Calaveras County Board hears concerns over funding for CVB amid ethical questions

The Calaveras County Board of Supervisors convened on May 13, 2025, to address various agenda items, including public comments and operational updates from local agencies. The meeting began with a reminder of California law, which prohibits the board from taking action on matters not posted on the agenda unless deemed an emergency.

Public comments were initiated, with resident Luke Mumpus expressing concerns over a proposed $385,000 bathroom remodel, urging the board to reconsider the item. Following this, Nick Cashe, unit chief for Cal Fire, provided an operational update as the county enters the busier months of the fire season. He announced the implementation of burn permit requirements for residents wishing to conduct outdoor burning, emphasizing the importance of safety as conditions dry out. Cashe also noted that Cal Fire has maintained staffing levels with 16 engines in the area and will soon augment this with additional resources.

Christopher Butner, a local publisher, raised ethical concerns regarding Board Chair Martin Huberty's financial disclosures. He questioned whether Huberty's previous violations of the Political Reform Act were due to innocent mistakes or intentional misconduct. Butner highlighted that Huberty would need to recuse himself from voting on the upcoming fiscal year budget due to a conflict of interest stemming from his role as executive director of the Calaveras Visitors Bureau (CVB). He urged the board to correct the misrepresentation of the CVB's nonprofit status in the tourism promotion agreement before approving any funding, warning that failure to do so could implicate board members in potential ethical violations.

The meeting concluded with a reminder of the importance of transparency and ethical governance as the board prepares for budget discussions in the coming weeks. The board will need to address these concerns as they move forward with their fiscal planning.