Supervisors debate mid-management COLA and department-manager longevity; board adopts 5% longevity at 10 and 20 years and refers COLA questions to finance

Sierra County supervisors discussed competing proposals for cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) and longevity pay for mid-management and department managers, with members expressing concern about compounding percentage increases and budget constraints.

Board packet options included a mid-management request to match COLAs given to miscellaneous/road employees and a department-manager longevity proposal with multiple schedules. Supervisors debated front-loading increases to reduce future compounding and voiced concern about equity between lower-paid rank-and-file employees and higher-paid managers.

After discussion, the board adopted a resolution establishing longevity pay for department managers with a schedule that provides 5% at 10 years and 5% at 20 years of service in a department-manager role. The board recorded a vote in favor of the 10-and-20 option.

On COLAs for mid-management and department managers, supervisors agreed to refer the item to the finance committee for additional analysis to determine affordability and to seek dialogue with affected bargaining units before final action. Several supervisors said they preferred aligning department manager COLAs with those negotiated for other bargaining units rather than adopting a stand-alone CPI-tied adjustment at this time.