Results tagged “assessor” from Behind the Story
It's looks like come Tuesday two top administrative staffers in the Assessor's Office could be out of jobs.
The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to vote Tuesday on terminating the positions held by Greg Eyler and Ted Lehrer. Some of you may be familiar with Eyler. The Sun published a story about him after the grand jury report was released over the summer. (The story is pasted below.)
Lehrer is Bill Postmus' media communications guy. In fact, he has been much more responsive to requests for comment and department information by The Sun than the assessor himself.
The irony is that Lehrer's job is being eliminated, even though he has been more forthcoming in addressing media inquiries than, let's say, Gary Ovitt's 4th District Office, which infrequently reaches out to the press.
Ovitt, however, has a proposal of his own before the board for Tuesday's meeting. He wants the county to pay his media communications officer, Burt Southard, $60,000 a year to work part time.
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Official's college time draws fire
Author: Lauren McSherry, Staff Writer
Taxpayer Advocate Greg Eyler knows how to spend taxpayer money.
That's according to sources close to a grand jury investigation who say that Eyler, 32, a member of the San Bernardino County assessor's executive staff, was paid not to go to work while he attended college - an education that was partly funded with taxpayer dollars.
Eyler, however, takes issue with the allegation.
"I was never paid for time I was at school," Eyler said. "I tried to take all my classes outside county time. There were times I took off from work to attend classes. I wasn't paid for that time."
"Yes, he was," said one source who had reviewed Eyler's time cards and class schedule, adding that even if Eyler had used vacation and sick time, it was time wrongfully taken from the public he had been hired to serve.
Assessor Bill Postmus and former Assistant Assessor Adam Aleman approved spending nearly $1,000 for Eyler to take a course on European history and another on sociology at UC Riverside.
Eyler said the $1,000 was part of his contract.
"I've taken substantial loans out to go to UCR - $1,000 is a drop in the bucket," he said.
The grand jury report released June 30 faulted the county for paying for the college courses because the courses were unrelated to the duties of a taxpayer advocate.
Eyler, whose salary is nearly $65,000, said he recently earned his bachelor's degree in history with a minor in chemistry.
He said he had been considering becoming a history teacher, but more importantly, the degree was required to become a certified tax appraiser. Still, he worked in the post without a degree for more than a year.
Aleman, who was arrested and charged with six felonies, including falsifying documents and destroying evidence, used to approve Eyler's electronic time cards. Aleman resigned Tuesday.
Harlow Cameron, who has stepped in as acting assistant assessor, disagrees with the charge that Eyler used county time to attend school. Cameron said that at one point, Eyler had been given a reduced schedule until he earned his degree.
"He is paid only for the hours that he works," he said. "Presently, he is full time."
Cameron said part of Eyler's job involves meeting with the public outside of the office, accounting for reports that Eyler is rarely seen at work. Cameron said he is informed by Postmus when Eyler is working in the field.
Eyler said the job of taxpayer advocate entails writing speeches for Postmus, contributing to news releases and fielding questions from the public. Some of those tasks appear to overlap with the job held by the assessor's spokesman, Ted Lehrer, who earns a $73,000 salary.
The grand jury criticized the executive staff for spending too much of its time on Postmus' "public image" and projects peripheral to the office's main activities.
The grand jury investigation also found that the executive staff lacked experience and training directly related to property assessment.
Eyler, who was hired in January 2007, said he could not provide a resume showing his qualifications. He previously worked as a field representative for Board of Supervisors Chairman Paul Biane and as the operations director for the San Bernardino County Republican Central Committee.
Resumes are not required for unclassified employees, such as Eyler, although the employees are required to fill out a lengthy application, according to David Wert, county spokesman.
The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to start proceedings to remove embattled San Bernardino County Assessor Bill Postmus from office.
The board directed county counsel to look into hiring an independent special prosecutor who would gather evidence of misconduct by Postmus, who is an elected official. The evidence would be used for a trial over which the board would preside.
Postmus' spokesman Ted Lehrer issued a response late Tuesday afternoon.
"Assessor Bill Postmus has no comment specifically related to today's action by the Board of Supervisors," Lehrer said. "However, Assessor Postmus would like to clearly state that he remains clearly committed to working on behalf of county taxpayers and that the assessor's office will continue to operate and function by providing excellent service to residents of the county."
As to speculation that Postmus would step down from office, Lehrer said, "At this point, there are no plans to announce a resignation."
Continue reading County process to remove Postmus could be lengthy, expensive.
The spokesman for Assessor Bill Postmus released this response today after the Board of Supervisors voted to start the procedure to remove Postmus from elected office.
"He's not in the office today unfortunately," Ted Lehrer said. "Assessor Bill Postmus has no comment specifically related to today's action by the Board of Supervisors. However, Assesor Postmus would like to clearly state that he remains clearly committed to working on behalf of county taxpayers and that the assessor's office will continue to operate and function by providing excellent service to residents of the county."
As for Postmus stepping down from office, Lehrer said, "At this point, there are no plans to announce a resignation."
The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously this afternoon to start proceedings to remove embattled San Bernardino County Assessor Bill Postmus from office.
The board directed county counsel to look into hiring an independent attorney and investigative staff to gather evidence of misconduct in office. The evidence would be used for a trial over which the board would preside.
A hearing could be held as early as May, said Ruth Stringer, county counsel.
"It could be a little earlier, it could be a little later," Stringer said. "It all depends on what the investigatory process produces."
During the hearing, the supervisors would have the power to subpoena witnesses and to require the assessor to appear before them. The witnesses would also give sworn testimony.
The overall process of removal could take up to two years and cost anywhere from $500,000 to $1 million.
San Bernardino County is the only county in California whose charter gives the board of supervisors the power to remove an elected official.
The board directed county counsel to look into hiring an independent attorney and investigative staff to gather evidence of misconduct in office. The evidence would be used for a trial over which the board would preside.
A hearing could be held as early as May, said Ruth Stringer, county counsel.
"It could be a little earlier, it could be a little later," Stringer said. "It all depends on what the investigatory process produces."
During the hearing, the supervisors would have the power to subpoena witnesses and to require the assessor to appear before them. The witnesses would also give sworn testimony.
The overall process of removal could take up to two years and cost anywhere from $500,000 to $1 million.
San Bernardino County is the only county in California whose charter gives the board of supervisors the power to remove an elected official.
San Bernardino County Assessor Bill Postmus today announced that county government budget reductions have necessitated the reduction of hours in two district offices of the county assessor. Postmus stated that the combination of budget cuts and a hiring freeze resulted in today's announcement.
Assessor Postmus stated that despite a reduction in operating hours, taxpayer service will not be compromised. Postmus further stated that the new schedule was also necessary to save the operations of both County Assessor District Offices.
The two district offices of the County Assessor are located in the communities of Big Bear and Twin Peaks. Currently, both offices are open eight hours daily for all five days of a traditional workweek. County budget reductions and the ensuing reduced hours will require the closing of both offices up to three days a week.
"It is unfortunate to make this announcement, but it is nonetheless is sign of the current economic climate," stated Assessor Postmus. "The reason why these two district offices are seeing a slight decrease in operating hours simply results from vacancies that occurred at these locations while a freeze has simultaneously been in effect. Therefore, the county budget has not authorized me to hire additional staff to replace employees who have retired from service.
"I am confident that taxpayer service will not be compromised in no way, shape or form, as both myself and the staff at these district offices are dedicated to doing whatever it takes to ensure quality service during this economic downturn, which has affected all county departments and agencies. Sadly, this schedule was the only way to avoid the total shuttering of one or both officers that serve residents of the Mountain communities."
"It is my sincere hope that these reductions will be temporary," added Postmus. "For customers that may be inconvenienced by these new hours of services, I invite them to call toll-free or visit our central office in the city of San Bernardino. Furthermore, they can visit the website of the County Assessor 24 hours a day.
"This office stands ready to assist any taxpayer despite this reduction in operating hours," concluded Postmus.
The following are new hours of operations for the two affected district offices.
BIG BEAR: 8:00 AM-12:00 noon, 1:00 PM-5:00PM, Monday and Wednesday
TWIN PEAKS: 8:00 AM-12:00 noon, 1:00 PM-5:00PM, Tuesday and Thursday
San Bernardino County Assessor Bill Postmus announced today that he has selected Dennis Draeger, 58, to serve as assistant assessor.
Draeger will fill the vacancy left by Assistant Assessor for Operations Harlow Cameron, who has retired after 35 years of service.
Cameron, a veteran county employee of more than 30 years, delayed his retirement to take the helm of the Assessor's Office in recent months following the arrest of former Assistant Assessor Adam Aleman and the medical leave of elected Assessor Bill Postmus, who, according to media reports, suffers from a meth addiction.
Draeger is expected to start work Nov. 24.
After four months of public outcry over an elected official's reported drug abuse and mismanagement of office, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors issued a letter today reprimanding Assessor Bill Postmus.
Here are some key comments from today's meeting
"We need to be held to a high standard, all of us. ... I agree with the censure as difficult as it is. I also agree that it is important to give direction to county counsel to look into hiring an investigator."
- Supervisor Gary Ovitt
"It does encompass this situation where we have someone who is struggling to function in their capaciy, possibley to the detriment of the public."
- Supervisor Dennis Hansberger
"This goes to the tone and content of the responses from the assessor, and I don't think they've been appropriate. ... I think this whole board is concerned and should be and has a duty to be."
- Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt
"There are disturbing questions that deserve very clear succinct answers - answers that this public, this taxpaying public in San Bernardino County, deserve to hear. ... If anybody thinks this is easy for any one of us, you are mistaken."
- Supervisor Josie Gonzales
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors toned down this morning the language of a letter reprimanding Assessor Bill Postmus for the management of his elected office.
The board voted unanimously to issue the letter after accepting some minor editing changes from Supervisors Dennis Hansberger and Brad Mitzelfelt.
Mitzelfelt expressed concerns about mentioning allegations of Postmus' methamphetamine use in the letter because he said the issue had been raised only in two newspapers which both used anonymous sources in their reporting. One of those newspapers is The Sun, which also reported that Postmus has made two trips to rehabilitation centers to deal with an addiction to prescription pain medication and meth.
The board voted unanimously to issue the letter after accepting some minor editing changes from Supervisors Dennis Hansberger and Brad Mitzelfelt.
Mitzelfelt expressed concerns about mentioning allegations of Postmus' methamphetamine use in the letter because he said the issue had been raised only in two newspapers which both used anonymous sources in their reporting. One of those newspapers is The Sun, which also reported that Postmus has made two trips to rehabilitation centers to deal with an addiction to prescription pain medication and meth.
Tomorrow the Board of Supervisors is set to vote on a letter reprimanding Assessor Bill Postmus.
The meeting at the county government center in San Bernardino starts at 10 a.m.
The agenda item regarding the letter is titled:
Assistant Assessor Harlow Cameron announced today he will be retiring at the end of November.
Cameron, a veteran county employee of more than 30 years, delayed his retirement to take the helm of the Assessor's Office in recent months following the arrest of former Assistant Assessor Adam Aleman and the medical leave of elected Assessor Bill Postmus, who, according to media reports, suffers from a meth addiction.
In what is considered an unprecedented act for a department head, Postmus was absent this morning from the Board of Supervisors meeting honoring Cameron.
Cameron, a veteran county employee of more than 30 years, delayed his retirement to take the helm of the Assessor's Office in recent months following the arrest of former Assistant Assessor Adam Aleman and the medical leave of elected Assessor Bill Postmus, who, according to media reports, suffers from a meth addiction.
In what is considered an unprecedented act for a department head, Postmus was absent this morning from the Board of Supervisors meeting honoring Cameron.
From David Wert, San Bernardino County spokesman:
"There is no action the county can take to make Bill come to work as the Assessor. As an elected official he reports to the public."
UPDATE: Reached by telephone, Bill Postmus' spokesman said the reason for Bill Postmus' 10-week medical leave will not be disclosed at this time. Ted Lehrer added that Postmus might choose to disclose the reason for leave when he returns to work.
[IMG]http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/inlandnewspapers/aguiar.jpg[/IMG]
A quick look at the political action committees listed on the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters Web site shows that there may be at least one local politico already preparing for the 2010 election when the elected county assessor position, currently held by Bill Postmus, will be up for grabs.
The committee listed on the registrar of voters Web site is called Aguiar for Assessor 2010.
Aguiar served in the state Legislature, on the Board of Supervisors and as mayor of Chino.
It's October 1. And Bill Postmus, the elected assessor overseeing property values for all of San Bernardino County, does not plan to return to work.
The desigraced assessor had taken a 10-week medical leave of absence July 24, following reports that he was addicted to meth.
His spokesman confirmed today that Postmus is seeking the advice of his physician as to when he can return to work.
San Bernardino County released its response today to a scathing grand jury report that sharply criticized a number of county department practices, from sending elected officials on costly trips to China to political activity being conducted by the Assessor's Office.
Here's some of the key highlights from the report:
- In response to the hefty severance package obtained by Jim Erwin when he left the assessor's office, the county has declined to institute a policy capping such packages. The county maintains that settlements are based on potential legal claims and a policy would leave the county vulnerable to costly litigation.
-In response to the grand jury suggestion that firewalls be installed to prevent political activity on county computers, the county maintains that no sufficient technology exists. An existing policy allows the county to review the e-mail traffic of employees.
- The grand jury had suggested limiting the number of elected officials sent on trade missions to foreign countries to conserve taxpayer dollars. The county disagrees with the recommendation, siting the importance of elected officials in striking trade deals overseas.
-Following grand jury concerns that the county was not adequately tracking welfare fraud, the county agreed to compile and maintain a report on welfare fraud and track cost impacts on the county.
Here's some of the key highlights from the report:
- In response to the hefty severance package obtained by Jim Erwin when he left the assessor's office, the county has declined to institute a policy capping such packages. The county maintains that settlements are based on potential legal claims and a policy would leave the county vulnerable to costly litigation.
-In response to the grand jury suggestion that firewalls be installed to prevent political activity on county computers, the county maintains that no sufficient technology exists. An existing policy allows the county to review the e-mail traffic of employees.
- The grand jury had suggested limiting the number of elected officials sent on trade missions to foreign countries to conserve taxpayer dollars. The county disagrees with the recommendation, siting the importance of elected officials in striking trade deals overseas.
-Following grand jury concerns that the county was not adequately tracking welfare fraud, the county agreed to compile and maintain a report on welfare fraud and track cost impacts on the county.
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