Jackson County legislators press county executive’s office on vetting for boards and commissions

Legislators at a Jackson County legislative meeting on an unspecified date questioned the county executive’s office about its process for appointing members to county boards and commissions and whether nominees are screened for unpaid local taxes.

The discussion matters because several boards need members to operate and the legislature has the authority to disapprove executive appointments; legislators said consistent vetting would guard against recommending candidates who do not meet eligibility criteria.

At the outset of the exchange, Legislator Abarca asked, “Yeah. Where where is the county executive today?” and pressed the county executive’s office for an update on unfilled boards. Mister Clifford, a representative of the county executive’s office, replied: “I don't have any information on where he currently is,” and later said the administration would “look into” vacancies and follow up when asked for specifics.

The Board of Equalization was a focal point. Abarca asked whether the board still had openings and whether the executive’s office verifies nominees’ tax status before recommending them. Clifford said, “The Board of Equalization, is full at this point,” and described vetting as variable: “It's a general practice to check local taxes but, I don't know that it happens in every case. It's the responsibility of the applicants to ensure that they meet the requirements of it. But if not, then we'll work with them and —”

Abarca pressed the implication directly: “So the executive could potentially recommend somebody who hasn't paid their taxes. Is that what you're saying?” Clifford answered that he could “very well see that happening in circumstances.”

Legislators also asked about creating a clearer, documented process. Clifford said the County Executive appoints officials and the legislature can disapprove nominations for county boards; beyond that, he said screening practices “vary depending upon the boards and candidates” and interviews and background reviews “often” occur.

During the exchange Legislator Abarca requested the county executive attend legislative meetings: “Mister chair, can I make a request that you request that county executive be present in our legislative meetings, please?” The chair said the request would be noted.

The discussion concluded with staff offering to research specific boards and return with details at a future meeting. Legislator Barker later asked staff to check on the status of printed budget books and the accuracy of prior-year actuals; Clifford said he would check with the finance department and follow up.

The legislature scheduled its next meeting for Monday, Feb. 24, at 3 p.m. at the Jackson County Courthouse and adjourned without a county executive present.