Decision in Santiago, Briggs case nears

It’s still unknown if El Dorado County taxpayers will be cutting another check to former supervisors Norma Santiago and Ron Briggs.

Norma Santiago

Their attorney as well as special counsel for the county was in Placer County Superior Court on May 13 pleading their respective cases. The dispute is being heard in Auburn because El Dorado County judges said they have a conflict.

The county hired outside counsel because most members of the county counsel’s office have represented the former supervisors on various matters in the past.

The former elected officials contend they are owed back pay to the tune of about $90,000. Each was termed out in January 2015. At no time during their tenure did they say they should be paid more money.

The California Constitution states that county supervisors’ salaries must be set by ordinance. It is the county’s position that Santiago and Briggs were paid in accordance with the county ordinance.

Both sides have seven days to turn in additional written arguments and evidence to the judge. He will then make a ruling.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report