Board hears public calls to investigate possible conflict of interest involving county treasurer
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Summary
Speakers alleged the auditor-controller/treasurer runs a private financial firm and asked the board to investigate potential conflicts tied to management of the county investment pool; the CEO agreed to look into the concerns with county counsel.
Multiple speakers urged the Board of Supervisors to investigate a potential conflict of interest involving the county's auditor-controller/treasurer, who several commenters named as Ethan Mason and said operates a private financial-services firm while serving in the elected county post.
Public commenters said Mason earned more than $450,000 in 2024 and also drew compensation from a private financial-services company they say advertises his public title. "If it is true, I consider this an abuse of power and it needs to be investigated immediately," one small-business owner told the board. Another speaker said he brought printed advertisements that used the official title to solicit private clients.
CEO Luther acknowledged the volume of constituent concern and said he would work with county counsel to explore whether an investigation is warranted and to examine delegation of investment authority. "I can work with county counsel, and we'll look into how we would investigate the concerns raised regarding the potential conflict of interest," Luther told the board. He noted that the board annually delegates investment authority during the budget cycle and said staff would report back on options.
No formal ethics investigation or removal action was initiated at Wednesday's meeting. The board asked staff to examine options and to return with findings, including whether investment authority could or should be delegated differently. The item will remain subject to follow-up at future board meetings.
