Mono County honors retiring public works director; board appoints internal successor

The Mono County Board of Supervisors on June 2 recognized the retirement of the county's long-serving public works director, reading an extended proclamation listing decades of infrastructure projects and thanking him for his service.

The board’s proclamation (read by the chair) cited the director’s work on road and drainage improvements across the county, solid waste modernization including a landfill closure, recreational infrastructure such as skate parks, and long-term capital projects. Several supervisors and staff offered tributes at the dais, praising his problem-solving, leadership during winter storms and wildfires, and his role in building the department’s team.

The board then considered terms for the appointment of Chad Senior as Public Works Director. The board approved the personnel action by voice vote. The county read a fiscal impact statement: a one-time transition cost of $1,395 for the remainder of the current fiscal year and an annualized increase of $18,178 (approximately $15,296 in salary and $2,882 in benefits).

Chad Senior addressed the board and thanked colleagues for the support and for the opportunity. Supervisors welcomed him and pledged continued collaboration across districts as he transitions into the role.

Why it matters: The public works director oversees road maintenance, solid waste operations, facilities and capital projects across Mono County’s more than 3,000 square miles. The appointment keeps leadership in-house and staff emphasized an active succession plan and continuing projects such as landfill work and the county jail construction.

Next steps: The appointment takes effect June 8; staff will implement the transition and reflect the fiscal change in department budgets. The board did not revise other budget items at the meeting.

Ending: The board concluded the recognition with applause and personal remarks from colleagues and community members.