Maddox Wants More Money

Van Maddox addresses the BoardLOYALTON — All Sierra County department heads are tasked with responsibilities above and beyond what might be expected in a larger, fully-staffed county government. Over time, the responsibilities of our department heads have continued to grow with each new state mandate, to the point where some have begun to feel overwhelmed by the duties they’ve been required to assume. Combined with inflation eating away at income, an increase in compensation seems a natural request.

The question of fair compensation came to a head at the meeting of the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday after Auditor, Treasurer, and Tax Collector Van Maddox released a fiery memo. In the memo, Maddox demands that pay increase to $165k and $175k for the department head tiers one and two, or he will resign from all “non-elected functions” not explicitly listed by the state as the duties of an Auditor-Controller and Treasurer-Tax Collector. Maddox currently has a base salary of $155k.

Though the Board has a record of being receptive to salary adjustment suggestions and requests, the harsh ultimatum and manner in which Maddox approached the issue did little to help his case. Maddox was confrontational, arguing that the Board had failed to realize his value in the county, had given a “hard no” to salary increase requests, and would not “get people to come in who are competent enough to do this” without increasing compensation. Maddox also argued that the county has the money to afford the raise, a point not contested by the Board.

Chair Board Sharon Dryden was first to comment, beginning with an assertion that Maddox was not taken for granted by the Board, noting that the breadth of responsibilities is an unfortunate reality of operating within the confines of a small district and budget. Supervisor Lee Adams stated that while he realized the county could afford the salary at the moment, he believes the Board’s first responsibility is to ensure the continuity of government and not make the county’s future financially unsustainable. Adams then noted that pay had already been raised 10% for department managers within the last few years and that Maddox’s extra responsibilities were listed in the job description of the position he ran for. To that, Maddox argued they were favors to the Board and county during less prosperous times and are not a permanent or legitimate part of his position.

The Board, particularly Supervisor Roen, made clear that discussions about the topic had already been taking place in closed sessions independently over the last few months. Chair Dryden stated that she did not believe that Maddox was over or under-compensated, highlighting that his compensation with benefits exceeds $200k. Additionally, Chair Dryden noted that should Maddox resign from his extra duties, there would be no option other than to hand them over to another department head. Maddox shrugged his shoulders in response.

No action was ultimately taken at the meeting, but Maddox extended the deadline for his resignation to the end of the first quarter of 2024. Supervisor Adams also suggested that the matter be placed on the agenda of every future meeting until its resolution so as not to “kick the can down the road” for too long. Further discussion will take place at the Board’s next meeting in Downieville on December 5th.

In other news…

Plumas Sierra County 4-H Presents

Sierra Plumas County 4-H members introduce themselvesMembers of Plumas Sierra County 4-H gave a presentation to the Board on the importance and value of the club. The presenters gave first-hand accounts of the practical knowledge, leadership skills, academic excellence, and dedication to community service fostered by the club. A great way to support 4-H is by buying an animal at the Sierra-Plumas County Fair or by donating to a member selling one.