During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the compensation of local agency executives, highlighting concerns over salary disparities and the fiduciary responsibilities of government officials. A board member expressed frustration regarding the proposed salary adjustment for Mr. Geary, which would set his compensation at approximately $410,599, bringing total earnings to an estimated $624,878. This figure matches the compensation of his predecessor, Frank Kim.

The board member emphasized that government employees typically do not seek positions for financial gain but rather to serve the public. Drawing from personal experiences in both the private sector and government contracting, the member contrasted their earnings with those of high-ranking officials, including the President of the United States and military generals, to underscore perceived inequities in compensation.

The meeting also referenced SB 1436, a 2016 legislation that mandates a summary report on executive compensation for local agencies. The board ultimately moved forward with the recommended salary adjustment, with an interim CEO, Ms. Aguirre, set to take on the role. The discussions reflect ongoing scrutiny of government salaries and the expectations of public service, raising questions about the balance between fair compensation and public accountability.