Sheriff Michael Johnson has responded to allegations that he’s “double dipping” and deceiving the taxpayers about his high salary. Former Shasta County Supervisor Patrick Jones stepped up in the public period of Tuesday’s supervisors meeting and repeated an assertion he had made a couple of weeks ago on a KQMS weekend show. He said Johnson retired in 2022 as Sheriff, then was rehired in order to collect retirement in addition to his current salary. Jones says Johnson’s annual pay is $445,000. Johnson countered that because he’s been a public employee for more than 30 years he’s reached his maximum benefit limit, and has foregone continued CalPERS benefits, saving taxpayers more than $527,000.
-Steve Gibson