Chaffey County names Beth Helmke interim county administrator as Don Reimer prepares to depart

The Chaffey County Board of County Commissioners on Sept. 2 approved the appointment of Deputy County Administrator Beth Helmke as interim county administrator to serve during the transition following the upcoming departure of current County Administrator Don Reimer.

Why it matters: The county administrator manages daily county operations and implements board policy; an interim appointment ensures continuity while the board conducts a longer-term staffing transition.

Action and acceptance: Commissioners moved and seconded a motion to approve the appointment of Beth Helmke as interim county administrator. Helmke said she would be honored to support the transition and help maintain county operations during the change in leadership. Commissioners discussed the need for a coordinated handoff and noted the role will involve working with department heads and continuing current initiatives.

Transition details: Commissioners asked staff to coordinate a brief overlap and knowledge transfer with the departing administrator to ensure critical matters continue to be managed. Helmke’s interim assignment was approved without recorded amendment to compensation in the public minutes; staff said they would finalize any administrative details and report back.

Next steps: County staff will manage the day‑to‑day transition, and the board will continue process discussions about a permanent administrator appointment.