County Board Appoints Kevin Briggs Acting County Council with $195K Salary

The Mariposa County Board of Supervisors convened on September 2, 2025, to discuss key administrative matters, including the recruitment of a new County Council and the appointment of Kevin Briggs as the acting County Council.

The meeting began with County Administrative Officer Joe Lynch outlining the need to fill the County Council position, previously held by Day Walter Wall. Lynch presented three options for recruitment: utilizing the Human Resources department to advertise the position, hiring a recruiting firm at an estimated cost of $20,000 to $30,000, or starting with internal recruitment and transitioning to a recruiter if necessary. The board discussed the challenges of finding qualified candidates in Mariposa County, noting the limited pool of practicing attorneys in the area.

Supervisor Manetri raised concerns about the recruitment process, emphasizing the importance of finding a suitable candidate quickly. The board reached a consensus to proceed with hiring a recruiter to expedite the process, acknowledging the urgency of the situation.

In a related decision, the board voted to appoint Kevin Briggs as the acting County Council, retroactively effective from August 22, 2025, with an annual salary of $195,653.42. This appointment was approved unanimously, with the board clarifying the distinction between an "acting" and "interim" County Council, noting that Briggs would assume the role internally.

The meeting also included the approval of minutes from previous meetings, with some members abstaining due to their absence. Following the administrative discussions, the board entered closed sessions to address various legal matters and employment issues.

The meeting concluded with a moment of remembrance for community members who had passed away, underscoring the board's commitment to both governance and community values.