MCCSD Board codifies staff salary schedule and approves changes to meetings
At the Mendocino City Community Services District Board of Directors meeting on Monday, February 6th the board voted to codify a salary step compensation plan for hourly staff that places MCCSD in a competitive position for employees versus other local agencies including Fort Bragg, Westport, Willits, and Cloverdale. The salary range that was approved gives MCCSD employees a slightly higher top pay over comparative agencies in Mendocino County. For example, the top pay for a Treatment Plant Operator 1 in Fort Bragg is $30.59 per hour, and in Cloverdale, it’s $35.41. The top rate at MCCSD for a Treatment Plant Operator 1 will be $31.00 per hour, which will increase it from the current $27 per hour according to Superintendent Ryan Rhoades. The justification for the salary schedule was the lack of applicants to replace an operator that retired last year and the reported salaries of similar positions in the region.
The step compensation system had previously been promised in the employee manual but the staff was unable to verify that it had been voted on by this or any previous board. Board member Aum expressed concern that the salary schedule would tax the budget. Rhoades explained that the proposed salary schedule was included in the rate study which was completed last year. Rate increases went into effect on February 1st. After a lengthy discussion and consideration of the savings from a previous retirement, the board voted unanimously to support it.
After a few previous attempts, the board agreed to record future meetings and make them available to the public. Rhodes was tasked with developing a policy for the board to vote on that would set out guidelines on where and how long the recordings would be available. The subject of recorded meetings has been brought up on multiple occasions by various board members and constituents.
The board also considered hiring Engineering Solutions Services (ESS) to develop a strategic plan for securing grant funding. The district has had some success in the past with grants but would like to increase both the grants they apply for and the win rate. A local resident pointed out to the board that hiring ESS without a competitive bidding process was inappropriate and did not meet the standards expected of a public agency. The district backpedaled and tasked Rhoades with looking into the requirements and practices of the public bidding process for professional services. Board member Aum objected to the continuous use of Attorney Jim Jackson for guidance on legal matters and suggested that he preferred hiring ESS based on the recommendations Rhoades has from other local agencies. Ultimately the board chose to withdraw the proposal to hire ESS until Rhoades can contact the County and if needed, Jackson for additional information. Heavy rains in January brought relief to the district’s drought situation. Based on rainfall and groundwater levels the district is not in a drought. However, as the district is coming out of an extended drought, they are acting with caution and lowering the drought from Stage 2 to Stage 1. Stage 1 asks that customers voluntarily reduce water usage.
The cumulative rainfall numbers as of January 31 were 22.32 inches. The district received 7.91 inches in December and 9.70 inches in January. The average cumulative rainfall through January is 21.52 inches. The district has received .8 inches more water through January than the average for this time of year.
The average depth of Mendocino’s water table on January 18, 2023, measured at 9.34’, compared to 19.41’ in November of 2022 and 12.69’ in January of 2022. The depth is the average distance from the surface of the earth to the water from 24 monitoring wells. A higher number indicates less water.