DATE: November 17, 2026
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Hollis Magill, Director of Human Resources
SUBJECT: Amend Fresno County Ordinance Code Chapter 2.08 to Rename the County Administrative Officer and County Administrative Office as the County Executive Officer and County Executive Office
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
1. Conduct the first hearing to amend Chapter 2.08 of Title 2 of the Fresno County Ordinance Code to rename the County Administrative Officer and the County Administrative Office the County Executive Officer and County Executive Office, respectfully; and
2. Set the second hearing for December 8, 2026, and waive the reading of the proposed Ordinance in its entirety;
3. Designate County Counsel to prepare a fair and adequate summary of the proposed Ordinance; and
4. Direct the Clerk of the Board to post and publish the required summary in accordance with Government Code, section 25124(b)(1).
REPORT
There is no additional Net County Cost (NCC) associated with the recommended actions. Approval of the recommended actions would amend Chapter 2.08 of Title 2 of the Fresno County Ordinance Code, to rename the County Administrative Officer and the County Administrative Office the County Executive Officer and the County Executive Office, respectively. The proposed titles more accurately reflect the executive-level functions and responsibilities of the position and office. The proposed amendments would not alter the powers, duties, authority, or responsibilities currently assigned to the County Administrative Officer or the County Administrative Office.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
If your Board does not approve the recommended actions, the titles County Administrative Officer and County Administrative Office would remain unchanged.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no additional Net County Cost (NCC) associated with the recommended actions. Incidental costs associated with updating stationery, signage, electronic systems, and other materials will be absorbed within existing departmental appropriations.
DISCUSSION:
For decades, the County of Fresno has operated under a centralized executive management model in which the Board-appointed County Administrative Officer serves as the County’s chief executive, responsible for overseeing County operations, implementing Board policies and priorities, developing and administering the County budget, and managing the appointment, evaluation, and performance of appointed Department Heads.
The title County Executive Officer more accurately reflects the executive-level functions and operational responsibilities assigned to the position. Similarly, the title County Executive Office more accurately describes the office that supports those functions.
The recommended actions would rename the County Administrative Officer and the County Administrative Office the County Executive Officer and the County Executive Office, respectively.
The proposed change is administrative in nature. It would not modify the existing authority, duties, or responsibilities of the position, alter the oversight authority of the Board of Supervisors, or change the County’s organizational structure.
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
Ordinance
Ordinance (Redline)
On file with Clerk - Summary of Ordinance
CAO ANALYST:
Sevag Tateosian