LAKEPORT >> With the recent county position of Deputy Administrative Officer left vacant by Alan Flora’s departure Jan. 2, the Lake County Board of Supervisors discussed options to fill the position. After some debate, they opted to follow the recommendation of county officials.
Flora worked for the county as an assistant planner, associate planner, redevelopment analyst, administrative analyst and deputy county administrative officer, totaling six years of service.
During the discussion, County Administrative Officer Matt Perry outlined three options the supervisors could pursue.
The first option would be to leave the position vacant and take no action. However, this was not recommended by county staff.
As a second option, Perry proposed re-establishing the chief deputy administrative officer position, which was left vacant when he was promoted to county administrative officer approximately two-and-a-half years ago.
The third option, which was recommended by Perry, was “all-encompassing” and was ultimately approved by the board.
Along with the re-establishment of the chief deputy administrative officer, which will be second highest position in the office and may potentially replace Perry when he retires, an assistant county administrative officer position will be created.
Additionally, pay rates for the positions will be slightly increased “to attract candidates with the right qualifications.”
The board unanimously approved the third option.
“Some day, Matt will retire and we need to be prepared that we have someone who can step in and fill his shoes,” District 4 Supervisor Anthony Farrington said.
District 5 Supervisor Rob Brown suggested dropping mileage reimbursement for board travels to help fund the new position. The board agreed to discuss the issue during its Jan. 20 meeting.
“So many departments have had to cut their budgets, that I think this would be a good way to show them we are serious in our department as well,” Brown said.
Contact J. W. Burch, IV at 900-2022.
