The Governor’s executive orders to this point have granted much
needed flexibility to counties in a number of areas. However, as
the COVID-19 crisis lengthens and broadens, a growing number of
county employees are working from home, taking sick leave, or
being redirected to deal with the emergency.
In light of those staff reductions and redirections, CSAC has
requested that the Governor grant additional flexibility to
address a variety of operational difficulties. Many of the
requests relate to deadlines that, if missed, automatically grant
petitioners their request or subject the county to liability.
For instance, assessment appeal must be decided within two years
or the plaintiff is granted their appeal, which would permanently
reduce property taxes. Likewise, certain permits face “shot
clocks” that grant the permits if missed.
The Governor has already granted the state relief from the rules
restricting the use of retired annuitants, temporary, and
part-time workers, and counties have requested the same changes
be applied to them. Meet and confer obligations should also be
suspended or modified related to emergency personnel policies
suck as telework, safety leave, and advances on sick leave.
These changes will help counties respond as effectively as
possible to the crisis confronting California and CSAC has been
in constant communication with the Governor’s office. Letters
requesting these changes, which were developed with the help of
county counsels and other partners, were delivered on March
13 (initial
letter with summary requests) and March 15 (follow-up
letter providing more detail).
