The top 10 highest-paid officials in Riverside County government last year were primarily working in the public health sector, with one exception in public safety, as revealed in a report released by the California State Controller’s Office on Tuesday.
The report, titled “Government Compensation in California” for the year 2022, provides a breakdown of how taxpayer funds were allocated and the salaries of public employees. The full data can be accessed at www.publicpay.ca.gov.
The highest-earning individual in county government was Dr. Matthew Chang, Director of Behavioral Health, who received a total compensation of $566,374 last year, according to the report. This amount includes base pay and a lump sum disbursal, which could potentially be banked vacation and sick leave time that was not utilized but cashed out.
The second-highest earner was the chief deputy director of the Sheriff’s Department, whose name was not disclosed. The individual received a base salary of $189,565, along with a lump sum payout of $341,390.
Contrastingly, Sheriff Chad Bianco’s total income amounted to $298,990. In government terms, when a subordinate earns more than their superior, it is referred to as “compaction.” In 2014, the Board of Supervisors increased executive salaries to address these disparities. However, a proposal to raise elected officials’ salaries put forth by the Department of Human Resources in December of last year was rejected by the board on the grounds of it being unwarranted.
Dr. Arnold Tabuenca, Associate Chief Medical Officer of Riverside University Health System, secured the third position on the list with a total compensation of $507,748 in 2022.
A senior psychiatrist in the county Department of Mental Health followed as the fourth-highest earner, with a total compensation of $506,624. The assistant director of the Department of Public Social Services came in fifth place, earning $503,998.
The chief of psychiatry in the Department of Mental Health claimed the sixth spot with a compensation of $493,506. Just below them was a senior staff psychiatrist assigned to county correctional facilities, earning an annual amount of $491,044.
Jennifer Cruikshank, CEO of Riverside University Health System, ranked as the eighth-highest earner among county government officials last year, receiving $460,899. The remaining slots in the top 10 were occupied by two staff psychiatrists from the Department of Mental Health, with total compensations ranging from $444,000 to $447,352 in 2022.
Surprisingly, not a single elected county official appeared in the top 50 of the controller’s list. The Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Van Wagenen, ranked 37th with a total compensation of $362,100, according to the report.
The salaries of board members were significantly lower compared to many deputy district attorneys, sheriff’s sergeants, and even the deputy director of transportation, as indicated by the figures. In 2022, supervisors’ pay ranged from $160,644 to $203,252. Supervisor Kevin Jeffries was at the bottom of the list due to his consistent refusal of pay raises since taking office in 2013. He is the board’s most senior member and is set to retire from politics at the end of his current term in 2024.
According to the controller’s website, the average salary for a county employee in 2022 was $66,072. Riverside County government is the largest employer in the county, with over 27,000 positions. The total wages paid in 2022 amounted to approximately $1.86 billion.
