The Sierra County Board of Supervisors voted to extend a conditional offer to Tony Miller to fill the unexpired term for county auditor following a public interview and subject to background checks and completion of pre-employment requirements.

Miller, who told the board he has a background in nonprofit finance, operations and is pursuing professional accounting certifications, answered a series of questions from supervisors about fund accounting, payroll, and budget preparation. "I see the role of finance in any organization as an equipping department," Miller said during his interview.

The interview included questions from board members and county staff about the county's fund structure, payroll systems and the learning curve for county-specific procedures. Contract auditor Craig Goodman and Personnel Director Judy Belsey also questioned Miller about hands-on accounting and payroll experience. Miller said he has managed payroll for a staff of roughly 150 at a critical-access hospital and led recent ERP and payroll system implementations.

Board members discussed Miller's fit for a hands-on auditor-controller role typical in smaller Northern California counties, and noted the office's combined history of auditor, tax collector and treasurer responsibilities. The board agreed to a tentative salary and directed staff to complete usual background checks and benefit discussions before a final appointment.

Chair Sarah Adams and the other supervisors recorded a unanimous vote to extend the conditional offer. County counsel summarized the open-session action as a conditional offer pending background results.

If confirmed after background checks and acceptance, Miller would begin a transition period that county staff said could include contracted support from the current contract auditor through December to assist with audit and system handover tasks.