Legislation Details

File #: 26-0937    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Agreement Status: Agenda Ready
File created: 10/1/2026 In control: Board of Supervisors
On agenda: 10/20/2026 Final action:
Title: Discussion and Possible Action Including Appointment of and Approval of Employment Agreement Between the County of Mendocino and Michael Rossi to Serve as the Mendocino County, County Counsel in the Amount of Two Hundred and Seventy-One Thousand Dollars ($271,000) Per Year with an Estimated Total Annual Compensation of Four Hundred Sixty Thousand Seven Hundred Dollars ($460,700), including Salary and Benefits, Commencing on December 6, 2026; Waiver of Residency Requirement Pursuant to Government Code Section 27641.1 (Sponsor: Chair Norvell and Human Resources) Vote Requirement: Majority
Sponsors: Human Resources
Attachments: 1. Agreement, 2. Unrep Employees Comp and Bene Resolution - reso at end

To:  BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

From:  Supervisor Norvell and Human Resources

Meeting Date:  October 20, 2026

 

Department Contact:  

Chair Norvell

Phone: 

707-463-4441

Department Contact:  

Cherie Johnson

Phone: 

707-234-6600

 

Item Type:   Regular Agenda

 

Time Allocated for Item: 15 Minutes

 

 

Agenda Title:

title

Discussion and Possible Action Including Appointment of and Approval of Employment Agreement Between the County of Mendocino and Michael Rossi to Serve as the Mendocino County, County Counsel in the Amount of Two Hundred and Seventy-One Thousand Dollars ($271,000) Per Year with an Estimated Total Annual Compensation of Four Hundred Sixty Thousand Seven Hundred Dollars ($460,700), including Salary and Benefits, Commencing on December 6, 2026; Waiver of Residency Requirement Pursuant to Government Code Section 27641.1

(Sponsor: Chair Norvell and Human Resources)

 

Vote Requirement:  Majority

End

 

Recommended Action/Motion:

recommendation

Appoint Michael Rossi as the Mendocino County, County Counsel; Approve Employment Agreement between the Mendocino County and Michael Rossi in the amount of  two hundred and seventy-one thousand dollars ($271,000) per year with an estimated total annual compensation of four hundred sixty thousand seven hundred dollars ($460,700), including salary and benefits, commencing on December 6, 2026; waive residency requirement pursuant to Government Code Section 27641.1; and authorize Chair to sign same.

End

 

Previous Board/Board Committee Actions:

None.                     

 

Summary of Request: 

This item proposes and recommends that the Board of Supervisors appoint Michael Rossi as Mendocino County’s County Counsel approve the Employment Agreement commencing on December 6, 2026. The agreement provides an annual salary of two hundred and seventy-one thousand dollars ($271,000) per year with an estimated total annual compensation of four hundred sixty thousand seven hundred dollars ($460,700) including salary and benefits.

 

As authorized by Government Code section 27641.1, a waiver of the residency requirement is requested.

 

The County Counsel serves a critical role in the effective administration and operation of the County, acting as the County’s chief legal advisor and providing legal counsel, guidance and representation to the Board of Supervisors, County departments, boards, commissions, officers and employees. The County Counsel advises on legal matters affecting County operations, assists in ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and represents the County’s interest in litigation and other legal proceedings.

 

The fiscal details associated with this agreement include the costs of benefits associated with the Unrepresented Employees Compensation and Benefits Resolution No. 24-074.

 

Alternative Action/Motion:

Provide direction to staff.                     

 

Strategic Plan Priority Designation: An Effective County Government

 

Supervisorial District:  All

                                                                                    

 

 

Supplemental Information Available Online At: N/A

 

Fiscal Details:

source of funding: General Fund budget unit 1210 but partially offset by internal revenue from various budget units.

current f/y cost: $230,350

budget clarification: Budgeted.

annual recurring cost: $460,700 includes salary and benefits

budgeted in current f/y (if no, please describe): Yes

revenue agreement: No

AGREEMENT/RESOLUTION/ORDINANCE APPROVED BY COUNTY COUNSEL: Yes

CEO Liaison: Sara Pierce, Interim CEO                                                               

CEO Review: Yes                                            

CEO Comments:

 

FOR COB USE ONLY

Executed By: Deputy Clerk

Final Status: Item Status

Date: Date Executed

Executed Item Type: item

 

Number: