Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Ray Mueller, District 3
Supervisor Noelia Corzo, District 2
Subject: Special Election on Charter Amendment Granting Board of Supervisors Authority to Remove an Elected Sheriff for Cause
RECOMMENDATION:
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Introduction of an ordinance calling for a special election to be held on March 4, 2025 throughout the County of San Mateo for the purpose of voting upon an amendment to the San Mateo County Charter granting the Board of Supervisors the authority to remove an elected Sheriff for cause, by a four-fifths vote of the Board of Supervisors, after written notice and an opportunity to be heard, proclaiming said special local Countywide election pursuant to Elections Code Section 12001, and requesting that the election be consolidated with any and all other elections to be held on March 4, 2025, and waive the reading of the ordinance in its entirety.
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BACKGROUND:
The County is one of 14 charter counties in California and has adopted the San Mateo County Charter ("Charter"), which was originally ratified by San Mateo County voters in 1932. Under the Charter, the Board of Supervisors ("Board") is the governing body of the County and, in that capacity, has all the powers and duties vested in it by the California Constitution, California general law, and the Charter, including, without limitation, the responsibility to supervise the official conduct of all County officers and employees to ensure they faithfully discharge their duties.
The Board, however, does not currently have the authority to remove an elected Sheriff, even in cases where the Sheriff engages in such wrongdoing as the violation of laws relating to their duties, flagrant or repeated neglect of their duties, misappropriation of County funds or property, willful falsification of official statements or documents, and/or obstruction of an official investigation into...
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