Consider adopting a resolution authorizing an exception to the 180-day waiting period for the hiring of James W. Laughlin as an extra-help retired annuitant. (No general fund impact) (Pogledich) (Est. Time: 2 min)

Consider adopting a resolution authorizing an exception to the 180-day waiting period for the hiring of James W. Laughlin as an extra-help retired annuitant.

The Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) and Government Code sections 7522.56 and 21224 requires that individuals who retire from a CalPERS agency must wait 180 days before being reemployed by the same or another CalPERS Agency unless the individual chooses to reinstate from retirement. Government Code section 7522.56 allows exceptions to this 180-day waiting period under certain circumstances, including hiring retirees to perform work in critically needed positions. The Board of Supervisors must adopt a resolution authorizing appointment under this exception. 

The attached resolution (Att. A), if adopted, would authorize the appointment of Jim Laughlin to serve as the legal advisor to the Yolo County Assessment Appeals Board. Mr. Laughlin retired from the Office of the County Counsel in Solano County as a Deputy County Counsel V on November 24, 2023. He has over 34 years of experience as a practicing attorney, including eight years as the principal legal advisor to the Assessment Appeals Board in Solano County. The current legal advisor to the Yolo County Assessment Appeals Board, Charles Mack, is concluding his service in that capacity on January 31, 2024, making it imperative to identify a new legal advisor as soon as possible. Mr. Laughlin has agreed to serve in this role with the expectation that the role will transition, with his guidance and training, to an attorney in the Office of the County Counsel within 12-18 months.

Mr. Laughlin's potential appointment has been coordinated with Solano County, as he will also be performing some tasks for Solano in connection with pending litigation matters and the California Forever ballot initiative (which proposes a General Plan Amendment to facilitate creation of a new city). 

Solano County Counsel

Not applicable