In a recent city council meeting, officials approved a temporary measure allowing the city manager to offer higher starting salaries for key engineering and planning positions. This decision aims to attract experienced candidates for the roles of deputy city engineer, senior civil engineer, and senior planner, as current salary limitations have made recruitment challenging. The city manager will now have the discretion to offer salaries up to the top step of the salary range for these positions for a period of 12 months, a move intended to compete with other public agencies that typically pay higher wages.

The council also discussed the Madera Subbasin Joint Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) and the city's financial contribution to its five-year update. The city is expected to contribute approximately $16,200, based on its acreage within the subbasin, which accounts for about 3.7% of the total area. However, discussions revealed differing opinions on the methodology for cost-sharing among various agencies involved in the GSP. The county of Madera has indicated a preference for a common methodology, which could complicate negotiations.

Council members expressed concerns about the potential financial implications of the GSP update, particularly if the city were to pursue its own plan, which could cost between $300,000 to $500,000. The council is weighing options for participation in the GSP update, with some members advocating for a more equitable distribution of costs based on acreage, while others suggested a hybrid approach based on actual effort.

The meeting highlighted the complexities of inter-agency cooperation in managing groundwater resources and the financial challenges faced by the city in maintaining sustainable practices. As discussions continue, the council aims to balance fiscal responsibility with the need for effective water management strategies.