The Board of Supervisors on Thursday voted to adopt a resolution aimed at addressing inappropriate conduct by District 3 Supervisor Seth Fuhrer.
The votes landed at 3-2: Supervisors Andy Vasquez, Gary Bradford, and Don Blaser voting in favor of the resolution; Supervisors Fuhrer and Jon Messick voting against the resolution.
The Dec. 19 special Board meeting came after the completion of an investigation, conducted by an independent investigator, following complaints from County staff and partnering agencies regarding inappropriate behavior by Fuhrer. The investigation found the allegations credible and that Fuhrer’s behavior was inappropriate and unwelcome. Yuba County policies (adopted by the Board) prohibit such conduct. A summary of the investigation can be read in full here.
The adopted remedial actions include nine items, which can be read in full here.
Due to the allegations being sustained, staff is obligated under the Board of Supervisors adopted policies to present to the appointing authority recommended remedial actions against the offender and action to protect complainants and prevent recurrence. Due to Supervisor Fuhrer being an elected officer, staff presented the recommended remedial actions to the Board of Supervisors. It was solely up to the Board of Supervisors to determine what remedial actions are appropriate based on the investigation.
“Yuba County takes any allegations of misconduct seriously, and the Board will continue to do its part in ensuring staff and elected officials fulfill their responsibilities to the community we serve with the highest degree of professionalism,” Board Chair Don Blaser said.
Yuba County is committed to maintaining a safe and respectful workplace for all employees.
Editor’s note: The board took the following actions:
- Receive and accept the Executive Summary of the investigative report;
- Inform Supervisor Fuhrer that County policy prohibits him from harassing or retaliating against County employees and requires that he “treat all employees and non employees with respect and consideration”and “model appropriate behavior”;
- The Board of Supervisors direct staff to prepare a draft Code of Conduct for all Yuba County elected officials within 90 days for the Board’s consideration;
- Supervisor Fuhrer is ineligible for nomination to Chair or Vice Chair for a one year period, beginning January 1, 2025;
- Accept the August 20, 2024, Joint letter from California State Association of Counties (CSAC) and Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) and acknowledge the suspension of Supervisor Fuhrer from attending CSAC or RCRC sponsored conferences, convenings, or annual meetings at least until December 31, 2026, s requested by CSAC/RCRC;
- Pursuant to the County’s Travel Policy, direct the Chair of the Board of Supervisors not to authorize Supervisor Fuhrer to travel to an event for County business, except where otherwise required pursuant to his official duties, unless such event is also attended by another Board member or the County Administrator commencing immediately through December 31, 2025;
- Inform Supervisor Fuhrer to direct all communications about County business to the County Administrator or appropriate County department head in lieu of interacting directly with other County employees;
- Inform Supervisor Fuhrer that his attendance at legally-mandated training sessions relating to standards of workplace conduct and harassment prevention be undertaken as determined by County management.
- Censure and/or express disapproval regarding Supervisor Fuhrer’s sustained inappropriate conduct as found in the above-referenced investigation.