Santiago, Briggs lose case against El Dorado County

By Kathryn Reed

Two former El Dorado County supervisors do not have the right to back pay, according to a tentative ruling that came out last week.

Norma Santiago

Norma Santiago and Ron Briggs filed their original petition for writ of mandate on Sept. 25, 2015, in El Dorado County Superior Court. Because all the local judges recused themselves, the matter was moved to Placer County.

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 judge said they aren’t owed anything. The state Constitution says the supervisors’ salaries are set by ordinance, which the court pointed out.

The county had to hire outside counsel to defend the case. As of August, this case had cost taxpayers $62,000, with bills still outstanding.

The decision will be final 10 days after the Oct. 27 ruling.

Santiago is gearing up to run for supervisor again in 2018, even if it means challenging current supervisor, Sue Novasel.