Mono County reviews updated unscheduled facility-closure procedure; CAO designated authority

Mono County staff presented an update to the county’s unscheduled-facility-closure procedure during the May 13, 2025, Board of Supervisors meeting. The item was informational; no board action was required.

Jason, the county risk manager, described the policy changes and said the county administrative officer (CAO) is designated as the authority to order closures. The revised procedure defines several closure types including full closures, partial closures (which may affect specific departments or buildings), and closures limited to public access while employees continue working from alternate locations.

The updated language stresses that closing a facility “does not imply the cessation of public services” and instructs department heads to continue public services where reasonably possible using remote work or relocation. Jason noted the county is implementing a cell‑phone emergency notification system to improve communications during weather or other emergencies because email and phone chains are not always timely.

The procedure clarifies pay and leave treatment: employees who can work (on-site or from an alternate location) will receive regular pay; employees who cannot perform work will also receive regular pay in most circumstances, consistent with collective‑bargaining provisions. Exceptions are identified for safety and emergency positions (for example, snow‑removal personnel). The policy has gone through department‑head review and was presented for board awareness and feedback.