COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

County Manager

DATE:

March 22, 2011

BOARD MEETING DATE:

March 29, 2011

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

David S. Boesch, County Manager

SUBJECT:

Appointment of County Counsel

RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt a resolution appointing John C. Beiers as County Counsel.

BACKGROUND:

During the fall of last year, the former County Counsel, Michael P. Murphy, announced his intent to retire from employment with the County of San Mateo, effective as of March 19, 2011. In response, the Board of Supervisors, through the County’s Human Resources Department, undertook an extensive recruitment effort to locate and select a successor for Mr. Murphy.

On March 1, 2011, after a search and selection process that involved reviewing the qualifications of many strong applicants, the Board of Supervisors determined to offer the position of County Counsel to John C. Beiers. Mr. Beiers has served the County of San Mateo for several years as Deputy County Counsel and Chief Deputy County Counsel. Mr. Beiers accepted the Board’s offer of employment as County Counsel.

DISCUSSION:

Adoption of the recommended resolution will formalize the Board’s appointment of Mr. Beiers to serve as County Counsel, effective as of March 20, 2011, and will clarify the salary and terms of employment to be provided to Mr. Beiers in connection with these services.

County Counsel has reviewed and approved the Resolution as to form and content.

Approving the appointment of John C. Beiers as County Counsel will contribute to the Shared Vision 2025 outcome of a Collaborative Community by ensuring that government decisions are based on careful consideration of future impact, with due consideration given to ensuring proper legal representation for the County of San Mateo.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Aside from salary and benefits corresponding to Mr. Beiers’ position, this action will have no fiscal impact.