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CLERK & RECORDER / PERSONNEL - Clerk & Recorder Sean Houghtby
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Requested Action(s)
recommendation
a) Request approval of new classification specifications of Clerk/Elections Specialist I/II/III and Clerk/Elections Analyst within the Joint Council bargaining unit, effective 6/30/26
b) RESOLUTION - Request adoption of a Resolution amending the FY 25/26 Position Allocation List (PAL), (Reso #2025-074) by deleting two (2.00 FTE) Deputy County Clerk I/II allocations, deleting four (4.00 FTE) Deputy County Clerk I/II or Deputy County Clerk III allocations, and adding six (6.00 FTE) Clerk/Elections Specialist I/II/III allocations, effective 6/30/26
c) Request approval to reclassify four (4.00 FTE) Deputy County Clerk I incumbents as Clerk/Elections Specialist I, one (1.00 FTE) Deputy County Clerk II incumbent as Clerk/Elections Specialist II, and one (1.00 FTE) Deputy County Clerk III incumbent as Clerk/Elections Specialist III, effective 6/30/26
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Financial Impact:
If approved, the requested actions would result in an annual increase to the General Fund of approximately $23,358.40. This approximation does not include funding for the Clerk/Elections Analyst, as it will not be added to the PAL at this time.
Background Information:
The Tehama County Clerk and Recorder is requesting to make revisions to the structure of the Department and divisions. The requested changes within the Department include: A reclassification for the classifications of Deputy County Clerk I/II and Deputy County Clerk III as Clerk/Elections Specialist I/II/III and approval of a new classification of Clerk/Elections Analyst.
The purpose of this reclassification request is to modernize outdated classification specifications and align them more closely with those of comparable counties. The current classification specifications no longer accurately reflect the scope, complexity, or level of work being performed. The Clerk & Recorder Department consists of three divisions: Clerk & Recorder, Clerk of the Board, and Elections, and currently operates with only nine (9) full-time employees.
In recent years, the Department has experienced a high rate of turnover, which is believed to be driven by wages that are not competitive with comparator counties, as well as outdated and unclear classification specifications. These positions require specialized knowledge and technical expertise that are not readily available in the private sector. As a result, employees must receive extensive on-the-job training and develop proficiency over time in order to progress through the classification series.
Renaming the classifications to Clerk/Elections Specialist I/II/III more accurately reflects the nature of the work and aligns the titles with those used by surrounding counties for similar positions. Updating the classification specifications will also provide clearer articulation of job duties and establish a defined promotional pathway, including advancement opportunities toward management roles for employees who choose to pursue them. Under the current structure, employees have limited exposure to higher-level functions, with an emphasis primarily on day-to-day operational tasks. The revised specifications layer in progressively higher-level duties as employees gain experience, ensuring they are better prepared for advancement when opportunities arise. Additionally, the revised classification specifications require employees to demonstrate the ability to effectively work in more than one departmental division in order to be eligible for promotion to Clerk/Elections Specialist III or Clerk/Elections Analyst.
With the addition of higher-level responsibilities, the Department is requesting a 10% salary increase, adjusting the salary placement from ranges 15/19/23 to 19/23/27. These proposed salary ranges are comparable to those of similar positions in comparator counties. The Department also requests to reclassify four (4.00 FTE) Deputy County Clerk I incumbents as Clerk/Elections Specialist I, one (1.00 FTE) Deputy County Clerk II incumbent as Clerk/Elections Specialist II, and one (1.00 FTE) Deputy County Clerk III incumbent as Clerk/Elections Specialist III.
The goal of creating a new classification of Clerk/Elections Analyst is to define a clear promotional pathway including advancement toward management roles. The Clerk/Elections Analyst will serve as the "Lead" classification providing technical assistance to Department and County staff. This position will be assigned to more complex tasks and projects and will be required to have advanced knowledge/experience in the field. They will be primarily focused on special projects and programs within the Clerk & Recorder Department. At this time, the Department requests approval of the classification specification and will request to add the position to the Position Allocation List (PAL) at a later date for funding purposes.
The requested salary range for the Clerk/Elections Analyst is Salary Range 30, which is 7.5% above the Clerk/Elections Specialist III.
The Joint Council Bargaining Unit has been notified of the proposed changes, and an agreement has been reached.