Small District, Big Pay: Ramona Water Board Approves Over $290K in Annual Compensation for General Manager
Small District, Big Pay: Ramona Water Board Approves Over $290K in Annual Compensation for General Manager
One Week Before Election Day, Unanimous Board Vote Raises Questions About Executive Spending, Water Affordability and Public Priorities
United States, 28th Oct 2026 – One year after the Ramona Municipal Water District Board unanimously approved an annual compensation package exceeding $290,000 for General Manager Erica Wolski, the decision is drawing renewed attention ahead of the November 3 election.
The approval puts executive compensation, financial oversight and water affordability at the center of questions for incumbent board president Jim Hickle and challenger John Stevenson.
The central issue is not simply how much the district pays its general manager, but what standards, performance results and comparisons the board used to determine that amount – and what Ramona residents are receiving in return.
A Unanimous Decision, Questions About Priorities
On October 14, 2025, the board voted 4-0 to approve an amendment to Wolski’s employment agreement. The annualized package totals $290,026, including salary, deferred compensation and an $833 monthly car allowance, before other benefits.
The district serves approximately 40,000 people. For comparison, San Diego advertised a $310,752 salary for its Public Utilities Director in 2026. Although the positions differ in responsibilities and organizational scale, the comparison raises questions about how public agencies determine executive pay.
The district cited Wolski’s performance, grant funding, partnerships and management responsibilities in support of the adjustment. Residents should be able to examine the evidence supporting those considerations.
Water Affordability and Public Spending
For families, seniors, farmers and small businesses, water is an essential expense. As residents face concerns about rising costs, transparency surrounding district spending matters.
“This may be water under the bridge to some, but I was shocked when I saw the compensation approved for General Manager Erica Wolski – and I am not alone,” said Linda Klein, editor of Ramona Citizen News.
“Some of our neighbors are struggling to put food on the table, pay their water bills and make ends meet. When I see compensation exceeding $290,000 annually, I want to understand how that decision was justified and what our community receives in return.
“Public money deserves public accountability.”
The Public Needs to Hear From Both Candidates
With Election Day approaching, residents have an opportunity to hear directly from both candidates about the district’s financial priorities.
As incumbent board president, Jim Hickle can explain the board’s compensation decision, its supporting evidence and how district performance is evaluated.
Challenger John Stevenson can explain what he would review, preserve or change if elected. Both candidates have three important questions to address:
- Executive spending: What justifies the compensation package, and would you support an independent compensation and staffing review?
- Water affordability: What specific actions would you pursue to control costs while maintaining reliable service?
- Public accountability: How should residents evaluate district spending, grant funding and measurable results?
Following the Money
Grants can bring valuable resources to Ramona, but residents should understand how funds are spent, whether local contributions are required and what ongoing financial obligations may follow.
“This is about more than one salary or one board vote,” Klein said. “It’s about how public money is spent, how decisions are explained and whether the people paying the bills have a meaningful voice.
“Residents deserve answers, accountability and a clear understanding of what their money is paying for.”
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
OFFICIAL RECORDS
October 14, 2025 Board Agenda Memo, Item F.5: Proposed salary, deferred compensation, car allowance and the district’s stated rationale. Read the official memo.
October 14, 2025 Board Minutes: The district’s meeting archive provides access to agendas and minutes. View agendas and minutes.
2024 Public Payroll Record: Historical reported salary and benefits information. Review the payroll record.
Media Contact
Linda Klein, Editor
Ramona Citizen News
Telephone: 760-383-9262
Email: RamonaCitizenNews@gmail.com
Website: www.RamonaCitizenNews.com
Media Contact
Organization: RAMONA CITIZEN NEWS
Contact Person: Linda Klein
Website: http://www.ramonacitizennews.com/
Email: Send Email
Country: United States
Release id: 50248
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Small District, Big Pay: Ramona Water Board Approves Over $290K in Annual Compensation for General Manager
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