Title
Adopt a Resolution to:
a. Waive the 180-day “waiting period” for CalPERS retiree Marc Tunzi, M.D. to return to work to fill a critically needed position; and
b. Confirm the appointment of retiree Marc Tunzi, M.D. as a temporary extra help retired annuitant to perform the essential duties of the Assistant Director Family Practice Residency Program no sooner than November 1, 2026.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Adopt a Resolution to:
a. Waive the 180-day “waiting period” for CalPERS retiree Marc Tunzi, M.D. to return to work to fill a critically needed position; and
b. Confirm the appointment of retiree Marc Tunzi, M.D. as a temporary extra help retired annuitant to perform the essential duties of the Assistant Director Family Practice Residency Program no sooner than November 1, 2026.
SUMMARY:
Natividad Medical Center (NMC) is requesting approval to waive the 180-day “waiting period” for CalPERS retiree Marc Tunzi, M.D. to fill a critically needed position, and to confirm the appointment of retiree Marc Tunzi, M.D. as a temporary extra help retired annuitant to perform the essential duties of the Assistant Director Family Practice Residency Program no sooner than November 1, 2026.
DISCUSSION:
California Government Code section 7522.56 limits the manner in which a California Public Employee Retirement System (CalPERS) retiree can return to public service, even on a temporary basis. Subsection (f) of Government Code section 7522.56 states a retired person is not eligible for a period of 180 days following the date of her or his retirement, unless: “The employer certifies the nature of the employment and that the appointment is necessary to fill a critically needed position before 180 days have passed and the appointment has been approved by the governing body of the employer in a public meeting. The appointment may not be placed on a consent calendar.” At this time, NMC is requesting Board of Supervisors approval to fill a critically needed position sooner than 180 days.
NMC’s Family Practice Residency Program underwent a survey by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and the ACGME is expected to conduct a follow-up site visit as early as November 2026. Dr. Tunzi has the required training and skills to perform the critically needed duties as the Designated Institutional Official (DIO) in the hospital's Residency Program to maintain compliance with the ACGME Institutional Requirements, to prepare for and attend the follow-up site visit expected to occur in November 2026, and to perform duties related to consulting on ethics issues if needed, which will allow for NMC to have continuity of operations for these critical programs.
Dr. Tunzi’s expertise prompts the request that the Board of Supervisors waive the 180-day waiting period, find that the appointment of Dr. Tunzi is necessary to fill a critically needed position, and authorize the hiring of Dr. Tunzi shortly after his separation from County of Monterey service and retirement on September 5, 2026. The appointment of Dr. Tunzi as an extra help retired annuitant will be on a temporary basis to perform the essential duties listed above, and will be limited to a maximum of 960 hours of work per fiscal year.
California Government Code 21221(h) governs the conditions under which retired annuitants with the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) may be employed by CalPERS contracted agencies such as the County of Monterey. With respect to extra help retired annuitants, CalPERS requires that such appointments be made only in circumstances where the retiree is hired to perform work of a limited duration, such as elimination of a backlog, special project work, or to perform work exceeding regular staff work. The appointment also needs to be accompanied with a resolution containing certain information about the nature of the appointment, including the position, limit on hourly pay, limit on hours worked (up to 960 per FY), and other information. The attached resolution addresses requirements of the Government Code.
In conclusion, approval is requested to waive the 180-day “waiting period” for CalPERS retiree Marc Tunzi, M.D. to fill a critically needed position to perform essential duties and to confirm the appointment of retiree Marc Tunzi, M.D. as a temporary extra help retired annuitant in the position of Assistant Director Family Practice Residency Program no sooner than November 1, 2026.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The County Administrative Office concurs with the recommendations.
FINANCING:
The cost for this temporary extra help retired annuitant assignment will not be greater than the current cost of the budgeted position vacated by Dr. Tunzi’s retirement. There is no impact to the FY 2026-2027 NMC 9600 Budget or the General Fund.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
The recommended action addresses the Board of Supervisors’ Administrative Strategic Initiative and demonstrates Natividad’s commitment to meeting the Board’s initiatives by attracting, recruiting, and retaining a diverse, talented workforce that supports the mission of Monterey County.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals
____ Well-Being and Quality of Life
____ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
____ Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
____ Dynamic Organization and Employer of Choice
If does not fall under any of the above Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals (Other):
__X__ Administrative
Link to the Strategic Plan:
<https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/home/showdocument?id=139569>
Prepared by: Carrie L. Ramirez, Departmental Human Resources Manager, (831) 783-2706
Approved by: Nancy Buscher, Interim Chief Executive Officer, (831) 783-2551
Attachments:
Resolution