REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
May 19, 2026
FROM
LAURA FEINGOLD, County Counsel
SUBJECT
Title
Request by Ensen Mason to Retain Independent Legal Counsel
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Consider the attached memorandum from Ensen Mason to Laura Feingold, County Counsel, requesting County-funded independent legal counsel.
(Presenter: Laura Feingold, County Counsel, 387-5455)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Operate in a Fiscally-Responsible and Business-Like Manner.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
This item may result in the use of additional Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). Any necessary budget adjustments will be included on a future agenda item or budget report presented to the Board of Supervisors for approval as needed.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
On May 12, 2026, Ensen Mason sent a memorandum to Laura Feingold requesting approval to retain independent legal counsel in connection with matters involving the Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector’s (ATC) Office. The request refers to the “ongoing investigation directed by the Board of Supervisors concerning ATC operations, including issues related to Treasury functions” and requests “approval to retain independent counsel to represent my interest in this matter.”
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Julie Surber, Principal Assistant County Counsel, 387-5455) on May 15, 2026; and County Finance and Administration (Stephenie Shea, Deputy Executive Officer, 387-4811) on May 15, 2026.