The Watchdog Report
Ramona's Water Wars
Small Town. Big Pay. Where's the Relief?
Water connects us in Ramona. We need it in our homes, our businesses, and our fields. We count on skilled people to keep it safe and reliable, and we understand that maintaining our water system costs money.
We also know what it feels like to make room for another bill. We deserve to know where our money goes—and what we're getting in return.
In October 2025, a proposed compensation amendment for General Manager Erica Wolski set out $260,170 in annual base salary, $19,860 in deferred compensation, and a car allowance.
With Board President Jim Hickle seeking reelection against John Stevenson, those questions belong in the conversation.
Proposed salary + deferred compensation
$280,030
before car allowance and other benefits
What justified that package? What results were required?
Let's Follow the Numbers
Wolski began as general manager on June 22, 2022. Her reported earnings show:
| Year | Pay received | With benefits |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 (partial) | $102,361 | $122,929.92 |
| 2023 | $212,494 | $246,683.68 |
| 2024 | $225,955 | $263,389.43 |
The October 2025 proposal sought to increase annual base salary from $238,500 to $260,170—a $21,670 increase, approximately 9.1 percent. It also proposed raising annual deferred compensation from $9,000 to $19,860, more than doubling that contribution.
Her 2022 figures cover only part of the year. They do not establish that her annual salary subsequently doubled. The proposed package warrants examination on its own.
The executed agreement, approving vote, and subsequent amendments are still needed to confirm the compensation terms effective in January 2026.
Compare the Scale: Ramona and San Diego
San Diego—the eighth-largest city in the United States—advertised $310,752 annually for its Public Utilities Director in May 2026, overseeing more than 2,000 employees, nine reservoirs, three water treatment plants, three wastewater plants, 131 pump stations, and more than 6,300 miles of pipelines. A September 2026 recruitment bulletin describes drinking-water deliveries exceeding 150 million gallons per day.
| Measure | Ramona | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Annual base salary | $260,170 proposed Oct. 2025 | $310,752 advertised May 2026 |
| Workforce | 56.5 budgeted positions | More than 2,000 |
| Population | Approx. 40,000 | Approx. 1.4 million |
| Service area | 71.6 sq. miles | 403 sq. miles |
| Water pipelines | More than 200 miles | Approx. 3,300 miles |
| Wastewater pipes | More than 75 miles | Approx. 3,000 miles |
Just $50,582 separates Ramona's proposed base salary from San Diego's advertised salary. Our district's figure is approximately 84 percent of San Diego's, while San Diego's reported workforce is more than 35 times larger.
The jobs have different responsibilities. Size alone does not establish appropriate pay. But we deserve to see the independent analysis supporting the board's decisions.
Why a car allowance instead of reimbursement for documented business mileage? What would each option cost us, and what travel records support the choice?
Excellent Performance—Measured How?
The October 2025 memo described Wolski's performance as excellent, citing grant work, community partnerships, and district travel inside and outside San Diego County. We want useful grants and productive partnerships. We also need clear standards for evaluating success. What measurable goals was Wolski expected to meet? Which did she achieve, and how did those results justify the proposed increase?
San Diego authorizes a $475 monthly car allowance—$5,700 annually—for its Public Utilities Director. Ramona's requested amount has not yet been verified.
Public Spending
Accountability Starts Here!
The Management Bill Goes Beyond Erica
In 2024, three other district employees received more than $200,000 in annual pay before benefits:
- Jose L. Lomeli, Water Operations Manager: $206,477
- Joseph Spence, Chief Financial Officer: $205,176
- Timothy Clement, Administrative Services Manager: $204,226
Together with Wolski and Wastewater Operations Superintendent Jim D. Anderson, those five positions accounted for $1,008,877 in pay and approximately $1.24 million including reported benefits.
What Reaches Our Water Bills?
The district's October 2025 rate presentation recommended a 2 percent local water-rate increase, alongside a separate wholesale-cost pass-through, for January 2026. Grant accounting should show the award, our local contribution, administrative expenses, future costs, and the benefit delivered.
Our farmers cannot irrigate with a grant announcement.
Ramona's Leadership Must Answer
Hickle must explain the decisions he supported and the savings he delivered. Stevenson must explain what he would change, how, and when we could measure progress. Wolski should address the compensation and travel questions directly.
We should not have to piece together proposals, payroll tables, and meeting records to understand what our general manager is paid.
Publish the agreements. Identify the votes. Explain the costs. Show the results.
Fast Five: Questions for both candidates →