Consider adopting a resolution authorizing an exception to the 180-day waiting period for the hiring of Sandra Gordon as an extra-help retired annuitant, effective January 11, 2026. (No general fund impact) (Pannu/Croswell) (Est. Staff Presentation: 2 min)

Consider adopting a resolution authorizing an exception to the 180-day waiting period for the hiring of Sandra Gordon as an extra-help retired annuitant, effective January 11, 2026.

Funding for this retired annuitant position will be provided through the department's existing extra help allocation.

The Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) and Government Code sections 7522.56 and 21224 require 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 (Attachment A), if adopted, would authorize the appointment of Sandra Gordon to serve as a Public Defender Investigator II to assist the Public Defender's Office, who is currently facing a convergence of circumstances that create a critical operational need requiring the temporary post-retirement appointment of Investigator Sandra Gordon as a retired annuitant, effective immediately upon her planned retirement on December 31, 2025.
 
Given the pressing demands, there is a critical business need to leverage the expertise of a retired annuitant, particularly one that is a 30-year veteran of the Public Defender’s Investigations Unit and will retire at the rank of Investigator II, the highest level below the Chief Investigator. Her extensive institutional knowledge, experience with major felonies, and familiarity with the unit’s operations position her uniquely to provide continuity during a period of significant staffing strain. Out of an abundance of caution, the County verified this appointment is compliant with CalPERS requirements. 

CalPERS
Department of Financial Services
Human Resources Department
Public Defender's Office