Title
Human Resources Department and Department of Transportation recommending the Board adopt and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 103-2025 to:
1) Approve a new salary scale for the Assistant Director of Transportation; and
2) Approve the following allocation changes in the Department of Transportation:
a) Addition of 1.0 FTE Program Manager allocation; and
b) Deletion of 1.0 FTE vacant Sr. Civil Engineer allocation.
FUNDING: Road Fund.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
Salary Adjustment
In December 2024, the Board adopted the Assistant Director of Transportation classification in the Department of Transportation (DOT). After a thorough review and analysis, it was determined, at that time, to initially place the base salary of the Assistant Director of Transportation classification approximately 5% above the base salary of the Deputy Director of Engineering classification. The decision to set the base salary of the Assistant Director of Transportation classification salary approximately 5% above the base salary of the Deputy Director of Engineering classification was due to the classification’s key leadership role in DOT; the enhanced leadership capacity it provides to support the Director of Transportation in the overall management and direction of the department; and it allows flexibility to have the Deputy Director of Engineering classification report to the Assistant Director of Transportation classification.
In April 2025, the Deputy Director of Engineering classification received a 5.39% increase to its base salary; and effective July 12, 2025, the Deputy Director of Engineering classification received another 2% increase to its base salary as prescribed by the negotiated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the County of El Dorado and El Dorado County Managers’ Association representing employees in the Management Bargaining Unit. As a result of these two increases, the base salary of Deputy Director of Engineering classification is now set 2.37% above the base salary of the Assistant Director of Transportation classification. Given the alignment and compaction concerns the current salaries present between the two classifications, it is recommended the Assistant Director of Transportation classification receive a 7.50% base salary increase. This salary adjustment is recommended to be a one-time adjustment; not intended to be an ongoing formal salary linkage between the two classifications.
The allocation changes described below offset the costs of increasing the base salary of the Assistant Director of Transportation classification.
Allocation Changes
The Department of Transportation requested the Department of Human Resources review adding 1.0 Full Time Equivalency (FTE) Program Manager classification to manage the Encroachment Permit Program (EPP).
HR conducted a thorough analysis and confirmed that the Program Manager classification aligns with the scope of the work proposed. The classification performs high-level oversight of County programs and is responsible for planning, organizing, reviewing and evaluating comprehensive initiatives. Responsibilities include providing professional and technical consultation on complex program matters, providing interpretation of laws and regulations, and the coordination of program activities with various levels of internal managers, professional staff and with external stakeholders. The Program Manager classification is tasked with developing goals and objectives, implementing policies and procedures and organizing work priorities and processes.
The review concluded that assigning a Program Manager to the EPP would improve operational efficiency by providing direct oversight and administration focused on public roadway infrastructure, right of way and encroachment permitting, duties that do not require a professional engineering license. In addition, DOT’s request highlighted the need for more dedicated oversight to maintain compliance with evolving regulations and standards, including those from Caltrans, California Vehicle Code, California Manual of Uniform Control Devices, California Public Utilities Commission, and applicable County policies and ordinances. The role involves coordinating with internal staff and external entities such as utility companies and contractors. As such, HR agrees with the request to add a Program Manager to oversee the Encroachment Permit Program.
DOT requested the deletion of 1.0 FTE Sr. Civil Engineer allocation. This position was designated as “hard to fill”, and per Personnel Rule section 708, has been advertised multiple times with hiring incentives. Despite these efforts, the position has remained vacant since 2021. As such, HR agrees with DOT’s request to delete this allocation.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could decline to adopt and authorize the Chair to sign the attached Resolution and direct HR to conduct further analysis.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
12/10/2024 Legistar file 24-1941: Board adopted Assistant Director of Transportation classification and added 1.0 FTE of the classification.
04/01/2025 Legistar file 25-0520: Board adopted MOU between the County of El Dorado and El Dorado County Managers’ Association representing employees in the Management Bargaining Unit
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
El Dorado County Employees’ Association, Local 1, AFSCME Council 57
El Dorado County Managers’ Association (EDCMA)
County Counsel
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The recommended changes would result in an estimated annual cost of $13,767 for the Assistant Director, $134,576 for the Program Manager, and ($147,992) for the Sr. Civil Engineer, for a net annual cost increase of approximately $351. DOT will be able to cover the increased costs with salary savings.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Upon Board adoption and approval, please provide a copy of the executed Resolution to Heather Andersen in Human Resources.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Workforce Excellence
Priority: Enhance Employee Retention
Action Item: Attract and retain the best employees by providing competitive compensation, training, and advancement opportunities, and fostering innovation.
CONTACT
Joseph Carruesco, Director of Human Resources