To: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
From: Human Resources Choose an item.
Meeting Date: October 20, 2026
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Department Contact: |
Chair Bernie Norvell |
Phone: |
707-463-4441 |
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Department Contact: |
Cherie Johnson |
Phone: |
707-234-6600 |
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Item Type: Regular Agenda |
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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 Sara Pierce to Serve as Mendocino County’s Chief Executive Officer in the Amount of Two Hundred and Seventy-Five Thousand Dollars ($275,000) Per Year with an Estimated Total Annual Compensation of Four Hundred and Eighty-One Thousand Dollars ($481,000), including Salary and Benefits, Commencing on October 20, 2026, through October 20, 2029
(Sponsors: Chair Norvell and Human Resources)
Vote Requirement: Majority
End
Recommended Action/Motion:
recommendation
Appoint Sara Pierce as Mendocino County Chief Executive Officer; Approve Employment Agreement between the County of Mendocino and Sara Pierce to serve as Mendocino County’s Chief Executive Officer in the amount of Two Hundred and Seventy-Five Thousand dollars ($275,000) per year with an estimated annual compensation of Four Hundred and Eighty-One Thousand Dollars ($481,000), including salary and benefits, commencing on October 20, 2026, through October 20, 2029; and authorize Chair to sign same.
End
Previous Board/Board Committee Actions:
June 23, 2026, Board of Supervisors approved by Resolution to appoint Sara Pierce as Interim Chief Executive Officer for a period of up to 6 months.
Summary of Request:
This item proposes and recommends that the Board of supervisors appoint Sara Pierce as Mendocino County’s Chief Executive Officer and approve the Employment Agreement between the County of Mendocino and Sara Pierce for the term October 20, 2026, through October 20, 2029.
Sara Pierce was initially hired by Mendocino County in January 2021 as a Principal Administrative Analyst in the Executive Office. In 2022, Ms. Pierce was promoted to Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer until January 2023 where she fully assumed the role of Deputy Chief Executive Officer. In late 2023 Ms. Pierce stepped in as the Acting Auditor-Controller/Treasurer-Tax Collector where she served until early 2025. From there, Ms. Pierce then assumed the role of Assistant Chief Executive Office, until she stepped in as Interim Chief Executive Officer in July 2026. Additionally, she has been the Emergency Operation Finance Section Chief since 2023, until she assumed the role of Interim Director of Emergency Services in July 2026.
Ms. Pierce has been instrumental in bringing the county current on outstanding audits, working with State agencies to identify gaps and areas of improvement, budget development process, as well as updating many policies and procedures including Policy 1 Purchasing, Leasing, and Contracting Policy. She has built many great working relationships with various elected officials, and department heads, allowing for open communication and collaboration among departments.
Alternative Action/Motion:
Do not approve Employment Agreement and direct staff.
Strategic Plan Priority Designation: An Effective County Government
Supervisorial District: All
Supplemental Information Available Online At: N/A
Fiscal Details:
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source of funding: Budget unit 1120 |
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current f/y cost: $437,500 including compensation and benefits |
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budget clarification: Costs are covered in the 26/27 approved budget |
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annual recurring cost: $481,00 including compensation and benefits |
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budgeted in current f/y (if no, please describe): Yes |
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revenue agreement: No |
AGREEMENT/RESOLUTION/ORDINANCE APPROVED BY COUNTY COUNSEL: N/A
CEO Liaison: Executive Office
CEO Review: Yes
CEO Comments:
FOR COB USE ONLY
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Executed By: Deputy Clerk |
Final Status: Item Status |
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Date: Date Executed |
Executed Item Type: item |
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Number: |
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