Rohnert Park Council Eyes New Public Works Director, Housing, $3M Staff Pay

ROHNERT PARK-COTATI, CA — The Rohnert Park City Council will consider several high-impact items at its meeting on Tuesday, including labor agreements, housing planning, and a new Public Works director.

The council is set to consider a contract for Mark Hendersen as Rohnert Park's director of public works, providing a $199,084 annual salary and benefits. Hendersen has been serving as the interim director and will oversee key public works operations, including utilities and infrastructure projects.

The council is also being asked to approve a $3 million budget amendment to cover salary and benefit increases for City employees under recently finalized labor contracts. The adjustment ensures the City can legally pay negotiated raises, higher health benefits, and enhanced leave accruals for staff across multiple departments.

In housing news, the councilmembers will consider a $160,606 task order with Good City Company to continue supporting the City’s Housing Element planning efforts. The consulting contract includes helping the City meet state-mandated housing requirements and advance projects affecting residents’ access to affordable housing.

The council will also hear a resolution to update the City’s Classification and Compensation Plan, establishing new job titles and salary ranges, and making reclassifications (e.g., Senior Engineer to City Engineer, Senior Accounting Technician to Payroll Analyst). The changes aim to streamline organizational structure, support recruitment and retention, and align jobs with current duties.

These items collectively touch on city staffing and leadership, budget priorities, public works service contracts, and strategic planning efforts — all of which will affect Rohnert Park residents financially and practically and have implications for how the city delivers services and manages growth.

If you go:

Rohnert Park City Council Meeting
Tuesday, Feb, 24
Open Session: 5:30 PM
130 Avram Ave.