Controversy at Sweetwater Authority: Former Employee Poised to Receive Consulting Contract
A controversial decision is looming at the Sweetwater Authority, a key agency providing drinking water to around 200,000 individuals in South San Diego County. The board of directors is set to vote on awarding a $150,000 consulting contract to a former employee, Michael Garrod, who previously sued the agency and now shares personal and political ties with governing board members.
Garrod, a retired engineering manager who sued the agency in 2012, along with three other employees, for alleged discrimination and retaliation, is being considered for the consulting contract at a rate of $225 per hour. The lawsuit was settled in 2014 without any admission of wrongdoing by the agency. The proposed contract aims to utilize Garrod’s expertise in advising on construction projects, updating the water resources master plan, and addressing various water resource issues within the authority.
Concerns have been raised by critics, including some board members, regarding the potential nepotism and mismanagement involved in awarding this no-bid contract to Garrod. The controversy escalates as board members with personal relationships with the former employee are expected to vote on the contract.
Despite these criticisms, General Manager Carlos Quintero defended the decision, emphasizing Garrod’s unique qualifications for the job. Quintero explained that Garrod’s extensive experience and knowledge from his tenure at Sweetwater make him an invaluable asset to the agency’s water resources efforts.
The proposed contract with Garrod would mark the third consulting arrangement awarded to him in the past 18 months, raising further questions about the agency’s decision-making processes regarding contracting former employees.
The controversy at Sweetwater Authority goes beyond the potential consulting contract, with allegations of mismanagement, nepotism, and excessive spending on board member trips and pay raises. Former employees and board members have expressed concerns about the direction of the agency and called for greater transparency and accountability in decision-making processes.
As the board prepares to vote on Garrod’s consulting contract, the outcome remains uncertain, with stakeholders and community members closely watching the developments at the Sweetwater Authority.
