To: Sonoma County Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): County Clerk-Recorder-Assessor
Staff Name and Phone Number: Deva Marie Proto, 707-565-3246
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Title:
Title
County Clerk-Recorder-Assessor Appointment of Retiree Extra-Help
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Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Pursuant to Government Code §7522.56 approve the appointment of Greg Walsh as a Chief Deputy Assessor Retiree Extra-Help, in order to fill a critically needed position within 180 days of his retirement, with an appointment date as early as 03/17/2020.
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Executive Summary:
Following Greg Walsh’s retirement from the position of Chief Deputy Assessor on March 10, 2020, the immediate need for his expertise in specialized property assessment and appeals has prompted the Clerk-Recorder-Assessor to request that he be appointed to the position of Chief Deputy Assessor Retiree Extra-Help as early as 03/17/2020.
Discussion:
Pursuant to the California Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA), Government Code §7522.56, an exception can be made to reappoint a retiree as extra-help provided the governing body certifies that the appointment is necessary to fill a critically needed position, in those circumstances where 180 days from the date of retirement has not yet passed. This approval must be in a noticed public meeting and not on a consent calendar. PEPRA includes other requirements in order for a retiree to be eligible for an Extra-Help appointment, such as not having accepted a retirement incentive and not having accepted unemployment arising out of prior public appointment. The individual and delegated department staff will complete the Retiree Extra-Help Compliance Form certifying the appropriateness of the appointment.
Greg Walsh, Chief Deputy Assessor, retired effective March 10, 2020. Mr. Walsh worked for the County Assessor’s Office since November 1996 and has been an integral part of the Assessor’s operations. Mr. Walsh supervised over 60 employees and oversaw the entirety of the Assessor’s Office with a budget of over $10 million dollars, which produced over $94 billion dollars in taxable value for the 2019-2020 year.
Mr. Walsh is a subject matter expert on property assessment and appeals, with 34 years of experience. His expertise is especially invaluable in the assessment of specialized and complex properties, such as geothermal plants and fields, and tribal lands. Mr. Walsh’s experience in these assessments will be invaluable during the transitional period of filling the vacant Chief Deputy Assessor position and further ensure the Assessor’s ability to comply with State and Federal deadlines.
Mr. Walsh’s expertise is instrumental in the presentation of property assessment appeals to the Board of Appeals. Mr. Walsh has been directly involved in the cases of several ongoing appeals and his familiarity with the applicable laws and procedures is necessary for the Assessor’s presentation.
The specialized and unique tasks performed by Mr. Walsh, the sole Chief Deputy Assessor for several years, are technically complicated and require information learned and gathered over his long career. These tasks are critical to the continuation of the Assessor’s Office operation, making this a critically needed position.
Prior to Mr. Walsh’s retirement date of March 10, 2020, the vacant position of Chief Deputy Assessor will be filled. As a Chief Deputy Assessor Retiree Extra-Help, Mr. Walsh would be able to offer his successor additional training and support with regard to geothermal assessment, tribal land valuation, and appeals. The department has consulted with Human Resources to ensure the appointment is in compliance with PEPRA and SCERA.
In accordance with Government Code §7522.56, the Clerk-Recorder-Assessor’s Office is asking the Board certify as follows:
• Mr. Walsh’s appointment to Chief Deputy Assessor is necessary to fill a critically needed position within 180 days of his retirement date;
• Mr. Walsh did not accept retirement incentives upon his retirement; and
• Mr. Walsh appointment shall not exceed 960 hours per year.
• Per Internal Revenue Code section 401(a) (36), Mr. Walsh meets the requirement of being of normal retirement age.
If the Board of Supervisors makes the foregoing certifications, Greg Walsh may be hired as soon as 03/17/2020, as a Chief Deputy Assessor Retiree Extra-Help.
Prior Board Actions:
None
Fiscal Summary
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Expenditures |
FY 19-20 Adopted |
FY20-21 Projected |
FY 21-22 Projected |
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Budgeted Expenses |
$10,000 |
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Additional Appropriation Requested |
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Total Expenditures |
$10,000 |
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Funding Sources |
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General Fund/WA GF |
$10,000 |
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State/Federal |
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Fees/Other |
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Use of Fund Balance |
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Contingencies |
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Total Sources |
$10,000 |
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Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
The Clerk-Recorder-Assessor will use salary savings from ongoing vacant positions in the Assessor division.
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Staffing Impacts: |
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Position Title (Payroll Classification) |
Monthly Salary Range (A-I Step) |
Additions (Number) |
Deletions (Number) |
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Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
This is a Retiree Extra-Help appointment; no permanent allocations are being added or changed.
Attachments:
None
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None