Sierra County board appoints Eric Jackson as county assessor after public interview

The Sierra County Board of Supervisors on March 9 appointed Eric Jackson to fill the unexpired term of county assessor and administered the oath of office.

Jackson, who told the board he has worked in the assessor's office since 2010, said he has performed thousands of appraisals and completed more than 500 hours of related training. Jackson described staffing and training as his top near-term challenges if appointed, saying the office has several relatively inexperienced employees who will need hands-on coaching.

"I've been with the assessor's office since 2010," Jackson said during an open interview. "I'm a numbers person. I love numbers, and I just enjoy the job." He told the board he would be "hands on teaching" while new staff gain experience.

Board members thanked outgoing assessor Laura Marshall for succession planning and voiced confidence in Jackson's experience. The board discussed legal and electoral implications of appointing an official to an elected post, noting the appointee serves until the next regular election cycle; the board and staff confirmed the appointment will extend through Jan. 9, 2029, with the next election for the seat scheduled in 2028.

A motion to appoint Jackson passed by roll call. Following the vote, Jackson stood at the dais and recited the oath of office.

The board also emphasized procedures for transparency in the public interview: supervisors said the public questions are intended to provide a record of the candidate's answers. Jackson's appointment is effective immediately; the county will follow the normal election schedule for the office in 2028.

The meeting adjourned at 10:01 a.m.