RCEA Board Approves 6% COLA, Addresses Staffing Shortages, and Debates New Operating Guidelines

The Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA) Board of Directors convened on June 26th for a meeting that saw significant decisions made across a range of issues impacting Humboldt County residents. Key discussions centered on a cost of living adjustment for staff, several staffing vacancies, amended board operating guidelines, and substantial funding for renewable energy initiatives.

**Salary Adjustments and Staffing:** The board approved a 6% cost of living adjustment (COLA) to the RCEA staff salary schedule, effective July 1st, 2025. This decision follows a report from HR Manager Christie Sawyer highlighting three current vacancies: one coordinator in finance and business planning, one specialist in administration, and one technician in energy assessment. Sawyer attributed these vacancies to budget constraints. The board, however, prioritized filling these positions with local candidates. To ensure fair compensation across all roles, the board decided to pause an internal biennial salary survey pending the September 2025 delivery of a classification and compensation study from Gallagher Consulting.

**Amended Board Operating Guidelines:** A significant portion of the meeting focused on Resolution 2025-3, proposing amended board operating guidelines. These amendments included requiring a full board vote for setting overall CCA program objectives, determining power content targets, and establishing procurement strategies. The resolution also allowed the chair to randomize roll call votes for certain business items and introduced a new board member travel policy. Public comment revealed concerns that the weighted voting system within the resolution disproportionately favors smaller jurisdictions and may not sufficiently represent the public's interests. The item was removed from the consent calendar for further discussion at a later date.

**Renewable Energy Initiatives:** The board approved several significant financial commitments towards renewable energy projects. These included authorizing an expenditure of up to \$1,100,500 for the PG&E Second Interconnection Facilities Security Posting for the CADEMO Offshore Wind Project in central California. Furthermore, an ad hoc subcommittee will be formed to finalize the terms of a short-term agreement with the CADEMO Corporation, ensuring the security and refundability of RCEA funds. The board also approved material terms for NREN Program Implementation Agreements with NREN General Partners through December 2027, allocating up to \$2,000,000 for Sierra Business Council, \$350,000 for Lake Area Planning Council, and \$350,000 for Mendocino Council of Governments, for energy efficiency programs. Finally, the board adopted Resolution 2025-4, setting a target of a 100% renewable electricity mix by 2030 and amending the local procurement goal in RCEAs Strategic Plan.

**Other Key Decisions:** The board approved the purchase of five Sun Titan L30 Power Trailers, approved minutes from the May 22nd meeting, accepted financial reports, and authorized an agreement with Umpqua Bank for a commercial card program. A retirement proclamation honored Dana Boudreau for 19 years of service to the RCEA.

**Looking Ahead:** The RCEA board will continue its discussion of Resolution 2025-3 at a future meeting. The board will also review the Gallagher Consulting report on classification and compensation in September 2025. Information on future meetings and opportunities for public engagement can be found on the RCEA website.