County supervisors oust County Administrative Officer

SAN BERNARDINO • In a stunning move, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors fired County Administrative Officer Mark Uffer Tuesday “for no cause,” effective immediately.

Board Chairman Gary Ovitt made the sudden announcement around 10:50 a.m. after a lengthy meeting behind closed doors in the San Bernardino County Government Center.

Ovitt said the firing of the county’s top administrator was decided on a 3-2 vote, with 1st District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, 3rd District Supervisor Neil Derry and Ovitt favoring the firing. Second District Supervisor Paul Biane and 5th District Josie Gonzales opposed the move.

In a county press release, officials said the dismissal was not based on wrongful conduct.

Uffer’s severance package includes one year’s salary at $273,748 and about $50,000 more in perks, including cell phone, car allowance, retirement plans and health benefits, according to county spokesman David Wert.

County supervisors declined to offer specific reasons for the abrupt dismissal of the 11-year county employee and five-year CAO, citing the confidentiality of closed session discussions.

County spokesman David Wert sent an e-mail Tuesday to county employees stating “it is imperative that no one from the county discuss this morning’s Board action with the news media.”  He cited the potential for legal action.

The decision to fire Uffer, 56, follows a wave of county leadership changes amid budget woes.

Assistant County Administrator Dean Arabatzis will take over Uffer’s duties until a replacement is named, Wert said. The county has not determined a process and timeline for appointing his successor, he added.

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