The Knoxville City Council meeting held on August 29, 2025, focused on key discussions regarding workforce data and turnover rates within city departments. The meeting began with a presentation from Katrina, the data analyst for Human Resources, who provided insights into employee turnover statistics.

Katrina noted that the data on turnover had been collected several months prior and indicated a positive trend in most departments. She emphasized the importance of distinguishing between applicant numbers and actual turnover rates, which are critical for understanding workforce stability.

A significant highlight from the discussion was the fire department's turnover rate, which has dramatically decreased from 7% in 2023 to just 2% currently. This improvement reflects the effective strategies implemented by the HR department to manage and retain staff.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for further questions, underscoring the council's commitment to transparency and ongoing dialogue regarding workforce management. Overall, the discussions indicated a proactive approach to addressing employee retention and enhancing departmental performance within the city.