To: Board of Supervisors
From: David O. Livingston, Sheriff-Coroner
Report Title: Temporary Hire of County Retiree Susan Lyon - Waiver of 180-day "sit out" period
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Consider waiving the 180-day sit-out period for Sheriff’s Executive Assistant Susan Lyon, in the Office of the Sheriff;
2. Find that the appointment of Ms. Lyon is necessary to fill a critically needed position; and
3. Approve and authorize the hiring of County retiree Ms. Lyon as a temporary County employee effective September 4, 2024, and serving through September 3, 2025.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Upon approval, this action has a cost of approximately $94,675. The cost is fully funded within the Office of the Sheriff’s budget, drawing on the current General Fund allocations.
BACKGROUND:
Susan Lyon retired on August 12, 2024, after 22 years of service with the Office of the Sheriff. As the Sheriff’s Executive Assistant Ms. Lyon was the liaison between the Sheriff and top management, staff, the media, elected representatives, state, national, and local law enforcement agencies, and the public. She evaluated situations involving the public, media, staff, and other agencies and took appropriate actions to find resolutions. Ms. Lyon also arranged and coordinated schedules, meetings, conferences, workshops, and departmental public relations events. The Sheriff relied on Ms. Lyon to manage his daily calendar and to determine scheduling priorities, in addition to having her attend meetings on his behalf where she took, transcribed, and distributed detailed minutes. During her time Ms. Lyon also responded to citizen complaints and inquiries that many times included matters of a sensitive and/or confidential nature.
The current process for hiring new employees can take up to six months or longer because of the extensive background process. Hiring Susan Lyon immediately as a temporary employee in the Sheriff’s Office will provide support with daily operations until the department can hire a full-time permanent employee. In her temporary role, Ms. Lyon will be assigned to train the new Sheriff’s Executive Assistant in the many different facets of the position.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Failure to receive Board approval will result in a significant negative impact on the Office of the Sheriff as well as on Sheriff Livingston. The temporary hire of Ms. Lyon as someone familiar with all the functions of the position will bridge gaps in the learning curve for the new Sheriff’s Executive Assistant.