REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
January 13, 2026
FROM
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator
SUBJECT
Title
Employment Contract for Legislative Assistant to Elected Official
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
1. Terminate Employment Contract No. 23-71 with Dillon M. Lesovsky, effective January 23, 2026.
2. Approve Employment Contract with Dillon M. Lesovsky to provide services as a Legislative Assistant to Elected Official, for an estimated annual cost of $230,343 (Salary $173,451 and Benefits $56,892), for the period of January 24, 2026 through January 23, 2029, with the option to extend the term for a maximum of three consecutive one-year periods.
3. Authorize the Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator, Undersheriff, or Assistant Sheriff to execute amendments to the employment contract to extend the term for a maximum of three consecutive one-year periods, on behalf of the County, subject to County Counsel review.
4. Direct the Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator, Undersheriff, or Assistant Sheriff to transmit all employment contract amendments to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors within 30 days of execution.
(Presenter: Carolina Mendoza, Chief Deputy Director, 387-0640)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Operate in a Fiscally-Responsible and Business-Like Manner.
Provide for the Safety, Health and Social Service Needs of County Residents.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will not result in the use of additional Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). The estimated annual cost of this employment contract is $230,343 (Salary $173,451 and Benefits $56,892). This position will be funded within the Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator’s (Department) existing 2025-26 budget and will be included in future recommended budgets.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
With the enactment of Senate Bill 2 and other police reform and accountability bills, it is extremely important for the Department to closely monitor and analyze legislation for operational impact to ensure compliance. The Legislative Assistant to Elected Official serves as the primary liaison between the Department and key associations, policy makers, and governmental agencies at the local, state, and federal levels, developing communication to strengthen the Department’s partnerships. It is also responsible for analyzing current, proposed, or pending legislation, advising on strategic decisions that may impact the Department, and makes recommendations to the Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator (Sheriff) on complex and sensitive issues.
On February 7, 2023 (Item No. 46), the Board of Supervisors (Board) approved Employment Contract No. 23-71 with Dillon M. Lesovsky for the position of Sheriff’s Legislative and Policy Analyst, for the term of February 8, 2023 through February 7, 2026, with the option to extend the term for three additional one-year periods.
Approval of Recommendation No. 1 will terminate the existing Employment Contract No. 23-71, effective January 23, 2026.
Approval of Recommendation No. 2 will initiate a new employment contract with Mr. Lesovsky for a contract position and compensation to align with the duties, responsibilities, and the increased complexity of the duties identified in the employment contract, including the analysis of the ever-changing federal and state legislation. The employment contract position is a Legislative Assistant to Elected Official and is for the period of January 24, 2026 through January 23, 2029, with the option to extend the term for a maximum of three consecutive one-year periods
Approval of Recommendation No. 3 will authorize the Sheriff, Undersheriff, or Assistant Sheriff to execute amendments to extend the term of the employment contract identified in Recommendation No. 2 for a maximum of three consecutive one-year periods on behalf of the County, subject to County Counsel review. The delegated authority to execute amendments will expedite contract extensions, avoid contract lapse, and ensure the longevity and retention of a well-qualified individual.
The employment contract may be terminated by either party without cause with 14 days advance written notice. The County may terminate the contract immediately for just cause.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Scott Runyan, Principal Assistant County Counsel, 387-5455) on December 15, 2025; Human Resources (Gina King, Assistant Director, 387-5571) on December 16, 2025; and County Finance and Administration (Erika Rodarte, Administrative Analyst, 387-4919) on December 23, 2025.