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Adopt a resolution authorizing the County Administrator to designate the Assistant County Administrators or other appropriate County employee to execute contracts and other agreements when the Board of Supervisors has delegated execution authority to the County Administrator
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Published Notice Required? Yes_______ No___X__
Public Hearing Required? Yes_______ No ___X___
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The County Administrator’s Office recommends that the Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution authorizing the County Administrator to designate the Assistant County Administrators or other appropriate County employee to execute contracts and other agreements when the Board of Supervisors has delegated execution authority to the County Administrator.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Board of Supervisors approves County contracts and agreements in accordance with applicable law and the County’s Purchasing and Contracting Policy. As part of individual Board actions, the Board frequently delegates authority to the County Administrator to execute approved contracts and other agreements. In addition, Budget Construction and Legal Requirements in the FY2026/27 Approved Budget delegates authority to the County Administrator to sign contracts and agreements under $74,999 per fiscal year.
The proposed action would authorize the County Administrator to further delegate contract execution authority when the Board has granted that authority to the County Administrator. This would provide administrative flexibility, maintain continuity of County operations, and reduce potential delays in contract execution while preserving all limitations and conditions established by the Board.
The authority would apply to prior and future Board-approved documents for which execution authority has been delegated to the County Administrator. Any such designation would be made in writing, convey signature authority only, and does not expand or modify the scope, fiscal limits, terms, conditions, or other requirements established by the Board, or any applicable legal, regulatory, or funding restriction.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with the recommended action. The proposed delegation relates solely to the administrative execution of contracts and other agreements already authorized by the Board and does not provide authority to increase contract amounts, establish additional appropriations, or otherwise modify Board-approved fiscal authority.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to adopt the proposed resolution. This is not recommended because contracts for which the Board delegates execution authority specifically to the County Administrator would continue to require the County Administrator’s personal signature unless the individual Board action separately authorizes a designee which could result in unnecessary administrative delays.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel has reviewed the proposed resolution and agenda item for legal sufficiency. County departments involved in the development and administration of contracts would utilize the delegated signature authority consistent with existing County contracting policies and procedures.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION