County government: contract legal counsel: auditor-controller.

(1) Existing law requires a county board of supervisors, upon request of the county assessor or sheriff, to contract with legal counsel to assist the assessor or sheriff with duties for which the district attorney or county counsel would have a conflict of interest in representing the assessor or sheriff. In the event the board of supervisors does not concur with the assessor or sheriff that a conflict of interest exists, existing law authorizes the county assessor or sheriff to initiate an ex parte proceeding before the presiding judge of the superior court, as provided. This bill would extend these provisions to additionally require the board of supervisors to contract with legal counsel to assist the auditor-controller, as described above. The bill would also, if the presiding judge determines that a conflict exists and the creation of an ethical wall within the county counsel's or district attorney's office is inappropriate, require the presiding judge to select the legal counsel that the board of supervisors employs for the assessor, auditor-controller, or sheriff, as provided. By adding to the duties of county boards of supervisors with respect to contracts for legal counsel, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. (2) The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.