Caregivers urge Lake County supervisors to raise IHSS wages, cite low offers and high costs
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Summary
Multiple in‑home supportive services providers and a union organizer told the Board of Supervisors the county's current contract offer is insufficient, citing specific pay figures, staffing loss to neighboring counties, and the economic impact of underpaying roughly 2,000–2,400 providers.
Dozens of in‑home supportive services (IHSS) caregivers urged the Lake County Board of Supervisors to increase pay in the county's upcoming provider contract, saying current wages do not cover basic costs and are driving staff away.
Jackie Jordan, who said she has been an in‑home care provider in Lake County since 2015, told the board she and her colleagues “ensure your loved ones live their later years with dignity, comfort, and respect in their own homes” and asked the supervisors to approve an “adequate wage adjustment.”
Why it matters: Caregivers said pay affects retention and quality of care for seniors and people with disabilities. Casey Malone, a political organizer with SEIU 2015, told the board that there are “roughly 2,000” IHSS providers in the county and called IHSS the county's largest employer, arguing that higher wages would support the local economy in addition to staff retention.
Speakers gave specific examples and figures. Siva Jamella said providers currently earn about $17.15 per hour — “65¢ above minimum wage” — and accused the board of offering only a 45¢ raise at the last bargaining offer. Vicky Osborne said there are “over 2,400 providers” in the county and described caregivers juggling multiple jobs to make ends meet. One commenter said other agencies in the county pay up to $23 per hour for similar work and that a private job paid $1.85 more an hour while including benefits.
Several caregivers recounted personal financial hardships. Eleanor Hayes said she paid $8,800 out of pocket for a water heater replacement and later lost her car transmission, forcing her to rely on bus transit. The comments collectively described long hours, unpaid benefits, and tasks ranging from medication reminders to overnight calls.
Board action and next steps: During public comment the speakers pressed the board to return to bargaining with a stronger offer and to prioritize retention. Commenters signaled organized follow‑up, chanting for a contract “now” and warning they would return to the board if negotiations do not produce a satisfactory agreement. The Board closed public input and moved to the next item; no formal vote or motion on wages was recorded during the public comment period.
Quotes: “If you had to do our job at any hour every day, how much would you ask to be paid?” Jackie Jordan asked. Siva Jamella said bluntly, “You ought to be ashamed of yourself,” referring to the county's offer.
What wasn't decided: Commenters requested higher wage offers and better communication from county negotiators, but the transcript records no formal decision, motion, or vote by the Board during this public input segment.
Provenance: The reporting above is based on public comment recorded at the start of the meeting, including remarks by Jackie Jordan, Eleanor Hayes, Siva Jamella, Casey Malone, Vicky Osborne, Leticia Guerrero and others.
