Supervisor Niss criticizes unelected representation at Law Enforcement Center mediation; board briefed on schedule

Supervisor Niss used his committee report to press the board about representation for the Law Enforcement Center Authority at mediation, saying the county — which has provided the funding — should be represented by an elected supervisor rather than an unelected appointee.

"I think it's unprecedented because this is the first time that I can find that an unelected appointed person is going to be representing county taxpayers," Niss said, describing his disappointment after his attempt to be appointed to represent the county did not receive a second. He noted the authority is a three-member board and warned that two authority members attending mediation could create an open-meetings issue if the county also sent two supervisors.

Niss said mediation is scheduled for the week of Thanksgiving and emphasized that the county is paying attorney fees. "The question is do we trust that person to be racking up that tab?" he asked. Niss urged the board to consider options to ensure appropriate oversight and said he would continue exploring remedies before mediation.

Board members did not record a formal decision at the meeting; Niss encouraged colleagues and the public to review the prior LEC authority meetings and follow upcoming city council changes that may affect representation.

Why it matters: The representation of county interests in mediation for a funded county facility could affect negotiation strategy, legal costs and the disposition of claims associated with the Law Enforcement Center Authority. Supervisors raised governance and oversight concerns about an unelected individual acting on behalf of county taxpayers.

What happens next: Mediation is set for the week of Thanksgiving; Niss indicated he will pursue further options with the board before the mediation date.