Stockton, CA – At its meeting on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors reported out of closed session that Jay Wilverding, the County Administrator, had been placed on leave and that they were seeking an agenda item for the March 26th meeting to terminate his contract. The Board indicated that this action was not for cause. Four of the supervisors voted to place Mr. Wilverding on leave, pending the next meeting, with Chairman Miguel Villapudua dissenting. Sandra Regalo, who serves as the Assistant County Administrator, has been named as the Acting County Administrator, effective immediately.
“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,” commented Vice Chair Paul Canepa. “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.”
Jay Wilverding was appointed as Auditor-Controller on March 12, 2013 following a public interview to fill the vacancy left by Adrian Van Houten. He was later elected to that position. In March 2021, he was appointed as the County Administrator by the Board of Supervisors. In total, he has spent 11 years in service to San Joaquin County and its residents.
“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. I respect my colleagues' decision to exercise that option at this point,” commented Chairman Miguel Villapudua. “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.”
On today's agenda was a closed session item for the annual review of Mr. Wilverding's position. The contract of the County Administrator allows for a 30-day notification period. This contract option allows the Board of Supervisors, who oversees the role of County Administrator, the ability to make personnel changes if needed. Mr. Wilverding's most recent contract was signed on February 15, 2022; his annual salary is $365,801.80.
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The Board of Supervisors is the governing body of San Joaquin County and serves more than 779,000 residents. The Board establishes County policies, passes local ordinances, approves the budget, sets local tax rates, supports community programs, and provides many other essential services.
