BOARD AGENDA MEMORANDUM
Government Code § 84308 Applies: Yes ☐ No ☒
(If “YES” Complete Attachment A - Gov. Code § 84308)
SUBJECT: Title
*Adopt a Resolution Appointing and Providing for the Compensation of the Interim District Counsel, Effective June 9, 2026, Until a New Permanent Incumbent is Appointed Through a Competitive Recruitment Process.
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RECOMMENDATION: Recommendation
*Adopt the Resolution APPOINTING THE INTERIM DISTRICT COUNSEL, AN UNCLASSIFIED EMPLOYEE, APPOINTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE SANTA CLARA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT AND APPROVING THE COMPENSATION AMOUNT.
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SUMMARY:
The Board of Directors (Board) is responsible for the appointment of the District Counsel, a Board Appointed Officer, and an Unclassified employee of the Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water).
Carlos Orellana, the current District Counsel, has submitted his resignation with an effective date of July 25, 2026 and will be on leave until that time. As a result, the Board will need to appoint an interim District Counsel until a new incumbent is appointed through a competitive recruitment process.
*Linda Mason will serve as the interim District Counsel effective June 9, 2026, with a compensation of $355,492.80 annually, until a new permanent incumbent is appointed through a competitive recruitment process.
The Interim District Counsel, Linda Mason, will report to the Board of Directors. The Chair of the Board will be the delegated authority to release the interim District Counsel at the conclusion of the appointment.
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE IMPACT:
There are no environmental justice impacts associated with the agenda item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Compensation associated with appointing an Interim District Counsel is budgeted through the Office of District Counsel budget, Project 60141001.
CEQA:
The recommended action does not constitute a project under CEQA because it does not have the potential for resulting in direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
ATTACHMENTS:
*Original Board Agenda Memo
*Supplemental Board Agenda Memo
*Supplemental Attachment 1: Resolution
UNCLASSIFIED MANAGER: Manager
Patrice McElroy, 408-630-3159