Chapter 2.13 — CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

It is the intent of the Board of Supervisors of the County that the Chief Administrative Officer exercise overall responsibility for the coordination of department activities to ensure the sound and effective management of County government, pursuant to Board policy and adopted budget. The Board fully intends to assign to the Chief Administrative Officer more clear and direct management authority and responsibility, and to hold him or her specifically accountable, although nothing in this chapter should be interpreted to preclude direct communication and interaction between department heads and the Board of Supervisors.

The County organizational culture, structure and management systems have changed to reflect that:

A.

The Board of Supervisors acts primarily on establishing a strategic vision, goals, policies and budgets to meet legal mandates and the needs of County residents; on carrying out its legislative and decision-making responsibilities; and on communicating with and serving the citizens of the County;

B.

The Chief Administrative Officer acts primarily on effective overall management of County resources; long-range financial and organizational planning; ensuring that County departments are producing services and results in accordance with Board goals, policies and budgets; improving management and information systems to ensure the most effective use of County personnel, money, facilities and equipment; and other specific duties assigned by the Board of Supervisors;

C.

The Board of Supervisors continues the historic direct relationship with department heads on matters of policy, and encourages them to work closely with the Board and the Chief Administrative Officer in recommending and implementing effective policy. The Chief Administrative Officer shall act as an advisor to the Board of Supervisors to provide objective commentary on policy considerations;

D.

The Chief Administrative Officer acts as the Board's representative on matters of management. The Board provides department heads with the policy direction authority and resources to carry out their budgeted programs. The Chief Administrative Officer is charged with evaluating the effective management of all County resources, and holding appointed department heads accountable for results in accordance with Board goals, policies and budget allocations. Well-coordinated executive management should be encouraged by the Chief Administrative Officer. The Board and Administrator recognize the unique legal responsibilities and voter accountability of independently elected County executives. The Chief Administrative Officer is responsible for working with elected officials to ensure management accountability for the resources allocated to them by the Board of Supervisors.

(Code 1997, § 2.13.005; Ord. No. 4196, § 1, 1991)

A.

As enumerated in Government Code § 24000 there is created the position of Chief Administrative Officer. The Chief Administrative Officer is a County officer and not subject to the County civil service system. No provision of State or Federal

law is intended to, nor shall it vest in the Chief Administrative Officer any right, duty, or responsibility now conferred by law on any other officer, department head, or employee of the County.

B.

Except as provided herein, no provision of this chapter shall be construed to delegate to the Chief Administrative Officer any authority required by statute to be performed by another designated County official.

(Code 1997, § 2.13.010; Ord. No. 3966, § 1(part), 1988; Ord. No. 4196, § 2, 1991)

The Chief Administrative Officer shall:

A.

Be chosen upon the basis of knowledge and skills in public administration, business administration, demonstrated administrative ability, and knowledge of public agency budgeting, personnel, finance and organization. This requirement may be met by a combination of education and experience in these fields as may be acceptable to the Board of Supervisors.

B.

Be appointed by, and serve at the pleasure of, the Board of Supervisors. The Chief Administrative Officer may be removed from office by majority vote of the Board of Supervisors at any time.

(Code 1997, § 2.13.020; Ord. No. 3966, § 1(part), 1988)

All other provisions of this chapter notwithstanding, the Board of Supervisors may, at its discretion, enter into a written agreement with the Chief Administrative Officer which governs the terms and conditions of employment including compensation, benefits and removal from office.

(Code 1997, § 2.13.025; Ord. No. 4196, § 3, 1991)

The compensation of the Chief Administrative Officer shall be established by resolution of the Board of Supervisors.

(Code 1997, § 2.13.030; Ord. No. 3966, § 1(part), 1988)

The Chief Administrative Officer shall advise, assist, and act as the agent for and be responsible to the Board of Supervisors for the administration of the affairs of the County as directed by the Board, and shall enforce ordinances, orders, policies, or regulations as directed by the Board.

(Code 1997, § 2.13.040; Ord. No. 3966, § 1(part), 1988)

The Chief Administrative Officer shall:

A.

Represent the Board of Supervisors in the County's intergovernmental relationships in accordance with Board policies and instructions; and when so directed, represent the Board in dealing with individuals or groups concerned with County affairs;

B.

Attend all meetings of the Board of Supervisors, except when excused; and when directed by the Board, attend meetings of commissions and committees established by the Board of Supervisors;

C.

Evaluate departmental and other requests of the Board of Supervisors, and make recommendations on each agenda item except for items from individual Board members or items scheduled for public hearing through the Planning Commission;

D.

Administer and enforce policies established by the Board of Supervisors by issuing procedures, standard practices, rules and regulations as needed;

E.

Assist the Board of Supervisors in the recruitment and appointment of department heads in accordance with County personnel ordinances, resolutions and policies and procedures;

F.

Conduct research, as authorized by the Board, in administrative practices and prepare recommendations to bring about greater efficiency and economy in County government; develop and make recommendations on long-range plans and programs to prepare for future growth and development;

G.

Analyze and make recommendations on proposed State and Federal legislation affecting the County when requested to do so by the Board.

(Code 1997, § 2.13.050; Ord. No. 3966, § 1(part), 1988; Ord. No. 4155, § 1, 1991; Ord. No. 4196, § 4, 1991; Ord. No. 4346, 1994)

The Chief Administrative Officer shall:

A.

Recommend to the Board of Supervisors an annual executive budget containing recommendations on department operations, revenue and financing projections, proposed goals, objectives, and work programs for all activities under the control of the Board of Supervisors;

B.

Develop budget policies and issue instructions to guide departments in budget preparation;

C.

Report periodically to the Board of Supervisors on the status of expenditures and revenues based on budget control systems established by the Auditor-Controller and recommend procedures to control expenditures when required to stay within the Board's approved annual budget;

D.

Recommend to the Board regarding requests for unforeseen and unbudgeted expenditures; approve budget transfers and revisions within appropriations, including additional fixed assets; and make recommendations on transfer requests which require Board action.

(Code 1997, § 2.13.060; Ord. No. 3966, § 1(part), 1988)

The Chief Administrative Officer shall:

A.

Monitor the overall performance of departments and review methods and procedures and formulate recommendations to the Board for increased efficiency;

B.

Evaluate existing and proposed programs as directed by the Board and make recommendations for improved effectiveness;

C.

Evaluate departmental organizations, when directed by the Board, and recommend any needed changes in organization, structure, duties or responsibilities;

D.

Authorize budgeted travel and business expense in accordance with rules, regulations, and policies established by the Board;

E.

Assist, as directed by the Board, in the administration of the department head performance pay program;

F.

Assist department heads in solving problems which inhibit efficient operation within a department or require coordination between departments;

G.

Promote the development of team management systems within the County organizations to develop leadership opportunities among department heads to build a County management team that can plan for and meet future challenges;

H.

Develop and recommend new programs, management policies and procedures for consideration by the Board of Supervisors;

I.

Carry out all responsibilities in a manner which recognizes the basic responsibility and authority of the Board of Supervisors to determine County policy and department heads to communicate directly with the Board of Supervisors on issues of policy.

(Code 1997, § 2.13.070; Ord. No. 3966, § 1(part), 1988; Ord. No. 4196, § 5, 1991)

The Chief Administrative Officer shall:

A.

Through the coordinating of the personnel activities, and subject to the limitations of the civil service regulations set forth in Chapter 2.16 and adopted memorandums of understanding, administer the County's labor relations program and the personnel system;

B.

Assist the Board, as directed, in the filling of vacant department head positions;

C.

Represent the Board of Supervisors by coordinating the process of negotiating contracts (memorandum of understanding) with the representatives of employee organizations and with unrepresented employees in compliance with the Board's instructions and authorizations;

D.

Prepare recommendations on all departmental organizations changes which result in a change in the number, classification or pay for employees.

(Code 1997, § 2.13.080; Ord. No. 3966, § 1(part), 1988; Ord. No. 4196, § 6, 1991)