Members of the governing board of Rainbow Municipal Water District agreed to increase general manager Dave Seymour’s compensation by five percent, along with granting him with an additional $5,000 bonus, at their regular board meeting on December 1.

Seymour’s raise will be retroactive to September 24, 2009. According to RMWD officials, Seymour was making $179,400 annually, plus health benefits. After the compensation adjustment, Seymour’s remuneration increased to $188,370 annually, plus health benefits. Seymour’s contract does not include the use of a district vehicle, nor does it allow for a car allowance.

The adjustment places Seymour’s salary just slightly less than those of the general managers employed by Vallecitos, but more than the salary of the general manager of Rincon del Diablo. Both districts are considered to be comparable to RMWD’s customer-based water usage and distribution.

The Vallecitos Water District, which currently provides water, waste water and Advertisement

[ Berry-Bell and Hall Mortuary ] reclamation services to San Marcos; the community of Lake San Marcos; parts of Carlsbad, Escondido, and Vista, pays its general manager, William Rucker, an annual salary of $201,029, plus health benefits. The salary does not include the use of a district vehicle, nor does it allow for a car allowance. Rucker will be retiring at the end of the year and Dennis Lamb will assume the job on January 5, 2010. Lamb will receive an annual salary of $190,213, plus health benefits.

Mitchell Dion, general manager of the Rincon del Diablo District, which serves the greater Escondido area, receives an annual income of $170,202, plus health benefits and the use of a district vehicle for work purposes.

Members of the Rainbow water board said they were "proud of Seymour’s hard work and dedication," and appeared pleased to be able to provide him with the increase in compensation.