Logo courtesy of the City of Marysville

MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - The Marysville City Council approved the appointment of two residents to newly created seats on the Linda Fire Protection District Board of Directors during its May 5 meeting.

The appointments follow Marysville’s annexation into the Linda Fire Protection District, which expanded the board from three seats to five in order to provide city representation. The two new positions will initially be filled through council appointment before becoming elected seats after the terms expire.

Earlier this year, the city published a Request for Interest notice seeking applicants. Two residents applied: John Nicoletti, who has served on several boards and committees, and Codi Walker, who has a background in public safety.

Fire Chief Kyle Heggstrom said both applicants were qualified based on their experience.

City staff recommended appointing Nicoletti to a four-year term and Walker to a two-year term beginning July 1.

During public comment, Marysville resident Rosemary Dowell urged the council to extend the application period because only two applications were submitted.

“The appointments are a rare opportunity,” Dowell said, adding that she did not believe it was reasonable to appoint the only applicants.

City Manager Jim Schaad said the city faces a timeline tied to the annexation process and the appointments must still be submitted for approval to the county elections office and the current Linda Fire Protection District Board.

“I feel we’ve given adequate time of 60 days and adequate publication,” Schaad said.

Schaad added that extending the process after candidates submitted applications on time would not be fair.

Councilmember Brad Hudson asked where the notice had been posted. Staff said it appeared in a local newspaper and on the city’s website.

Councilmember Marjorie Rollins said the city should also use social media in the future to attract a broader pool of applicants and supported extending the timeline.

Vice Mayor Bruce Buttacavoli said while he was disappointed more residents did not apply, the city had already followed its approved process.

He said changes to the process after applications were submitted would represent “selective changes,” and he could not support extending the deadline.

Mayor Chris Branscum agreed.

“We’re very fortunate two qualified applicants did step up,” Branscum said. “People who know the community, care about the community, and took the time to meet with the chief and submit indications of their interest.”

Branscum said the same candidates may still have been selected even if there had been more applicants.

The council voted 4-0 to approve the appointments. Councilmember Stuart Gilchrist was absent.

The council also discussed increasing councilmember compensation.

Councilmembers currently receive $300 per month. Staff recommended increasing the amount to $585 per month, which remains below the state limit for cities the size of Marysville. If approved, the increase would take effect after the November 2026 election when newly elected councilmembers are sworn in.

Schaad said the council had not received a pay increase since 2007 and said the proposed amount reflects cost-of-living increases over time.

He added that compensation can affect whether residents are willing to serve on local boards and councils.

One resident spoke during public comment in support of the increase, saying councilmembers face a difficult job.

Branscum said councilmembers do not serve for the money but because they care about the city. However, he agreed that low compensation could discourage future candidates from running for office.

The next Marysville City Council meeting is scheduled for May 19.