Sutter County Assessor Todd Retzloff has been appointed to oversee county operations until the return of CAO Steven Smith, who is on medical leave. Photo courtesy of Sutter County

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - The Board of Supervisors on Feb. 2 appointed Sutter County Assessor Todd Retzloff to serve as acting county administrative officer while CAO Steven Smith takes a medical leave.

Human Resources Director Veronica Baumgardner told the board that Smith notified the county on Jan. 28 that he would be out for medical reasons and that the county needed someone in place immediately for a limited duration. “This appointment is critical to continued operations,” Baumgardner said.

Retzloff, as acting county administrative officer, will provide executive leadership, maintain continuity in decision-making authority, ensure statutory responsibilities are met and ensure uninterrupted oversight of county departments and services. Baumgardner said his 14 years of experience leading a county department, managing budgets, overseeing personnel and working closely with the board make him well prepared to step in.

“He is also widely respected by other local officials, county staff and residents here in Sutter County,” she said. Retzloff began the temporary assignment Feb. 3.

Under the agreement approved by the board, Retzloff will be paid $124.06 per hour for the duration of Smith’s leave. County officials said the cost will be covered by existing salary savings in the County Administrator’s Office budget.

While wishing Smith a speedy recovery, Board Chair Mike Ziegenmeyer said he is confident in Retzloff’s ability to keep county operations running smoothly until Smith can return to his duties.