The employees of the Cambria Community Healthcare District agreed to amending their MOU (aka contract) in recognition of the struggling economy and possible decrease in property tax revenues that fund the district. About 85% of the total expenses of the district go toward personnel costs. ($1,148,310.00 of a total $1,358,269.00) Even though their MOU runs through 2011, every employee agreed to forgo the step increase and cost of living increases the MOU calls for. The change also means a freeze on a planned change in the PERS (retirement) contribution to be paid by the district.

I don’t know whether the salaries are in line with market rates, but the staff and Administrator Melendy are to be commended for taking steps to respond to a fiscal crisis in the District. The MOU will be reviewed again next year to determine if the step increases will be put back into place or if the freeze will have to continue.

Kudos to the CCHD staff, management and Board for doing the right thing for the community – even when they didn’t have to.

The Board of Trustees also approved the letter of understanding between the CCHD and CCSD for co-location that will be considered at tomorrow’s CCSD meeting. I wrote  about that issue Monday. Read the letter here.

Last 5 posts by Amanda Rice

• Water You Thinking? Panel Discussion of Water Issues Tuesday March 16, 2010
• Bygones Aren't Bygones For Cambria Healthcare District Board, It Seems
• Agenda for Thursday February 25 CCSD Meeting
• Open Invitation to Cambria Potluck Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 4pm
• CCSD Water Master Plan and Related Documents