Planning agency choice turns down job

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency's choice for an executive director has turned down its offer.

Gregory James, attorney and director of the Inyo County Water Department, was selected by the TRPA's governing board as the most qualified applicant. He was offered the position April 26, and declined Tuesday to take the $100,000 post.

James could not be reached for comment.

Larry Sevison, chairman of the 14-member board, has called for an emergency board meeting to reconsider the situation.

Sevison said the board could take more time to consider new applicants or look at the two candidates who also surfaced as top candidates in the pool of more than 100 applicants.

Bill Allayaud, principal planner for Salt Lake City, and Pamela Wilcox, a Carson City resident and administrator of Nevada state lands, were the other two finalists.

The former director earned $85,000 year. The TRPA board agreed to raise that salary to $100,000 for James.