City of El Paso says hiring incentive program is working, may continue into next year

EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14) — The City of El Paso says it is short nearly 1,600 employees.

They are offering a $1,000 sign-on bonus in hopes of getting more people to apply.

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Laura Cruz-Acosta, the Strategic Communications Director for the city, says the pilot program has been working so far.

“We’ve seen an increase in the number of folks who are applying for the positions, and so we are seeing that it is helpful in the efforts that we’re making,” said Cruz-Acosta.

New City employees in all non-uniform positions will be given $500 at the beginning of their employment. They will receive another $500 after passing the City's six-month probation period.

Public safety recruits would be given $500 at the beginning of their employment. They will receive another $500 after completing their respective training academy with no documented attendance or disciplinary issues.

However, if you don’t pass this period or you choose to quit, you get to keep the initial $500.

We asked Cruz-Acosta if people have been abusing the system so far.

“It is possible but we haven’t seen an extreme number of abuses in terms of that case,” said Cruz-Acosta.

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Cruz-Acosta says the incentive program has been successful enough, it may be extended past it originally scheduled end on August 31, 2022.

“The city council is looking to extend that pilot program for the next fiscal year,” said Cruz-Acosta.

Some people told KFOX14 they think it’s too little too late.

“Offering $1,000 is great, but it’s like are you doing more as to really challenge that network inside of your workplace? Are you doing more to challenge how you look at your workers as people who have families?” said Mia Bonilla.

The city says there is an extensive interview process to ensure people are not just applying for the sign-on bonus, and some people agree that’s necessary.

“I definitely think background checks just making sure people have what they’re applying for has been on the résumé before,” said Jenalee Martin. “There’s no point in forking out money if someone is not qualified.”

Other people think the $500 up front is a bad idea and the money should be split up even more.

“It should be a plan, like you’re going to show up, a long-term thing, and then you get your money in pieces. So you work for your money,” said El Pasoan Roy Rosales.

The city says another way they’re trying to pull in new workers and keep current city workers is by raising wages.

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The city increased minimum wage to $11.11 back in May.

The council is also considering another increase for this budget cycle by $.75, increasing the wages for city government employees to $11.86 for the next fiscal year.