Delta County board votes to extend offer for Emily DeSalvo as county administrator

The Delta County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to extend an offer to Emily DeSalvo for the county administrator position after interviews of multiple candidates.

The vote followed commissioner discussion of process and next steps: the board directed personnel to prepare a contract and send proposed compensation to the finance committee before the chair or clerk will finalize an offer.

Commissioner Johnson said he had worked with DeSalvo previously and welcomed the prospect of her return. During public comment, Bob Baron urged the board not to rehire DeSalvo, saying, “To bring DeSalvo back is telling the Delta County taxpayers you have only contempt for their integrity in dollars.” Another commenter, Andrea Newmelin of Maple Ridge Township, expressed support: “I would like to thank the board on their ex for Emily DeSalvo for our county administrator.”

Board chair called for a roll call after a motion to extend an offer; Commissioners Johnson, Williams, Van Ginhoven, Jensen and Melner each voted yes. Commissioners and staff said the next formal steps are for personnel to draft a contract and for finance to review the salary and budget impact before an offer is finalized and accepted.

No salary or start date was included in the motion; commissioners said those details will be negotiated through the normal personnel and finance process before an executed contract is returned to the board.

Supporters and opponents both spoke during public comment. The board’s vote was procedural—an instruction to proceed with an offer and contract negotiation—rather than finalizing employment terms. The county clerk will record the contract once approved through personnel and finance.