New three-year contract, raise approved for county manager

The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors voted Wednesday on a new three-year contract for County Manager Jesus Valdez.

The contract takes effect July 15 and ends in July 2029.

Under the new contract, Valdez’s annual salary will be $194,000, up from his current $177,400. He also will receive any raises approved for all county employees as well as a car for official use.

Because he is an at-will employee, the board could opt to fire him at any time.

The raise given to Valdez “recognizes his leadership, experience and performance in managing Santa Cruz County operations,” said District 3 Supervisor John Fanning. “Since his appointment in 2023, Mr. Valdez has provided stable executive leadership, guided strategic budgeting efforts, overseen major infrastructure initiatives and successfully managed increasingly complex county operations.”

Fanning said the compensation increase brings his salary closer to other county managers in Arizona.

Valdez, an engineer, was head of the county’s Public Works Department before becoming county manager in 2023.

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