Rohnert Park council approves permanent finance director with $194,200 salary

The Rohnert Park City Council voted unanimously Nov. 12 to approve an employment agreement making Betsy H the city’s permanent director of finance.

City Manager Marcel Padra presented the agreement and read the compensation summary required under Government Code section 54953. Padra said the agreement sets an annual base salary of $194,200, a one-time credit of 80 hours of annual leave, an accrual schedule tied to the management unit, participation in CalPERS (2% at 55) and standard management fringe benefits including health insurance, disability and retiree health contributions.

Padra said the city has faced challenges recruiting experienced municipal finance directors and described the hire as a stability measure for the finance department: “It gives me great pleasure to have this item before you … she has been serving in this position since May of 2024 and we are delighted that she has agreed to work and continue being part of such a great city,” he said.

Betsy H, who had served as interim director since May and who previously worked in Rohnert Park’s finance offices, thanked the council and said she was “really excited to be back on a permanent basis” and looks forward to preparing the city’s budget and supporting city departments.

Councilmembers praised the hire and noted the department will be stronger with both a director and a finance manager in place. After a motion and second, the council adopted Resolution No. 2024 D100 authorizing the employment agreement by unanimous voice vote.

What’s next: The employment agreement is in effect as adopted; the council did not attach additional conditions in the meeting record. Councilmembers said they expect staff to continue regular budget and study-session work in the months ahead.