RCEA Board Considers Large Salary Adjustments for Employees in March Meeting

The Redwood Coast Energy Authority, the agency that purchases electricity for residents across Humboldt County, moved to grant its employees massive salary increases, many of them exceeding 20%, and to shift to a four-day workweek when its board of directors convened Tuesday.

Executive Director Elizabeth Burks' salary would increase from approximately $246,000 to $271,000 annually, while Deputy Director Eileen Verbeck's compensation would jump from just under $170,000 to over $225,000. The staff report included in the agenda did not make it exactly clear how much each employee is currently earning.

According to the staff report, a number of unfilled positions at RCEA have produced a $600,000 surplus, some of which the agency intends to use to fund the raises, which would total approximately $104,000 annually.

The proposals drew sharp criticism from at least one voice. "I am amazed at the compensation level being proposed," said Slattery. "I don't know where they came up with that salary schedule and how it was achieved, but just based on our region I find it not equitable with other positions of similar description and responsibility. Whether they're financially doing well, I still don't believe there's justification for such salary proposals."

Roughly 90% of Humboldt County residents receive their electricity through RCEA, making the agency's financial decisions a matter of broad public interest. Founded as a Joint Powers Authority in 2003, RCEA's mission is to lead, coordinate, and integrate regional efforts toward a cleaner energy future for the community.

As a Joint Powers Agency, the organization is required to post salary and compensation information on the State Controller's Government Compensation in California website in accordance with Assembly Bill 2040.

The combination of above-market salary proposals and a compressed workweek drew particular scrutiny given RCEA's position as a publicly accountable body. Whether the board voted to approve, reject, or modify the compensation package was not immediately confirmed following Tuesday's meeting.