SNWA Employees Cash In Millions in Unused Leave Days

Editor's Note: This is one entry in a recurring set of articles derived from governmental pay records that are typically inaccessible to the general population.

What significance does a name hold? "Terminal sick leave compensation" offers substantial benefits, even though it sounds unappealing.

This refers to a program offered by the Southern Nevada Water Authority that enables employees to receive payment for unused sick time upon leaving their job. Extraordinary vacation accumulation rules, which are uncommon in the private industry—but typical among government agencies in southern Nevada—result in significant payments paid for by taxpayers.

A Review-Journal examination of information acquired via a public records request reveals that last year, eight workers from the water authority and affiliated organization, the Las Vegas Valley Water District, accumulated over $100,000 in terminal sick leave payments—two individuals receiving more than $200,000 each. In total, 66 staff members redeemed a combined amount of $2.3 million through this perk.

Staff members also collected payments for unused vacation time when they left the company. At the same time, certain employees who remained employed took advantage of the policy to receive compensation for part of their accrued leave.

A total of 350 workers from the water authority received $4.3 million for unutilized time off in 2024.

Out of the top 10 highest-paid workers in the water agencies, five received payments for some accumulated time off. The biggest payment was $248,200, taken by retired Director of Operations Kenneth Albright.

Public employee compensation can also include longevity pay, which recognizes extended service with the organization. Additionally, some workers are provided with a car allowance.

Total pay encompasses perks, with the largest cost associated with payments into the Public Employees Retirement System, which is the retirement plan for state workers in Nevada. Perks also cover medical coverage.

A total of 1,571 full-time, part-time, and temporary workers got paid by the water authorities last year, such as individuals who only worked for a small portion of the year and made as low as $68. The overall pay amounted to $227.7 million, averaging around $145,000 per worker.

The top-paid staff members at the water authorities during the previous year included the following (sums might not be exact because of rounding):

1. John Entsminger, director of operations

Overall compensation: $634,700. Salary: $512,800, which consists of $451,200 as regular salary, $5,000 for seniority, $22,700 for holidays, $6,000 for transportation benefits, and $27,900 from returning unused vacation days. Additional perks amount to $122,000.

2. David Johnson, assistant general manager – operations

Overall salary: $451,500. Earnings amount to $330,700, which consists of $306,100 as regular wages, $4,000 for seniority payments, $14,600 for vacation benefits, and $6,000 as transportation stipend. Additional perks total $120,800.

3. Gregory Walch, chief legal officer

Total salary: $443,800. Earnings amount to $326,700, which consists of $303,200 as regular wages, $17,500 for holidays, and $6,000 as transportation stipend. Additional perks total $117,100.

4. Doa Ross, assistant general manager – engineering

Total salary: $418,600. Earnings amounting to $317,200 include $279,500 as regular wages, $4,800 for years of service, $13,300 for holidays, $6,000 as transportation assistance, and $13,600 from reclaimed time off. Additional perks total $101,400.

5. Colby Pellegrino, assistant general manager – resources

Total remuneration: $415,100. Salary: $310,000, which includes $279,500 as regular salary, $4,400 for seniority payments, $13,300 for holidays, $6,000 for transportation benefits, and $6,800 from reclaimed vacation days. Perks: $105,100.

6. Edward Bethel, head of finance

Overall compensation: $405,700. Salary: $301,000, which consists of $281,600 in regular salary, $13,400 for holidays, and $6,000 as a transportation allowance. Perks amount to $104,700.

7. Kenneth Albright, head of operations

Total earnings: $392,600. Salary amounting to $322,500, which includes $61,600 as basic salary, $4,600 for years of service, $6,800 for holidays, $1,200 for transportation allowance, $217,200 from unused sick days, and $31,000 from accrued annual leave. Additional benefits worth $70,200.

8. Peter Jauch, director – technical aspects

Total salary: $383,700. Salary breakdown: $285,600, which includes $256,500 as basic wages, $5,400 for years of service, $12,300 for holidays, $4,800 for transportation benefits, and $6,500 from returning unused time off. Additional perks amounting to $98,200.

9. Zane Marshall, water resources – head of department

Overall compensation: $382,100. Salary: $279,500, which consists of $256,500 in regular salary, $5,800 for years of service, $12,300 for vacation time, and $4,800 as transportation assistance. Perks amount to $102,700.

10. Tabitha Simmons, legal assistance — head of department

Total remuneration amounts to $368,000. The salary portion totals $271,000, which consists of $253,900 as regular wages, $12,300 for holidays, and $4,800 for transportation benefits. Additional perks amount to $97,000.

Contact Mary Hynes at mhynes@reviewjournal.com or at 702-383-0336. Follow @MaryHynes1 At X. Hynes is part of the Review-Journal's investigative group, dedicated to journalism that ensures officials and organizations are held responsible and uncovers misconduct.