Regular-General Government # 29.
Board of Supervisors
County Administrator
- Meeting Date:
- 05/26/2026
- Brief Title
- Receive input and provide direction on the process and timeline for selecting an appointee to serve as District Attorney.
From:
Michael Webb, County Administrator, County Administrator's Office
Staff Contact:
Mark Bryan, Deputy County Administrator, x8150
Supervisorial District Impact:
Countywide
Subject
Receive input and provide direction on the process and timeline for selecting an appointee to serve as District Attorney. (No general fund impact) (Webb/Bryan) (Est. Staff Presentation: 5 min)
Recommended Action
Receive input and provide direction on the process and timeline for selecting an appointee to serve as District Attorney.
Strategic Plan Goal(s)
 |
County Mandated Service |
Reason for Recommended Action/Background
The District Attorney, Jeff Reisig, retired from elected office effective May 15, 2026. Chief Deputy District Attorney Melinda Aiello is currently the Acting District Attorney. Pursuant to state law (as interpreted by the Office of the Attorney General in a formal opinion included as Attachment A), the Board of Supervisors is responsible for appointing an individual to serve the remainder of the unexpired term, which concludes on January 8, 2029. Eligible candidates must be registered voters of Yolo County at the time of appointment and hold an active license with the California State Bar.
Government Code section 25304 (Attachment B) dictates that an appointment for the remainder of the term must be made by the Board, and it does not authorize the position to instead be filled by a special election. The Board has full discretion in determining the process for filling this vacancy, subject only to the Attorney General’s general admonition to counties that such vacancies must be filled “within a reasonable time.” One option is for the Board to direct staff to return at a future meeting with an item enabling it to appoint the Acting District Attorney to the position. This approach would support continuity of leadership, minimize operational disruption within the Office of the District Attorney, and allow for an expedited appointment given the essential functions of the office and the ongoing prosecution workload.
Alternatively, the Board may elect to pursue an abbreviated recruitment process and direct staff to return with proposed procedures for a competitive selection. This type of recruitment process would require additional time, staff resources, and would extend the period without a permanent District Attorney, but would also provide the opportunity for other candidates to be considered. This approach has several elements to consider:
Government Code section 25304 (Attachment B) dictates that an appointment for the remainder of the term must be made by the Board, and it does not authorize the position to instead be filled by a special election. The Board has full discretion in determining the process for filling this vacancy, subject only to the Attorney General’s general admonition to counties that such vacancies must be filled “within a reasonable time.” One option is for the Board to direct staff to return at a future meeting with an item enabling it to appoint the Acting District Attorney to the position. This approach would support continuity of leadership, minimize operational disruption within the Office of the District Attorney, and allow for an expedited appointment given the essential functions of the office and the ongoing prosecution workload.
Alternatively, the Board may elect to pursue an abbreviated recruitment process and direct staff to return with proposed procedures for a competitive selection. This type of recruitment process would require additional time, staff resources, and would extend the period without a permanent District Attorney, but would also provide the opportunity for other candidates to be considered. This approach has several elements to consider:
- Recruitment timeline – two weeks (or longer) is recommended.
- Whether to require submittal of responses to written supplemental questions.
- Initial evaluation of applicant qualifications – this could be accomplished by a review panel consisting of the County Administrator or designee, County Counsel, and HR Director.
- Schedule open session interviews for the June 23, 2026, Board of Supervisors meeting, with a formal appointment action expected at the conclusion of interviews.
- All submitted applications will be treated as public records and may be released, including as part of an agenda packet, with personal contact information removed.
Collaborations (including Board advisory groups and external partner agencies)
County Counsel
Human Resources
Human Resources
Fiscal Impact
No Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact (Expenditure)
- Total cost of recommended action:
- $
- Amount budgeted for expenditure:
- $
- Additional expenditure authority needed:
- $
- On-going commitment (annual cost):
- $
Source of Funds for this Expenditure
- General Fund
- $0
Attachments
Form Review
| Inbox | Reviewed By | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Mark Bryan (Originator) | Mark Bryan | 05/14/2026 02:42 PM |
| Kamaljit Pannu | Kamaljit Pannu | 05/18/2026 12:17 PM |
| Phil Pogledich | Phil Pogledich | 05/19/2026 06:36 AM |
| Michael Webb | Michael Webb | 05/19/2026 01:29 PM |
| Cindy Perez | Mark Bryan | 05/19/2026 01:43 PM |
| Phil Pogledich | Phil Pogledich | 05/19/2026 01:56 PM |
| Michael Webb | Michael Webb | 05/20/2026 01:36 PM |
| Cindy Perez | Cindy Perez | 05/20/2026 03:12 PM |
| Mark Bryan (Originator) | Mark Bryan | 05/21/2026 10:08 AM |
| Phil Pogledich | Phil Pogledich | 05/21/2026 10:18 AM |
- Form Started By:
- Mark Bryan
- Started On:
- 05/12/2026 11:45 AM
- Final Approval Date:
- 05/21/2026