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BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
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Requested Action(s)
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a) ORDINANCE - Request adoption of an Ordinance proposing an amendment to the Tehama County Charter consolidating the position of Public Guardian and ex-officio Public Administrator within the position of Social Services Director
1) Waive the first reading
2) Accept the introduction
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Financial Impact:
There is no additional fiscal impact associated with the adoption of this ordinance. The increase in salary for the Social Services Director was accounted for in the amendment to the employment agreement.
Background Information:
Section 3(b) of the Tehama County Charter provides that the Public Guardian, who also serves as the ex-officio Public Administrator pursuant to Section 2(a) of the Charter, is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Board of Supervisors.
Since September 15, 2025, Social Services Director Bekkie Emery has served as the Interim Public Guardian/Public Administrator while continuing to perform the duties of Social Services Director. During this period, the consolidation of these responsibilities has resulted in effective administration, operational continuity, and improved coordination of services for vulnerable adults and decedents' estates.
The proposed ordinance formally assigns the responsibilities of Public Guardian and ex-officio Public Administrator to the Department of Social Services. Thereafter, the individual appointed by the Board of Supervisors as the Social Services Director will also serve as the County Public Guardian and ex-officio Public Administrator, unless otherwise directed by the Board in accordance with the Tehama County Charter.
This organizational structure aligns related human services functions under a single department, promotes continuity of operations, and eliminates the need for future organizational changes should the Social Services Director become vacant or be filled by a new appointee.