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McFarland council approves utilities manager position to combine water and wastewater oversight
Summary
City council voted unanimously to create a utilities manager post to oversee both water and wastewater divisions, with a salary range of about $81,246 to $104,001 and projected annual savings after reducing contracted Chief Plant Operator costs.
The McFarland City Council on June 25 approved Resolution No. 2025-80 creating a utilities manager position to consolidate management of the city's water and wastewater operations.
City staff presented the proposal, saying the new role will report to the public works director, lead operations and capital projects, strengthen regulatory oversight and eliminate the need to fill the vacant water supervisor role. “This position will report to the public works director and lead utility operations, capital projects, and compliance efforts,” staff said during the meeting.
Staff gave a salary range for the position of $81,246.16 to $104,000.97 and said funding is available in the approved budget. Council discussion identified a likely reduction in contracted services: the city currently outsources a chief plant operator (CPO) to a vendor for about $10,000 per month and staff said the new hire could reduce that contract usage. One council member said the change could save “a 100,000, a 120, roughly, per year.”
Vice Mayor Rick Connell moved the measure; Council Member Perez seconded. The clerk called a roll and the vote was unanimous: Marion Aye; Vice Mayor Connell Aye; Councilor Gonzalez Aye; Councilor Perez Aye; Councilor Gutierrez Aye. The motion passed.
Ending — The council approved the position and budget authority; staff and the public works director will proceed with recruitment and implementation under the new job description.
