To: Board of Supervisors
From: Human Resources
Agenda Section: Time Certain Matter
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
title
1:30 P.M. - Sustained Finding of Violation of the Board of Supervisors Code of Conduct
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Receive, file, and discuss the attached executive summary of sustained findings of violations of the Board of Supervisors Code of Conduct as required; and
2. Consider public censure of 2nd District Supervisor Michelle Bushnell.
Body
STRATEGIC PLAN:
This action supports the following areas of your Board's Strategic Plan.
Area of Focus: Core Services/Other
Strategic Plan Category: 9999 - Core Services/Other
DISCUSSION:
At the April 4, 2022, Board of Supervisors meeting, the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors approved amendments to the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors Code of Conduct. The approved amendments to the Code of Conduct included the creation of a Committee (comprised of the County Administrative Officer, Director of Human Resources and County Counsel) to determine if a formal investigation should be initiated based upon a complaint of a violation of the Board of Supervisors Code of Conduct.
On May 6th, 2025 and May 7th, 2025, the Director of Human Resources received two (2) separate complaints alleging violations of the Board of Supervisors Code of Conduct by 2nd District Supervisor Michelle Bushnell. As required by the Board of Supervisors Code of Conduct, the Committee met, reviewed the complaint, and determined by two-thirds vote that an impartial third-party investigation should be conducted. The Director of Human Resources subsequently initiated an investigation through Kramer Workplace Investigations. Attached to this report is an Executive Summary outlining the sustained findings from that investigation.
Per the Board of Supervisors Code of Conduct:
"A sustained violation of this Code of Conduct and Ethics by a Board member will be agend...
Click here for full text