Directors oppose reinstating benefits

The two newest directors of the Ramona Municipal Water District Board, Jim Hickle and Thomas Ace, stated their opposition to reinstating district-paid board health benefits, saying it would send the wrong message to customers.

The medical, dental and vision benefits were suspended in 2012 for three years as a cost-cutting measure during lean financial times.

Director Joe Zenovic, who recommended the suspension in 2012, suggested they be reinstated as the economic picture is better today.

“I don’t really have a need for the benefits but I think it’s important from the professional point of view that the board be offered the benefits because we should be a professional board,” Zenovic said at the May 12 board meeting.

All five of the directors said they do not need the benefits.

According to the district, to provide health and dental benefits through its Kaiser plan would cost about $600 per board member each month.

Ace, who was sworn in at the meeting to fill the Division 3 seat vacated by Arnie Cares, noted that the water district faces financial uncertainties with state-mandated water cutbacks and escalating fire services costs.

“I believe this sends a troublesome message to the public,” he said.

With board members receiving $100 per monthly board meeting, Director George Foote said that the district would be paying six times what they earn.

“I just think that’s out of proportion,” Foote said.

Board president Darrell Beck and Zenovic suggested deferring the decision for a year, but Hickle disagreed.

“We’re here to serve the community, regardless of benefits,” said Hickle, who was elected to Division 2 in November 2014. “Kicking the can down the road sends the wrong message.”

Beck, however, sought to leave the option open for a future board.

Hickle made a motion to not reinstate benefits at this time, which was seconded by Ace and passed unanimously.

In other business:

•The board recognized retiring Water Operations Superintendent Johnny Brean with a resolution, recognizing his 30 years working for the district. Brean’s last day is May 26. To fill the position, Beck said the district will first consider in-house staff.

•Hickle was appointed treasurer of the board, a position left open after the resignation of Cares.

•The board established a Fire Services Committee with Ace and Beck serving on it. Foote will serve on the San Vicente Recycled Water Committee with Zenovic.

•The board authorized awarding a sole-source contract to Benshaw Advanced Controls and Drive Inc. to purchase replacement motor starter equipment and supplies for the Poway Pump Station, for about $77,000.