Interim general manager of the South Coast Water District to return to previous job, search to fill position continues
Dana Point Times
In a closed session meeting Monday, the South Coast Water District board of directors and Betty Burnett, the district’s interim general manager, agreed to stop discussions regarding her taking on the position permanently.
Burnett was selected by the board to assume the general manager position on an interim basis following the October retirement of longtime general manager Mike Dunbar. Burnett had previously served in the assistant general manager and legal counsel roles at the district.
Shortly thereafter, the board opened a search for candidates nationwide and received submissions from over 50 well-qualified applicants, an announcement from the board said. The field was narrowed down to 15 candidates. In April, the five member board unanimously chose Burnett as the “most suitable candidate” and began contract negotiations, according to the statement.
Since their selection, the board and Burnett have held frequent meetings and discussions on Burnett’s contract and specific job duties, the statement said. These discussions did not result in an agreement and both parties decided to end negotiations.
“All of us on the board look forward to Betty’s continued work with the district,” said Wayne Rayfield, president of the SCWD board of directors. “And, regarding filling the position, we know there are a variety of well qualified candidates who remain interested in the job.”
Burnett will resume her previous positions at the district, and the search to fill the general manager position will reopen immediately.
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