Board Approves Social Services Director Pay Increase After Public Dispute Over Qualifications

The Tehama County Board of Supervisors approved revisions to the Social Services Director job classification and amended the director's employment agreement Sept. 15, moving the position's salary range from range 66 to range 72 and converting a 15% stipend for added duties into a permanent contract change.

Personnel Director Coral Farren described the updated essential functions — including oversight of conservatees and their estates — and said the joint council bargaining unit had been notified. Farren said the incumbent, Ms. Emery, had been receiving a 15% stipend for the added responsibilities and the change formalizes that compensation.

Several public commenters and a former county official challenged the move, questioning whether the incumbent had maintained required certifications and whether the board had considered less costly alternatives. One public commenter said, "As of the time I pulled my public record, this individual was not qualified," and asked for greater transparency about certifications and salary figures.

Staff and other board members said the agenda backup includes salary information and that they had reviewed Ms. Emery’s qualifications; a county personnel official said certification issues had been resolved. The board approved the class specification, the employment agreement amendment, and the companion resolution to update the master salary schedule. The motion passed by roll call with a 4–1 vote, Supervisor Burrows dissenting.

The board directed staff to implement the approved classification and salary changes effective as posted in the item materials.