Politics & Government
County CEO Will Receive $275K Salary
Riverside County Supervisors approve a salary of $275,546 for the county's newly-appointed CEO, Jay Orr.
The Board of Supervisors today approved a $275,546 annual salary for new Riverside County Executive Officer Jay Orr, who takes over this week from interim CEO David "Larry" Parrish, to whom the board bid farewell -- for the second time.
"This is a man who has proven himself from day one," board Chairman John Tavaglione said of Orr. "We look forward to great things."
The supervisors selected Orr in a 4-1 vote on April 10. The assistant executive officer was among 100 people who applied for the job.
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The sole dissenter in Orr's appointment, Supervisor Jeff Stone, told City News Service that he believed two other candidates were better suited for the CEO position based on their extensive public sector management experience and the fact that they were not part of the county "status quo."
Stone, however, voted with his colleagues today in approving the new executive officer's benefits package, which includes $16,900 in annual deferred compensation, a $550 per month automobile allowance and $751 a month in flexible spending for health care.
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His $275,546 annual base salary represents a 15 percent pay raise for Orr, who will be earning what former CEO Bill Luna made, according to county Human Resources chief Barbara Olivier.
For purposes of comparison, the county noted that San Bernardino County's CEO receives $305,000 annually, while the city of Riverside's top administrator makes $280,500.
Parrish announced that today would be his last board meeting, laughing off Tavaglione's feigned surprise.
"What a joy. What a pleasure," Parrish said. "You guys are the best. It's been a tremendous honor to be part of this group again. Thank you all."
The supervisors universally praised Parrish, who came out of retirement in October to re-assume the CEO position after longtime county employee Bill Luna abruptly resigned. Parrish had been at the helm for 16 years before leaving county government in the summer of 2008.
"You're the best county administrative officer we've had," said Supervisor Marion Ashley. "You've done a wonderful job coming back and stabilizing operations in the county."
"Thanks for stepping up to the plate for us," added Supervisor John Benoit.
