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Committee advances bill to modernize pay process for fairgrounds managers
Summary
Senate Bill 493 would change how compensation is determined for secretary managers of district agricultural associations, directing CDFA to conduct salary surveys and set compensation ranges; the committee voted to send the bill to Appropriations.
Sen. Becker presented Senate Bill 493 to the Assembly Committee on Agriculture, proposing reforms to how compensation is determined for secretary managers (the chief executives) of district agricultural associations (DAAs), the state entities that operate fairgrounds and often serve as emergency response venues.
Supporters described secretary managers as emergency operations directors, grant writers and facility managers whose roles expanded significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic and recent disasters. Sarah Pelley, CEO of a county fairground, testified the state's 52 DAAs provided 352 days of emergency service across the network last year and contribute roughly $3 billion in annual economic activity; she said the current compensation process has not undergone a formal review and CalHR decisions have, at times, blocked board-approved salary recommendations.
SB 493 would direct the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to contract for a salary survey (funded locally) and establish compensation ranges for secretary managers, with updates every five years. Sponsors said the change would remove one layer of review by CalHR and allow the secretary of food and agriculture to act on board-approved salary recommendations more quickly. The bill also clarifies the statutory title as secretary manager.
Committee members representing rural districts said fairgrounds serve as critical hubs and cautioned that local control and timely appointments are important; sponsors said the measure focuses narrowly on compensation and does not change appointment authority for DAA boards. Supporters said turnover among managers is increasing, and standardized salary ranges would help retain and recruit qualified leaders.
The committee voted to pass SB 493 to the Appropriations Committee; members voting were recorded as unanimous in favor and the clerk reported eight ayes.
Votes at a glance SB 493 (Becker) ' Motion: Pass to Appropriations Committee. Outcome: Approved. Recorded tally reported as 8 yes, 0 no.
