San Joaquin County administrator ousted

Wes Bowers, Lodi News-Sentinel, Calif.
·2 min read
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Mar. 14—The top administrative official in San Joaquin County has been placed on leave, and his contract will be terminated at the end of the month.

Reporting out of closed session on Tuesday, the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 to place county administrator Jay Wilverding on leave.

In addition, supervisors requested a March 26 agenda item to consider terminating his contract.

Board chairman Miguel Villapudua cast the dissenting vote Tuesday.

The board indicated that the action was not for cause.

Assistant CAO Sandra Regalo was named as the acting county administrator, effective immediately.

"Jay Wilverding has been an enormous asset to San Joaquin County, and while I disagree with the board's decision today, I understand that there are times when a new direction is desired," Villapudua said. "I respect my colleagues' decision to exercise that option at this point. On behalf of the entire board, I want to express our incredible respect for Mr. Wilverding as a person and as a public servant. I am thankful for the time that we have spent together and appreciate all he has done for our county."

Wilverding spent 11 years with the county, first appointed as auditor-controller in 2013 to fill a vacancy left by Adrian Van Houten. He was later elected to that position.

In March 2021, Wilverding was appointed county administrator, replacing Monica Nino.

"While Mr. Wilverding has played a vital and important role in San Joaquin County, the decision of this board signals that it is time for a new direction and new leadership," Vice chair Paul Canepa said. "It is essential that the Board of Supervisors have a close and cooperative relationship with the County Administrator's office, and I am confident in Ms. Regalo's ability to work with our Board to ensure that the county is well positioned in the coming weeks as we consider our options for the future of San Joaquin County administration."

The board undertook an annual review of Wilverding's position during Tuesday's closed session. The county administrator's contract includes a 30-day notification period that allows supervisors ability to make personnel changes if needed.

Wilverding's most recent contract was signed in February of 2022. His annual salary is $365,801.