The resignation of County Administrative Officer Dan Vrtis
should become official today, one week after the Board of
Supervisors asked him to step down and accept his prior role as San
Benito County’s finance director.
Hollister – The resignation of County Administrative Officer Dan Vrtis should become official today, one week after the Board of Supervisors asked him to step down and accept his prior role as San Benito County’s finance director.
The matter is listed on the board’s closed session agenda for today. Final decisions in closed session regarding the hiring or dismissal of a CAO – including whether the board accepts his resignation – must be reported out publicly.
Supervisors have declined to comment on reasons for the resignation because their decision was made in closed session last week and, technically, has not been made public. Though when questioned last week by the Free Lance, officials did confirm the board had asked Vrtis to resign and accept his prior role in the auditor’s office.
Vrtis said he expected to submit a resignation letter last week Friday and move back to the auditor’s office. He could not be reached Monday to confirm whether he followed through, and county offices were closed for Labor Day.
The board hired Vrtis in June after the abrupt resignation of former CAO Terrence May. Vrtis came aboard at a particularly volatile time – in the middle of preparations for the 2004-05 budget. He went on to lead efforts to balance the budget while maintaining most services and avoiding a significant number of layoffs.
It’s still unclear, however, why supervisors requested his resignation, or how they plan to fill the county’s top appointed position.
Supervisor Reb Monaco, who indicated he opposed the board’s decision, said Monday the county held discussions with the California State Association of Counties about finding a retired CAO to fill the role on an interim basis. Though he said it’s too early to confirm whether that will pan out or if supervisors will go in another direction.
“It’s probably too premature for that,” Monaco said regarding the likelihood of hiring an interim CAO, as opposed to a permanent administrator.
Monaco is one of two supervisors – the other being Pat Loe – who will remain on the board come January when three new supervisors are sworn in.
Today’s meeting is at 9:30am at the County Administration Building, located at 481 Fourth St. in Hollister.
