Fox Canyon GMA approves hiring two staff to bolster operations; Hallmark Group recommended 20 FTE
Summary
The board approved adding two positions (a groundwater management level position and a program administrator) to begin addressing a Hallmark Group finding that the agency needs roughly 20 full‑time equivalents; the hires are budgeted and expected to raise staff from 11.6 to about 13.6 FTE.
The Fox Canyon Groundwater Management Agency board voted Nov. 3 to authorize recruitment for two additional staff positions that the executive recommended to help address workload shortfalls.
Executive Officer John Demers presented the Hallmark Group’s staffing analysis, which estimated approximately 20 full‑time equivalent positions would be required to meet the agency’s mission. Demers said the agency currently operates at about 11.6 FTE but that the current fiscal year’s budget already includes funding for three additional positions. He asked the board to authorize hiring two positions now — a groundwater manager (at county public‑works manager level 2 or 3) and a program administrator — and to coordinate recruitment with County Human Resources.
Board members discussed hiring pace and training needs. Demers recommended a phased approach: add two positions now, reassess workload in six to 12 months and add two more if justified. The board approved the motion to hire and directed staff to begin recruitment with the county.
Ending: The approved hires will increase staffing to an expected 13.6 FTE; staff will return with recruitment timelines and any future requests if the workload justifies additional hires.
