By Natasha Lindstrom, Staff Writer

SAN BERNARDINO • County supervisors will discuss candidates to fill San Bernardino County’s top non-elected post at a special closed session meeting on Tuesday.

The Board of Supervisors abruptly ousted five-year County Administrative Officer Mark Uffer Nov. 17 “for no cause” on a split vote, with 1st District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt favoring the firing.

“Really I think the first order of business of the new year is urgent and important, and that is selecting a new CAO… ” Mitzelfelt said.

“Following that, the Board will have an opportunity to really take a top-to-bottom look at our organization, look at our budget situation, the economy, and assess what our goals are based on our priorities of the citizens and the taxpayers and move forward in a new direction.”

Though supervisors haven’t conducted any formal interviews, Mitzelfelt said they’ve reviewed more than 100 applications, mostly from California. The county has been recruiting and advertising for the position throughout Southern California.

Mitzelfelt, who doesn’t expect board action to take place on Tuesday, said he seeks a “strong fiscal manager with knowledge of the municipal services and finance, someone with leadership ability and vision, who strives for excellence and expects excellence from people under his supervision.”

After meeting on Dec. 15, the Board was not scheduled to discuss the search again until Jan. 12, but Board Chairman Gary Ovitt called the meeting for updates.

Uffer is getting a severance package valued at about $323,000 including benefits, which Mitzelfelt said he initially voted against for being too lavish. Mitzelfelt added he never gave Uffer “high marks” for his performance. Assistant County Administrator Dean Arabatzis is fulfilling the duties of the CAO until a replacement is selected.

Natasha Lindstrom may be reached at (760) 951-6232 or at nlindstrom@VVDailyPress.com.