To: Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): County Executive’s Office; Human Resources Department
Staff Name and Phone Number: David Guhin, 707-565-2431; Janell Crane, 707-565-2885
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Title:
Title
Department Head Personal Services Agreement Amendment - Director of Regional Parks
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Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Authorize the County Executive to execute the Fifth Amendment to the Personal Services Agreement with Bert Whitaker, Director of Regional Parks, extending the term of the agreement from October 6, 2026, to October 6, 2029, continuing at the “I” step in the position’s salary range, and maintaining eligibility for other County benefits in accordance with Salary Resolution 95-0926.
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Executive Summary:
The salary and fringe benefits provided to County department and agency heads must be considered by the Board of Supervisors at a regularly scheduled Board meeting, and an oral summary of the recommended action to be taken on the salary and benefits must be presented at the meeting where the final Board action is taken. (California Government Code sections 54953, 54956).
Bert Whitaker was initially appointed as the Director of Regional Parks on May 23, 2017, for a three-year term, from May 26, 2017, through May 26, 2020. The Agreement has previously been amended four times to extend his employment terms. The recommended action extends the term of the current agreement for an additional three years, from October 6, 2026, through October 6, 2029.
Discussion:
Sonoma County Regional Parks is a diverse system of 60 parks that connects our communities to the benefits of nature. Regional Parks was founded in 1967 with one small park and now manages nearly 20,000 acres spanning the county’s mountains and valleys, rivers, and coastline. Regional Parks contributes to the vibrancy and well-being of our community by expanding access to recreational experiences, serving as responsible stewards of cultural and natural resources, and ensuring that our parks are clean, safe, and welcoming.
The Director of Regional Parks is appointed by and reports to the County Executive. The Director is responsible for providing oversight and direction for park operations and maintenance, natural resource management, planning and acquisition, community engagement, administration, and marketing, and three marinas. The Regional Parks Department has a workforce of 137 full-time employee equivalent allocations and an adopted budget of approximately $64.39 million for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
Bert Whitaker was initially appointed as the Director of Regional Parks on May 23, 2017, for a three-year term, from May 26, 2017, through May 26, 2020. The First Amendment to the Agreement was executed for an additional three-year term from May 27, 2020, through May 26, 2023. The Second Amendment to the Agreement was executed for an additional six months from May 23, 2023, through November 26, 2023. The Third Amendment to the Agreement was executed for an additional three years from October 3, 2023, through October 3, 2026. The fourth Amendment to the Agreement was a technical adjustment entered into by the County and Mr. Whitaker to extend the term for an additional three days, from October 3, 2026, to October 6, 2026, in order to coincide with the Board calendar. The recommended action extends the term of the current agreement for an additional three years, from October 6, 2026, through October 6, 2029.
This fifth Amendment to the Personal Services Agreement continues Mr. Whitaker’s current salary at the “I” step of the salary range, which is approximately $250,621 annually, for a term of October 6, 2026, to October 6, 2029, and includes all other benefits and compensation as prescribed in the County’s Salary Resolution 95-0296.
Strategic Plan:
N/A
Racial Equity:
Was this item identified as an opportunity to apply the Racial Equity Toolkit?
No
Prior Board Actions:
• May 23, 2017 (item 39) - Initial appointment and approval of Personal Services Agreement, effective May 26, 2017, through May 26, 2020
• June 2, 2020 (item 31) - First Amendment to Personal Services Agreement, extending the term for three years, effective May 27, 2020, through May 26, 2023 - File Number 2020-0450 <https://sonoma-county.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=4549960&GUID=7CD367AD-6799-4C56-B248-E37A752D8ED7&Options=&Search=>
• May 23, 2023 (item 21) - Second Amendment to Personal Services Agreement, extending the term for six months, effective May 23, 2023, through Number 26, 2023 - File Number 2023-0487 <https://sonoma-county.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=6208105&GUID=8502A3FC-DEA8-4F70-AC67-A28477ACD0B9&Options=&Search=>
• October 3, 2023 (Item 26) - Third Amendment to Personal Services Agreement, effective October 3, 2023, through October 3, 2026 - File Number 2023-0796 <https://sonoma-county.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=6362640&GUID=EDA67795-9C3E-4592-9BBA-8A7FD55D5535&Options=&Search=>
Fiscal Summary
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the Regional Parks Department’s budget for approving the recommended action. The salary and benefit costs of the Director are already programmed within the FY 2026-27 countywide budget.
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
None.
Attachments:
Fifth Amended and Reinstated Personal Services Agreement - Director of Regional Parks
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None.