CA SB493

Transfers authority to set compensation for district agricultural association fair managers (renamed "secretary-managers") from fair boards to the Secretary of Food and Agriculture

Requires the secretary to establish a single salary range for all secretary-managers and conduct salary surveys every three years starting January 1, 2027, comparing compensation to similar state, regional, and local positions

Salary surveys will only be conducted if the department receives funds from the fair industry, including trade associations and county event centers, to cover the cost

Caps the maximum salary at the highest comparable position identified in the survey, with exceptions for cost-of-living increases matching state employee raises, merit increases up to 10% annually, and up to 40% additional compensation for managers overseeing multiple districts

Maintains current salary ranges (secretary-manager I-VII classifications) until the first survey is completed