Bullhead City council appoints former deputy county attorney as magistrate at $160,000 salary

Bullhead City — The Bullhead City Council on Jan. 20 approved an appointment agreement to hire Rod C. Gillio as the city’s magistrate for a four-year term beginning Jan. 25, 2026, with a starting annual salary of $160,000.

Gillio, who identified himself as a local attorney and a deputy county attorney who “grew up in Mohave County,” introduced himself to the council and said he looked forward to serving the community if approved. “I’m excited to get to work and I’m I’m most excited for the privilege to to continue serving the people of Bullhead City, if approved by this council,” Gillio said during the meeting.

Council members said they reviewed a contract drafted by the city’s human resources director and attorney and had previously participated in the recruitment process. Supervisor Rich Lettman, who said he interviewed Gillio for a different county post, publicly endorsed the selection, calling Gillio “outstanding” and “very ethical.” Other residents on the public record also voiced support.

The motion to approve the appointment was made, seconded and carried unanimously (7–0). The council’s action authorized the city manager to finalize and execute the appointment agreement for the magistrate position.

The appointment followed the departure of the previous magistrate and a hiring process the city said was overseen by human resources. The contract and salary were discussed on the record at the Jan. 20 meeting; Gillio indicated the contract was acceptable and that he was ready to sign.

The council did not discuss additional changes to court staffing or a timeline for the magistrate’s first day beyond the contract start date.