Yuba County supervisor censured by board after inappropriate conduct investigation
The Yuba County Board of Supervisors censured one of its members Thursday after reviewing the findings of an investigation into reported inappropriate conduct by Supervisor Seth Fuhrer.
The county launched an investigation this summer into Fuhrer's conduct after a complaint by a county employee, the human resources director said. Boucher Law, PC completed that investigation. The report states that 10 witnesses were interviewed, leading the investigator to determine complaints against Fuhrer could be substantiated.
“The big thing for me is remembering that you're an elected official and you're representing your constituents in the county,” said Donald Blaser, the chair of the Board of Supervisors, following the vote. “You have to you have to be really conscious of everything.”
Among the complaints that were investigated, the report states that the investigator found Fuhrer massaged a county employee’s shoulders, pulled a county employee’s hair, and touched a county employee on the nose and stomach, without their consent.
The supervisors also addressed a joint letter from the California State Association of Counties and the Rural County Representatives of California to the board received in August.
In it, the authors, wrote Fuhrer made “lewd, sexually suggestive, and inappropriate comments to multiple individuals.” The organizations suspended Fuhrer from attending CSAC or RCRC conferences and must complete additional sexual harassment training prior to returning.
Fuhrer said he believes the complaints against him are trivial and highlight a selective use of the county’s harassment policies.
“I'm disappointed about the weaponization of our human resources department,” Fuhrer said. “I’m disappointed that via agendas and ulterior motives people are able to create an unrealistic standard.”
Reports taken were not investigated criminally, a spokesperson for the county confirmed. They remained with the scope of a HR investigation. Fuhrer said he believes the response from the board stems from his colleagues’ attempts to block him from serving as board chair more than their concern about his behavior.
“I have created ripples and waves because I don't just kick the can down the road and rubber stamp what's put in front of us,” he said.
In a three to two vote, the board voted to adopt a nine-point resolution of repercussions for Fuhrer’s behavior. While the resolution censures Fuhrer, he is still able to hold his position and participate in board proceedings.
The resolution, however, prohibits him for being able to serve as chair or vice chair of the board for one year, to only travel to an event for county business if the event is attended by at least one other member of the board and undergo harassment prevention training.
Blaser said elected officials need to be held to high standards for the behavior expected by board members.
“I think going forward, we're going to be a lot more sensitive to things like this and maybe do correction and corrective action earlier,” he said. “I think it was something that had to be done, and I think that's such a good precedent.”
The resolution also states staff must prepare a code of conduct for all Yuba County elected officials within 90 days.
See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter