Placer County charter amendments head to future ballots. Here’s what they would do
Placer County voters will decide whether to change key parts of the county’s governing charter after the Board of Supervisors approved three proposed amendments for placement ballots in November, as well as in 2028.
Two of the proposed changes will appear on the November ballot. One would give the Board of Supervisors up to 60 days, instead of 30, to fill a vacancy on the board. It would also clarify when a vacant seat should be placed on the election ballot.
The second proposal would allow different rules for removing the county executive officer if those rules are included in the CEO’s employment contract. The Board of Supervisors would continue to oversee the position.
The proposal comes four years after the dismissal of former Placer County Chief Executive Officer Todd Leopold.
Leopold came under intense public scrutiny after it was revealed he had been driving the vehicle involved in a March 2022 Rocklin crash that killed 18-year-old pedestrian Anthony Williams. The Placer County District Attorney’s Office declined to file criminal charges, concluding there was insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a crime had occurred.
The county months later terminated Leopold for cause after an unrelated workplace discrimination and harassment complaint, saying the decision was not related to the fatal crash.
The complaint that ultimately cost Leopold his job was never released, with county officials citing it as a confidential personnel matter. Leopold was replaced by Jane Christenson in 2022, who retired a year and a half later. Current Placer CEO is Daniel Chatigny was appointed by the board in February 2024.
“The proposed amendments reflect a careful review of how our county government operates and provide voters the opportunity to consider updates that support effective governance,” Board Chair and District Supervisor Shanti Landon said.
The third proposed change will appear on the 2028 ballot. It would change how supervisors’ salaries are calculated. Instead of comparing pay with nearby counties, supervisors would earn 55% of the base salary of a California Superior Court judge. Annual raises would be capped at 10%.
If voters approve the changes, they will take effect as provided under state law. If they are rejected, the current county charter will remain unchanged.
The proposals were recommended by the 2025 Charter Review Committee, which meets every five years to review county government and recommend improvements.
Placer County’s charter was first approved by voters in 1980. It serves as the county’s foundational document, outlining how county government is organized and operates.
