Three top-level personnel changes at two San Joaquin Valley water agencies have come with significant compensation packages, according to employment documents reviewed by SJV Water. Starting salaries for the three new hires range from $360,000 to $400,000 a year, with likely increases for each after the first year. The three, connected personnel changes started in January when Johnny Amaral was promoted to Chief Executive Officer of Friant Water Authority from his previous position of Chief Operating Officer for the authority. In March, Eric Limas, formerly General Manager of the Lower Tule River and Pixley irrigation districts, was hired to fill Amaral’s COO position at Friant. A month later, attorney Alex Peltzer was hired as General Manager for the Lower Tule and Pixley districts. All three are key positions in the southern valley and Tulare County, which is reflected in the compensation.

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