During a recent government meeting, Randy Porter, a maintenance worker with the county's public works department, raised concerns about a significant retention issue affecting his department. Porter, who took personal time off to attend the meeting, highlighted that many experienced employees are leaving for higher-paying positions in private businesses and state agencies, such as Caltrans.

He emphasized that the low wages offered by the county are a primary factor driving this exodus. Porter expressed a desire to retain skilled workers, noting that the loss of experienced personnel is detrimental to the department's ability to function effectively. He underscored the essential role of public works in supporting the county's operations, stating that without their contributions, other county services would struggle to run smoothly.

Porter's comments reflect a growing concern within the public sector about competitive wages and employee retention, which could have broader implications for the county's infrastructure and service delivery.