In a special meeting Monday that lasted barely 10 minutes, the Napa County Board of Supervisors made its first order of business for the new year the selection of its new chair and vice chair.
Supervisor Joelle Gallagher (District 1) was unanimously appointed to the position of chair, while Supervisor Anne Cottrell (District 3) was chosen as vice chair. Their terms took effect immediately and will last for one year.
“It has been a pleasure to serve as chair in 2023, and that year is over, so it’s time to hand over the reins,” Supervisor Belia Ramos said prior to nominating Gallagher as her replacement based on the board’s leadership rotation calendar.
Gallagher appeared to agree with her nomination, at which point Ramos paused and brought a chuckle to the board when she looked at her knowingly and said, “Oh, I wasn’t asking if you agreed, but thank you for your agreement in the matter.”
This will be the second year on the board for Gallagher, who was the county’s first woman elected to the role of supervisor for District 1.
As part of their duties, Gallagher and Cottrell will also serve as chair and vice chair for eight special districts:
• Napa County Groundwater Sustainability Agency
• Napa County Housing Authority
• In-Home Supportive Services Public Authority of Napa County
• Lake Berryessa Resort Improvement District
• Monticello Public Cemetery District
• Napa Berryessa Resort Improvement District
• Napa County Public Improvement Corporation (president, vice president)
• Silverado Community Services District (president, vice president)
Besides the appointments of Gallagher and Cottrell, the board also made its annual appointments and reappointments of its members to various committees, commissions, and advisory boards during the Jan. 8 special meeting.