To: Sonoma County Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): County Executive’s Office
Staff Name and Phone Number: Maria Christina Rivera 565-2241
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Title:
Title
Approve the Appointment of Christopher Derner to the Measure H Oversight Committee as a Labor Representative through May 13, 2028. (Countywide)
End
Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Approve the Appointment of Christopher Derner to the Measure H Oversight Committee as a Labor Representative through May 13, 2028. (Countywide)
end
Executive Summary:
The Board of Supervisors is responsible for appointments to over 75 Boards, Commissions, Committees, and Task Forces. Vacancies and upcoming expiring appointments are posted on the County’s Boards, Commissions, Committees, and Task Forces website: <https://sonoma-county.granicus.com/boards/w/808bd6e42edf8e0f>. Rule 50 of the Board Rules of Procedures states that the Clerk of the Board shall convene staff to review prospective countywide appointments and make appointment recommendations to the Board. The current item recommends the appointment of Christopher Derner to the Measure H Oversight Committee to fill an unscheduled vacancy. The seat was previously held by Nicholas Fitzpatrick, appointed by the BOS on May 13, 2025. Per the tax ordinance requirements, Nicholas is not eligible to serve on the Oversight Committee due to his employment with the County. This seat on the Committee became vacant on September 12, 2025. If appointed Chrisopher will serve the remainder of the three year term ending May 13, 2028.
Discussion:
Measure H, the “Improved and Enhanced Local Fire Protection, Paramedic Services and Disaster Response” Transaction and Use Tax was passed by voters in March 2024. Measure H authorizes a countywide one-half cent special transaction and use tax (sales tax) to supplement existing funding for wildfire prevention and preparedness, paramedic services, and emergency and disaster response. On January 14, 2025 <https://sonoma-county.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7085820&GUID=12C03924-4551-479E-A16B-450D651EA4A4&Options=&Search=>, the Board of Supervisors created the Measure H Oversight Committee to provide transparency and ensure fiscal accountability.
Per the Measure H Ordinance, the Oversight Committee consists of eleven members, six appointed by the Board of Supervisors, with all serving three-year terms. Members must be County residents. Active fire chiefs, active fire directors, County employees, or spouses to any such individuals may not serve on the committee. As outlined in the Ordinance, the BOS appoints six committee members:
o Two members selected from a list of names submitted by the Mayors’ and Councilmembers’ Association of Sonoma County,
o Two members selected from a list of names submitted by the labor organizations responsible for collective bargaining on behalf of firefighters employed by local agencies which receive funding through the ordinance, and
o Two members selected by the Board of Supervisors.
Christopher Derner’s nomination was submitted by the labor organizations responsible for collective bargaining on behalf of firefighters employed by local agencies which receive funding through the ordinance. Chris has 15+ years of experience as a member of fire and/or EMS services within Sonoma county, and he currently serves as the Union President of Sonoma Valley Professional Firefighters L3593.
Once appointed mandatory ethics and sexual harassment prevention training must be completed with the administrative clerk. Additionally, an oath of office must be completed with the County Clerk of the Board prior to beginning service. County staff will contact Committee members individually to facilitate this process.
Strategic Plan:
N/A
Racial Equity:
Was this item identified as an opportunity to apply the Racial Equity Toolkit?
No
Prior Board Actions:
5/13/25: <https://sonoma-county.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7374152&GUID=C4439F08-88A2-4327-A66D-8B867379FAEE&Options=ID|Text|&Search=2025-0202> Measure H Oversight Committee Appointments
1/14/25: <https://sonoma-county.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7085820&GUID=12C03924-4551-479E-A16B-450D651EA4A4&Options=&Search=> Measure H Oversight Committee Creation
9/26/23 <https://sonoma-county.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=6338188&GUID=927F17A6-F5F9-4774-8CAB-6B50A3FC9F45&Options=&Search=>: Adopt a Resolution submitting the Improved and Enhanced Local Fire Protection, Paramedic Services, and Disaster Response Initiative and Sales Tax Petition to the Voters of Sonoma County
9/12/23 <https://sonoma-county.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=6338188&GUID=927F17A6-F5F9-4774-8CAB-6B50A3FC9F45&Options=&Search=>: Accepting Certificate of Sufficiency for the Improved and Enhanced Local Fire Protection, Paramedic Services, and Disaster Response Initiative and Sales Tax Petition
Fiscal Summary
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
There are no fiscal impacts associated with this item.
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
N/A
Attachments:
Attachment A: Measure H Tax Ordinance
Attachment B: Recommended Application Redacted Christopher Derner
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
N/A