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Orange County board approves CEO pay adjustment after public objections over benefits
Summary
After an SB 1436 oral report, the board approved adjusting Mr. Geary's base salary to $410,599 (estimated $624,878 total compensation). A public speaker (identified as 'Michelle') criticized the timing and the reported benefits figure; supervisors praised interim leadership and the item carried unanimously.
County counsel explained that, under SB 1436 (2016), the Brown Act requires an oral public report when local officials consider changes to a local agency executive's compensation. Counsel said the proposal on the agenda would set Mr. Geary's base salary at $410,599 with an estimated $624,878 in total compensation, the same total amount previously paid to predecessor CEO Frank Kim.
Supervisor Foley moved the recommended action and praised interim leadership, saying the board appreciates the "steady hand" and institutional knowledge provided while the county faces cyber and emergency events. Counsel and other supervisors discussed the timing of prior contracts and salary comparisons with other large counties. Supervisor Chaffee and other board members emphasized the county's size and responsibilities and expressed wholehearted support for the adjustment.
Before the vote the clerk called one public speaker for the supplemental item; the speaker identified by the clerk as 'Michelle' criticized the board for delaying the item until after closed session and questioned the size of the reported benefits package: "A benefits package of $214,878 per year? Are you kidding me?" The board proceeded, and the chair stated the motion carried unanimously with no opposition or abstentions recorded.
The chair closed the meeting and announced the board's next meeting is scheduled for 09:30 a.m. on 09/24/2024.
