County eyes short-term auditor post

Del Norte County is one step closer to temporarily filling the vacant auditor/controller position after the Board of Supervisors interviewed a potential candidate this week.

The position was put on the November ballot after incumbent Christie Babich died in June. County staff members have been looking for someone to take over until a new auditor/controller is elected.

Supervisors interviewed Don Hemphill, a retired auditor from Sierra County, as a potential candidate to fill the vacancy.

Hemphill served as the auditor for Sierra County and said he has plenty of experience to do the job needed.  

“I handled all the county reports,” Hemphill said Tuesday. “I’ve been making decisions as a boss for 35 years now.”

Hemphill said he graduated from Sonoma State University in 1976 with a bachelor of science in accounting. He said he enjoys keeping track of numbers.  

“As long as there are spreadsheets to work on, I’m in heaven,” Hemphill said. 

If selected, Hemphill will fill the seat until a new auditor/controller can take over in January. Hemphill said he has no interest in being the elected official for the position. 

“Hopefully someone else will take papers out. I’m not interested in taking on the position long-term,” Hemphill said. 

As of Thursday afternoon, no one had picked up candidacy paperwork for the auditor/controller position, according to the county Clerk/Recorder’s Office.

County staff will meet with Hemphill to discuss the terms of his service and potential start date. Jay Sarina, county administrative officer, said the Board of Supervisors will have the opportunity to confirm Hemphill’s employment at the next meeting on Aug. 10.