A Shasta County employment agreement sets a four-year term for County Counsel Joseph F. Larmour beginning Sept. 30, 2026, while leaving his base salary dollar amount to county salary resolutions.
The agreement dated Sept. 29 places Larmour under the direction of the Board of Supervisors and assigns the county counsel responsibility for providing legal advice, assistance and representation to the board, county officers, departments, employees, the Shasta County Grand Jury and special districts. He also directs the Office of County Counsel.
The contract sets compensation at the “F” step of the county counsel salary range, plus applicable stipends and cost-of-living adjustments matching those provided to unrepresented management employees. It does not state the dollar value of the salary step. Larmour is also entitled to benefits provided to appointed department heads and a $5,000 annual automobile allowance for using a personal vehicle on county business.
The agreement provides for accelerated severance if the county terminates Larmour’s employment during the contract. If more than 18 months remain, severance is capped at 18 months of base salary, and the agreement says all severance and health benefits remain subject to limits in state law. No severance is payable for removal under Government Code section 27641, and any severance must be repaid if Larmour is convicted of a crime involving abuse of office.
The board is scheduled to evaluate Larmour’s performance in September 2027 and annually each September after that unless it changes the schedule. The contract also says the board may extend the appointment for additional four-year terms and must notify Larmour at least 90 days before the current term ends whether it intends to reappoint him.
