Sutter County board appoints Todd Rexloff as acting county administrator during CAO’s medical leave

The Sutter County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to appoint Todd Rexloff as acting county administrator for a limited duration after the county administrative officer (CAO), Steve Smith, was placed on medical leave.

Veronica Baumgartner, the county’s human resources director, told the board the CAO’s leave is temporary and that the county recommended an interim appointment to maintain executive leadership and statutory responsibilities. "We would be recommending today that you appoint Todd Rexloff," Baumgartner said, noting Rexloff’s more than 14 years as the county assessor and experience managing a large department and budget.

Baumgartner said the appointment falls within CalPERS rules and the county has sufficient savings in the CAO fiscal-year 2025–26 budget to cover the temporary cost; she told the board there would be no general fund impact and that the salary amount is posted in the county’s salary resolution.

Supervisors expressed support for the nominee and for CAO Steve Smith’s recovery. Supervisor Flores seconded the motion after Supervisor Boone moved it; the board then conducted a roll-call vote. Supervisors Boone, Flores, Ziegenmeyer, Baines, and Stevens were recorded as voting Aye, and the motion passed.

The board discussed arranging one-on-one meetings between supervisors and the acting CAO to review district projects and requested a memo summarizing project status by the following afternoon.

The resolution takes effect for the limited period described in the county materials; the board did not specify an exact end date during the meeting.

The board adjourned after brief discussion about next steps and outreach on other agenda matters.