City Council addresses critical labor shortage for essential positions in community center

The Wilmington City Council held a budget hearing on April 21, 2025, focusing on key staffing challenges within the Parks Department and related programs. The meeting addressed several vacant positions and the impact these vacancies have on city services.

The discussion began with an update on staffing needs, highlighting the ongoing efforts to fill the deputy director role and the office clerk position at the William Hicks Anderson Community Center. Interviews for the clerk position are scheduled for the following day, with expectations to fill it soon.

A significant concern raised was the vacancy of the labor form in 3 position, which has remained unfilled since 2022. The department has struggled to find qualified candidates who possess a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) A and meet residency requirements. Despite multiple postings of the job, the department has not received suitable applications. City council members were asked to assist in identifying potential candidates within their districts.

Additionally, the small engine mechanic position will not be filled this year. Instead, the department plans to redirect those funds to pilot a cooperative program with Howard High School, leveraging their diesel mechanic program to provide co-op students with practical experience throughout the year.

The meeting concluded with a review of various staffing updates and transitions, emphasizing the importance of filling critical roles to maintain park cleanliness and overall service efficiency. The council's support in addressing these staffing challenges was deemed essential for the department's operational success.