Water Agency Employees to Receive Bonus

AUBURN -- Placer County Water Agency employees will receive a one-time, 1.5 percent of wage bonus, under unanimous action taken Thursday (Jan. 3) by the PCWA Board of Directors.

Board Chairman Gray Allen said the agency's work force has seen limited raises in recent years but has stepped up to keep the agency moving forward during difficult times.  He cited the recent economic downturn and PCWA's lengthy and expensive federal relicensing process for the Middle Fork American River Hydroelectric Project.

Director of Administrative Services Michael Willihnganz said the one-time bonus would apply to the agency's 197 regular employees and would result in a one-time expenditure of $198,000.  The bonus will not have an effect on PCWA water rates, he said.

The water agency's wages have remained fairly static over the past four years.  No cost of living adjustments were granted from 2009 until 2012 when a two percent increase was approved.  Employees have not received a 2013 increase, said Willihnganz.

Newly-seated District 4 Director Robert Dugan voiced support for the bonus.  "PCWA is a fiscally responsible agency," he said.  "In this difficult economy, we are able to do this because the agency has been fiscally responsible."  He termed the bonus "a modest and conservative recognition" for the public service performed by agency employees.

 In other business, PCWA directors:

•  heard an introductory presentation by organizational consultant Steve Barber, who will be leading two board workshops on strategic thinking and collaborative decision making.  The workshops are planned for Feb. 19 and Mar. 12.
• heard a report from Director of Administrative Services Michael Willihnganz on his department's accomplishments of the past year and projects and challenges of the coming year.  PCWA's Administrative Services Department includes human resources, multimedia services, risk and safety services, and information systems services.
• heard a public comment from Auburn ratepayers and regular meeting observers Carol Cramer and Ann Fulweiler, who complimented the agency for its accomplishments and proactive approach to doing business.  T
• They also urged the agency to keep the interests of ratepayers and taxpayers in mind and exercise "due diligence" in how public funds are spent and invested.

The PCWA Board of Directors will next meet in adjourned session at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 9, at the PCWA Business Center, 144 Ferguson Road, in Auburn.  The board's next regular meeting is at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 17.   PCWA board meetings are open to the public.