The numbers show that the County Water District in the Heights is doing well, according to the District Manager, Bo Andersson, at the district’s monthly meeting. At the Wednesday evening meeting the board also approved a wage increase for district employees.
Andersson reported that water sales are up 23.9 percent above last year – probably due to inordinately hot weather. Revenues are up 15.8 percent over last year.
Expenses are up 32.8 percent, said Andersson, but that includes the cost of additional water. “If you take water purchases out of operating expenses,” he said, “expenses are actually down 33.9 percent versus last year.”
Andersson further reported that the district currently has eight staff members and are in search of one more – a search that is proving difficult, he said.
Andersson urged adopting a 4.95 percent wage increase which raises employees’ wages $1.15 to $1.85 per hour on wages that range between $23.30 to $39.60 per hour.
Board Member Jeff Essman commented, “When I was reviewing comparable salaries . . . from my perspective, the in-house staff was compensated at levels lower than the city’s comparable employees .. ., but the field staff was compensated more. I don’t like a policy that continues that inequity.”
Two board members, Essmann and Pam Ellis said they wanted to … Read full story by subscribing here.
