Supes Move Toward Reducing CEO’s Power
May Relieve Position of Certain Duties Involving Department Heads
The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors came closer to taking away some of the powers and duties of the County Executive Officer (CEO) on March 3, voting 3-2 to initially approve an ordinance that would both take back the ability to hire and fire department heads and make it easier for department heads to talk directly to boardmembers. While the changes in day-to-day procedure won’t be large, the move is a brushback for current CEO Mike Brown, who has amassed much control during his tenure. Opponents of the supervisors’ decision claim a 2005 decision to increase Brown’s power resulted in improved efficiency and better customer service. The ordinance needs to go in front of the board again for a final vote.
