Memorandum
DATE: June 5, 2026
TO: Members of the 2026 Value Adjustment Board (VAB)
FROM: Anissa Mercado, Assistant Manager, Comptroller Clerk of the Board
SUBJECT: 2026 Fees and Guaranteed Minimum Hours for Special Magistrates
PURPOSE:
Approve the 2026 fees and guaranteed minimum hours for Special Magistrates.
BACKGROUND:
The 2025 VAB established an hourly pay rate of $155 for all Special Magistrates appointed to serve Orange County. In order to recruit and retain talent, staff recommends maintaining the current competitive rate.
The 2025 VAB approved a minimum two-hour guarantee for magistrates residing within a 60-mile radius of Orange County. Any magistrate residing outside a 60-mile radius of Orange County was guaranteed a four-hour minimum. The minimum guarantee applied as follows:
1. The petitioner does not show for the hearing(s)
2. The assigned petition is withdrawn disallowing the VAB Clerk ample time to notify the Special Magistrate
3. The VAB Clerk reschedules the hearing for good-cause
ACTION REQUESTED:
title
Approval of Special Magistrate fees; and further, approval of guaranteed minimum hours for Special Magistrates.titlebody