Kern County approves salary steps for newly appointed department heads Craig Murphy and Kendra Graham
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Summary
The board approved salary step and department head auto allowance for Craig Murphy (Director of Planning and Natural Resources) and Kendra Graham (County Counsel), both effective Dec. 27, 2025, as reported under state reporting requirements.
Kern County supervisors voted Jan. 6 to approve recommended salary steps and department head auto allowances for two recently appointed county executives.
Jason Liebe of the County Administrative Office reported that Craig Murphy was appointed director of Planning and Natural Resources effective Dec. 27, 2025 and was recommended at step 6 of the county's 10-step salary range for that classification, which the office reported equates to a base biweekly pay of $7,507.27 plus flex benefits and a biweekly auto allowance of $275.52. The report noted that California Senate Bill 707 requires an oral report of compensation for department heads and similar offices.
The board moved, seconded, and voted unanimously to approve the staff recommendation for item 26. The board then considered item 27, approving Kendra Graham's salary at step 4 of the county range for her classification with a reported base biweekly pay of $9,259.45 plus the department head auto allowance. The clerk recorded both motions as approved "all ayes."
The approvals implement the compensation steps included in the staff report and were processed as separate items on the agenda; the board did not discuss amendments to the recommended pay levels during the meeting.