Members of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 3, have secured a 10% salary increase following the ratification of a new agreement with the Plumas County Board of Supervisors on May 13. This memorandum of understanding, which was unanimously adopted, impacts approximately 45 county employees across various departments, including behavioral, public and environmental health, facilities, and the district attorney’s office.
The raise will take effect from the pay period starting May 18, and union members will also receive a one-time payment of $2,000. Joshua Mizrahi, the interim human resources director, presented the agreement to the supervisors via Zoom after months of negotiations. Supervisor Mimi Hall commended him for his flexibility and contributions to the agreement.
Several other bargaining agreements within Plumas County have expired, with five units’ contracts ending on December 31, 2024, and others expiring on June 30. Hall expressed optimism that the new MOU is a step toward further salary increases for county employees, with plans for a comprehensive salary survey to be conducted.
In recent years, Plumas County elected officials have also received pay raises, including a 10% increase in February 2022 and subsequent raises for department heads. A 20% pay increase for Sheriff’s Office employees was authorized on October 10, 2023.
The MOU for the Operating Engineers includes additional benefits such as longevity pay steps, adjustments to sick leave, compensatory time off, bereavement pay, and vacation buy-back options. It also allows for a boot allowance for the deputy agriculture commissioner/sealer of weights and measures position.
During the May 13 meeting, the supervisors intended to appoint Interim County Counsel Joshua Brechtel to the permanent position but delayed the decision due to a lack of supporting information in the agenda materials, which raised concerns about compliance with the Brown Act. Plumas County has been without a permanently appointed county counsel since Gretchen Stuhr’s resignation in July 2023.
