Board of Supervisors appoints next Contra Costa Treasurer-Tax Collector
Dan Mierzwa will replace Russell Watts who is retiring Dec. 31
By Kristi Jourdan, PIO, Contra Costa County
On Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors appointed Dan Mierzwa as the next Treasurer-Tax Collector effective Jan. 1, 2024.
Mierzwa’s appointment follows the announcement of Russell Watts’ retirement in December. He is currently Yuba County’s Treasurer & Tax Collector and must submit proof of residency and voter registration in Contra Costa County before he assumes the office.
Mierzwa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with Finance and Business Administration minors from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Wash. He also holds a Certified California Municipal Treasurer certification.
“I’m honored by the opportunity to help during this transition in leadership and am committed to maintaining the levels of transparency and accountability with sound financial practices that serve the best interests of the public,” Mierzwa said. “We will also continue improving our online payment and business license application services and explore ways to save and recover costs to deliver our services.”
The Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office acts as the bank for the County, providing financial services to County departments, schools, and special districts and managing more than $4.9 billion in the County’s investment pool. The office also collects various taxes – including business taxes from those operating in the unincorporated areas, and property taxes. While the Treasurer-Tax Collector mostly provides services to the County and taxing districts, the office also invests public funds and collects business related taxes, namely business licenses and transient occupancy taxes, as well as short-term rental and cannabis taxes.
“The Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office holds a key position of trust in the financial affairs of local government,” said Board Chair District I Supervisor John Gioia. “Dan’s experience and knowledge of both the treasury and tax collection functions will continue the County’s efforts to protect, invest, and disburse funds in a prudent and safe manner.”
The current term for the elected office expires on Jan. 4, 2027. Government Code section 25304 requires that the Board of Supervisors appoint someone to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term. The annual salary for the position is $254,901.24.
Watts, who is leaving office to spend more time with family, has served as the elected-Treasurer-Tax Collector for 13 years.
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Dan Mierzwa
