The Shasta County Board of Supervisors approved John Heath as the county’s permanent Public Works Director and roads commissioner on Tuesday, ending a three‑year interim period that began in May when former director Troy Bartolomei retired.
Longstanding service rewarded
Heath has been with the Shasta County Public Works Department since 2000, starting as an engineering aide and rising through the ranks to assistant public works director before assuming the interim post. Under county compensation rules, his new permanent appointment includes a 9% salary increase, bringing his hourly rate to just under $100 and an annual salary of just over $200,000.
Board vote splits along pay and performance concerns
Supervisors Allen Long, Chris Kelstrom and Corkey Harmon voted in favor of the appointment. Supervisors Kevin Crye and Matt Plummer opposed. Crye’s objection centered on the projected pay bump, stating he had no issue with Heath’s performance. “John, this has like zero to do with you,” Crye said during the meeting.
Plummer’s criticism focused on broader department performance. In an email to constituents, he wrote that he does not yet believe the department’s results and overall level of service consistently meet the standards he expects. He also noted that when Heath first became interim director, he did not receive a clear vision for substantial improvement, though he acknowledged recent gains in Heath’s leadership.
Support for promoting from within
Harmon highlighted the value of advancing a career employee, saying, “I was an advocate for bringing somebody up through the ranks.” The board’s quick approval reflected confidence that Heath’s deep institutional knowledge will benefit the department and the taxpayers it serves.
Heath’s first day in the permanent role
John Heath officially began his tenure as Public Works Director and roads commissioner on October 28. The department oversees road maintenance, community service areas, permanent road divisions and capital projects that affect daily life for Shasta County residents.
Looking ahead
While the board’s decision moves forward with a seasoned leader, the dissenting supervisors underscore the importance of continued transparency and measurable improvements in service delivery. Residents can expect the department to address the concerns raised, especially regarding project timelines, road conditions and overall responsiveness to community needs.
For further information, Shasta County officials can be reached through the county’s public works website or by contacting the Board of Supervisors directly.
Original reporting: Shasta Scout (Redding) — read the source article.
