Area Transit Official Gets 19% Pay Raise

The executive director of the Ventura County Transportation Commission received a hefty raise Friday, with only Supervisor Frank Schillo voting against a salary hike he called “unconscionable.”

Ginger Gherardi, the only administrator the county transit panel has ever known, was voted a 19% pay raise, bringing her total annual compensation package to more than $117,000.

Following a closed-door meeting that stretched nearly one hour, members of the transportation commission voted 4 to 1 to approve the pay raise. A month ago the panel deliberated in closed session for 20 minutes before deciding to delay the proposal one month.

A majority of commissioners said Gherardi has earned the raise, noting that her counterparts across California on average receive a higher annual salary package.

But Schillo, who represents the county on the commission, said such a raise was too much.

“Certainly she’s done a good job, so I could see maybe a 3% salary increase,” he said. “But a 19% increase? That’s unconscionable.”

Schillo, who serves as chairman of the county Board of Supervisors, likened Gherardi’s job to that of county Public Works Director Art Goulet. But he cited one major difference.

“Art Goulet manages over 300 people, while Ginger has a staff of nine,” Schillo said.