Board approves salary schedule changes for elected officials after public pushback

The Fresno County Board of Supervisors on Nov. 4 approved a package of amendments to the county salary resolution that set salaries for several elected department heads for the 2027–2031 term, adjusted the sheriff and district attorney salaries for extended terms, aligned automobile allowances and benefits, and converted the public defender’s flat salary to a six-step range.

Human Resources Director Hollis McGill said the changes were designed to maintain parity with surrounding counties, ensure internal equity among department heads, and include a 3% cost-of-living adjustment during the term. McGill said the analysis compared local counties (Sacramento, San Joaquin, Kern, Madera) and local leadership positions to arrive at recommended levels.

Rodney Talford, president of SEIU Local 521, urged the board to vote no on the proposed raises—characterizing the increases as too large given budget constraints and arguing they would harm morale among lower-paid frontline employees. “Approving these salary increases would undermine public trust, damage morale, and further strain our already fragile budget,” Talford said during public comment.

The sheriff also spoke in favor of the adjustments, saying elected officials in some neighboring counties have higher pay and additional county-paid retirement contributions and that parity was necessary given the scope of responsibilities in Fresno County’s larger jail and public-safety operations. After discussion the board voted to adopt staff’s recommendations.

The board did not quantify the long-term fiscal impact during the meeting; supervisors said the adjustments aim to correct prior disparities so appointed department heads do not earn more than elected officials in equivalent roles. The items passed on voice vote.