list does not include some high-profile posts that will need to be filled.
City Manager Michael Ortega delivered a plan at last week’s City Council meeting that aims to boost retention benefits, expedite the hiring process and advertise job openings more aggressively. Ortega also said that the vaccination-related terminations will not significantly hinder the city's ability to provide services.