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The San Benito County Civil Grand Jury, which released its annual report on July 2, described deep dysfunction among some elected officials. Though the report does not directly name either governing body, it states that the Hollister City Council and the San Benito County Board of Supervisors are required to respond to its findings and recommendations.
“The Civil Grand Jury uncovered evidence of unethical practices, allegations of corruption and breaches of trust within the political sphere,” the report states.
The Civil Grand Jury is convened annually and made up of 19 citizens who are sworn to serve as grand jurors and investigate the operations of various government departments and agencies.
The Civil Grand Jury found a “continuous pattern of willful disregard for the presiding leadership,” “reluctance to cooperate” and “disorderly conduct and unprofessional behavior.”
Foreman Roxy Montana said the Civil Grand Jury is barred from naming individuals in its reports by state code.
“Everybody sees the dysfunction,” She told BenitoLink. “Everyone knows who’s involved.”
According to the report, “discussions have focused on personal grievances rather than the needs of the entire community. The lack of decorum detracts from the efficient functioning of the governing body.”
Montana said that this behavior detracts from dealing with local issues. She said such behaviors are also present in other board meetings such as the San Benito Health Care District and school boards.
When asked if she could say which governing body and specific meeting the Civil Grand Jury studied and used as evidence, she mentioned the Hollister City Council meetings between November and December in 2023.
Hollister Councilmember Rolan Resendiz, who has been censured multiple times by the city council for violating the code of ethics, and has numerously ignored point of orders by Mayor Mia Casey, said it was Casey’s responsibility to ensure the focus of the meeting. When asked about the overall city council members’ behavior displayed at meetings, as found by the Civil Grand Jury, Resendiz did not elaborate. Councilmember Rick Perez has also been reprimanded for violating the code of ethics.
Casey said she felt four of the five councilmembers respect and work well with each other.
“We have the best interest of the community at heart,” Casey said. “We want to get work done but it doesn’t take much to disrupt.”
She added there have been instances where she’s called points of order for several council members, which aim to keep discussion within the agenda item being discussed and bang the gavel, but Resendiz will “keep on talking.”
In addition to looking at the meetings, Montana said, the Grand Jury interviewed councilmembers.
“In order to cover our ground, we interviewed everybody,” she said, adding county supervisors were also interviewed. “The same ideas, thoughts, and frustrations were coming through everybody. We were very thorough.”
The Civil Grand Jury recommended that the two governing bodies adhere to Rosenberg’s Rules of Order; adhere to procedural protocols, their oaths of office and standards of conduct; and create a code of ethics with consequences for violations.
Casey said the City Council is dealing with conduct internally.
“We’re trying to follow our protocols to the best of our ability,” she said. “It is difficult at times though.”
The San Benito County Board of Supervisors follows its own rules of procedure, which state “Roberts Rules do not apply to Board proceedings.” The Hollister City Council follows Rosenberg’s Rules.
San Benito County Supervisor Angela Curro, who is tasked with running meetings, said in a written statement that the ad hoc committee made up of supervisors Kollin Kosmicki and Dom Zanger are working on revised board procedures that will then be presented to the full board. She said she hopes the recommendations include adhering to the Rosenburg’s Rule of Order.
She said the Civil Grand Jury’s report “points out the sad truth that we all need to hear. We need clear meeting procedures, ethics accountability and each of us adhere to the Oath of Office we have taken.”
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