Modesto Irrigation District Wastes $75,000 on Outsourcing
By Emerson Drake 
Among today’s action items on MID’s agenda was one to hire third party administration of their basic retirement plan. So in layman’s speak they intend to outsource the insurance part of the retirement plan. MID has had two positions designated for handling questions and assisting retirees but for two years now only one has been filled. I wanted to provide the two-step song and dance given to the Board by the Human Resources head but the video isn’t up yet. I was so captivated with the jargon used I wanted to share it but that will have to come later.
Suffice to say the head of H.R was unwilling to commit to doing away with a position they haven’t needed in two years because it might become necessary AFTER they outsource the majority of the positions duties. Interestingly enough only Director John Messinger agreed that MID wasn’t saving money but spending an extra $75,000.
When John asked if Human Resources was going to come back before the Board to request the unused position be filled concerns were voiced by other Board members that the Board had never micro-managed the staff before and they shouldn’t start now.
So lets summarize the issue. They have two positions designated to perform the job tasks and one of them has been vacant for two years. They intend to out-source the majority of the job for $75,000 a year yet aren’t willing to give up the unused position.
Believe it or not the final vote was 4-1 (Mensinger being the one “no” vote) to spend the extra money and to leave the position available to be filled without oversight.
At today’s meeting being fiscally responsible wasn’t what you would call their long suit.
Eye On Modesto 