EDC supes say yes to seniors, table raises

By Kathryn Reed

In the same week El Dorado County interim CAO Pamela Knorr wanted to cut senior programs she asked the Board of Supervisors to give key employees, including herself, a 15 percent raise.

The raise was tucked into the June 2 consent agenda. This is usually where items that don’t need discussion from the electeds are placed. The item was to amend the salaries resolution to include longevity pay. None of the supporting documents mentioned that Knorr and County Counsel Robyn Drivon would be eligible for the spike in salary.

The proposal came from the Human Resources Department, of which Knorr is still head of. It was to change longevity to be based on total years in government service, not just at El Dorado County. Knorr, according to a February county press release, has more than 28 years of government service. She is 44 years old; making her 16 when she started her career.

The new rule would have only affected those employees not covered by a union; so not the rank and file workers.

The issue was first broached in mid-May at which time the Auditor-Controllers Office found errors with the proposal and got the item delayed. More errors were found in the latest proposal.

The multi-page document was released to the supervisors after 5pm May 29.

On June 1 at 9pm, Auditor-Controller Joe Harn emailed the supervisors and Knorr asking for the item to be delayed at least two weeks. The letter in part says, “This draft resolution has not been reviewed and vetted in accordance with our normal process. … I still note significant changes in the resolution that are not explained, noted, or disclosed in any way in HR’s board letter. Most significantly, the resolution proposes to change Section 901 and grant longevity pay to department heads that have prior service at other cities and counties. This could mean a 15 percent raise for some department heads. This is a major change in the Salary and Benefits Resolution. This change should either be eliminated or clearly disclosed in the board letter and discussed and justified in public.”

County Assessor Karl Weiland also sent an email to the board: “I support the auditor’s request. Subsequent to the last continuance, I sent an email to the CAO and county counsel expressing my concerns regarding process. The reinstatement of the longevity for prior service clause into §901 (a) whether accidental or intentional, needs to be thoroughly vetted before adoption.”

At this week’s meeting the supervisors removed the item from the agenda.

As for the seniors, Knorr recommended the supervisors shut down the senior lunch programs in Diamond Springs, El Dorado Hills, Greenwood, Pioneer Park and Pollock Pines. She also wanted the county’s senior daycare program to be eliminated.

The board said no way to both proposals. A large contingent of seniors was in the audience at Monday’s budget workshop meeting advocating for their programs.

Another matter on the June 2 agenda was discussion about hiring a permanent chief administrative officer. Knorr this spring told the board she would start the recruitment process. This is instead of relying on a consultant and subcommittee of the board, even though Knorr wants to have the job on a permanent basis. There was no reportable action taken.

Knorr was not available for comment.