Title
Supervisor Parlin, at the recommendation of the Mosquito Fire Protection District Board of Directors, recommending the Board appoint Maria Rodriguez to the Mosquito Fire Protection District Board of Directors for the remainder of the term expiring December 4, 2026.
FUNDING: N/A
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
On February 8, 2026, the Mosquito Fire Protection District posted the following announcement:
“Transparency Update - Board Vacancy
During our review of the process to fill the current Board vacancy, we identified a timing issue that we want to communicate openly and clearly to the community.
A Board member stepped down at our December meeting, creating an open position. On Thursday, February 5, we were notified by the County Elections Office that the District has 60 days to appoint a replacement. Because of the holiday schedule, our December meeting occurred earlier than usual, which places the appointment deadline on February 16. When the community was notified of the vacancy, Letters of Interest were accepted through February 18 with the intent of making an appointment at the February 26 Board meeting. After reviewing the statutory timeline more closely, we recognize that this schedule extends beyond the 60-day appointment window. As a result, while the District will proceed with accepting community interest as originally planned, the authority to fill the vacancy will transition to the County Board of Supervisors, who will make the appointment at their March 10 meeting.
What this means for the community:
• Letters of Interest will still be accepted through February 18
• Submitted letters will be reviewed by MFPD for consideration
• The MFPD Board will vote on a recommended candidate and forward that recommendation to the County
• The County Board of Supervisors will make the final appointment on March 10
We believe it is important to communicate this update clearly and promptly. We appreciate the community members who have expressed interest in serving, and we remain committed to keeping you informed throughout the process.
If you have questions, please contact the District office. Thank you for your continued engagement and support.”
On February 27, 2026, the MFPD posted the following announcement:
“Transparency Update - Board Vacancy Filled
At last night’s Board meeting, the Mosquito Fire Protection District Board formally addressed the vacant Board seat.
The District received one Letter of Interest for the position from Mosquito resident and Mosquito Support Group member, Maria Rodriguez. After review and discussion, the Board voted to recommend Maria for appointment to the vacant Director seat.
In accordance with state requirements, the official appointment will be made by the County Board of Supervisors at their March 10 meeting. Following that action, Maria will be sworn in at, or before, MFPD’s March Board meeting.
We appreciate Maria’s willingness to step forward and serve the community. For transparency, a copy of her Letter of Interest is included below for public review.
Thank you for your continued engagement and involvement in District matters. We look forward to welcoming Maria to the Board and working together in service to our community.”
Making this appointment to the MFPD Board would relieve the district of the costs of a special election and follow the spirit of collaboration and support between the local fire districts and the County.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose not to follow the MFPD’s recommendation, however that would burden the MFPD with the cost of a special election and also be contrary to the County’s efforts to support rural fire districts as they work toward collaboration and sustainability.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
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OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
CAO, LAFCO, MFPD
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT
N/A
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
N/A
CONTACT
Supervisor Parlin