The Plumas County Board of Supervisors approved on Oct. 7 an employment agreement to hire Kelly Ward as the county’s disaster recovery coordinator, a limited‑term contract position running Oct. 8, 2025, through June 30, 2028.

County staff said the position — created in March 2025 to support wildfire recovery — will be funded by PG&E settlement dollars earmarked for recovery work. Interview panel members included Supervisor Goss, the county grant manager Zachary Gaitley, an Office of Emergency Services representative and a Plumas Rural Services executive. County staff reported Ward’s background includes project management, tribal experience and work with state and federal natural‑resource agencies.

The employment agreement sets a step‑3 salary of $38.60 per hour (annual salary listed as $80,288) with total benefits calculated at $135,044; staff said the salary and benefits were consistent with the PG&E settlement funding allocation. The board approved the agreement by roll call; the candidate was expected to begin work the next day.

What happens next: Ward will take a lead role coordinating wildfire recovery grants and programs, including economic development and grant management tasks assigned to the recovery function. The county will administer compensation and benefits from the settlement allocation according to the approved agreement.