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Supervisors keep current conduct rules for pending complaints, form ad hoc to review code and mediation options
Summary
Following public comment and debate, the board voted 3–2 to continue processing pending complaints under the current code of conduct, to create a board ad hoc and staff committee to review procedural changes (including mediation options), and to consider any grand jury recommendations arriving by June.
The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors debated how to handle complaints and an earlier referral of the boardcode of conduct to the grand jury, then voted on March 3 to proceed under the existing code for pending matters while creating an ad hoc to review potential changes.
County counsel and staff explained the current code assigns an internal review committee (county counsel, CEO, HR) to evaluate complaints about supervisors and directs appeals to an administrative path. Public commenters urged an independent and more transparent process. Several supervisors said the current code can put staff in an awkward position when complaints involve board members and suggested improvements.
By a 3–2 vote the board adopted a motion to: (1) continue to process existing and pending complaints under the current code; (2) form an ad hoc panel (board members plus the staff committee identified in the code) to review the code and propose updates that could include mediation mechanisms; and (3) incorporate any grand jury recommendations if they are received by June. The vote was recorded as yes from Supervisors Madron, Royo and Bone; Supervisors Bushnell and Chair Wilson voted no.
Next steps: Staff will continue processing pending matters under the current code. The newly formed ad hoc will evaluate options for mediation, confidentiality, timelines and structural changes and return recommendations to the full board; the board will consider grand jury input when available.
