Tuolumne County Supervisors Approve Sanford Settlement

Sonora, CA — By a four to one vote, the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors approved the agreement that will result in Undersheriff Lee Sanford retiring July 6th.

Rather than face a possible lawsuit, County Administration Officer Craig Pedro and Council Greg Oliver determined that it would be in the best interest of the county to pay Sanford $213,000 over a five year period to fulfill the time period that Sanford wished to continue working with the department.

The lone “no” vote came from Fifth District Supervisor Dick Pland who applauded Sanford for his contributions to the department and the county.

By unanimous votes, the supervisors decided to eliminate the “property right” Undersheriff position for one fiscal year and replace in 2008-2009 with an “at will” Undersheriff position. “Property right” has been defined as a position where “just cause” must be demonstrated to terminate an individual. “At will” will be an individual who will serve at the pleasure of Tuolumne County´s Sheriff-Coroner Jim Mele.

Written by Bill Johnson