Information from Newton’s contract with Tehama County

According to the employment agreement between Tehama County and Danny Newton obtained by LassenNews.com, the former Susanville City Manager will earn at least $232,601 annually through June 30, 2030 — a 4-year contract.

The Tehama County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to hire Newton as its public works director at its Tuesday April 28 meeting. Newton told LassenNews he submitted a resignation letter to the city of Susanville this morning. June 26 will be Newton’s last day on the job for the city of Susanville.

As part of his salary, Newton will receive a $1,000 per month serving as the road commissioner.

Because Newton possesses a valid Professional Engineering License, he will also receive a $1,000 per month additional stipend.

In addition, if during his first year of employment Newton obtains a Professional Land Surveyor License, he will receive a 5 percent salary increase, and after holding the license for 1 year, Newton will receive an additional 5 percent increase to his base salary.

According to the contract, “In the event Newton does not obtain a Professional Land Surveyor License within the first year as described above, Newton shall, in lieu of the salary increase associated with obtaining such license, be entitled to a 5 percent increase to his base salary for continued possession of a valid Professional Engineering License issued by the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists, effective the first day of the second year of this Agreement. Should NEWTON obtain a Professional Land Surveyor License issued by the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists thereafter, Newton shall be entitled to a 5 percent increase to his base salary upon the completion of one full year of possessing such license.”

Tehama County reserves the right to increase Newton’s salary at the board’s discretion.

In addition, Newton will receive a $60 per month allowance for his cellular phone, will be reimbursed for the use of his personal vehicle per the county’s reimbursement rate, upon hire he will receive 100 hours of personal time off and accrue 240 hours per year for personal time off, up to 500 hours, five paid management leave days, time off on all Tehama County holidays, health and life insurance, participation in the county’s Employee Assistance Program, retirement, and professional and official travel expenses.

According to the contract, “The Director of Public Works serves at the will of the county, subject to Tehama County Charter. Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent, limit, or otherwise interfere with the right of the county to terminate the services of Newton at any time. If Newton is terminated by the county before expiration of the aforesaid term of employment, and if Newton is willing and able to perform his duties under this agreement, and if termination is for other than ‘just cause,’ then the county will pay Newton a lump-sum cash payment. Said lump-sum cash payment shall be equal to three month’s aggregate salary and benefits. If termination is for “just cause” or disability that cannot reasonably be accommodated, then no severance payment shall be made. Newton shall also be compensated for all unused earned PTO leave in the same manner as is provided for unused earned vacation leave in the MOU. MTO is not considered vested, and Newton shall receive no compensation for unused MTO.”

Tehama County Board of Supervisors meeting
During the Tehama County Board of Supervisors April 28 meeting, county officials said the position has been flown three times without any acceptable candidates including one recruitment effort carried out by a “headhunter” firm. The position has been vacant for more than a year.

The Tehama County board of Supervisors even considered and rejected the idea of splitting the public works director responsibilities into two positions, but they said that would cost more than they’re paying Newton

One county official said Newton was a “very qualified candidate” with 20-years-experience in one jurisdiction.

One supervisor called Newton “a fantastic find” after the county had been “looking for a unicorn we didn’t think existed.”

Several members of the public spoke during public comment opposing Newton’s hiring because of the cost.

One county official said there is a shortage of qualified engineers. Another said the city of Chico had offered Newton even more money to go to work for them.

One member of the public said she was “horrified” because she suggested Newton’s salary was $100,000 more than the previous public works director earned.

She predicted this decision will have a “drastic effect on voters.”