Robert Scattini is fighting for his job, and to keep one of the
last remaining marshal’s offices in California open, now that
county administrators have indicated their intention to examine the
possibility of eliminating the elected position.
HOLLISTER
Robert Scattini is fighting for his job, and to keep one of the last remaining marshal’s offices in California open, now that county administrators have indicated their intention to examine the possibility of eliminating the elected position.
Scattini first learned of the potential move by the county administration office in June. He had offered to accept a 5 percent pay cut when County Administrative Officer Susan Thompson’s office had requested the same reduction from all six elected department heads in light of severely declining revenues. Four of them accepted the pay cut, while Sheriff Curtis Hill and Treasurer/Tax Collector Mary Lou Andrade did not.
Administrators had passed on the word Scattini’s cut wasn’t necessary – he makes $34,000 annually, while a reduction would save around $1,700 for the county – leading him to speculate officials might attempt to close the office, one of four remaining in California, a topic arising in past years as well. It turns out he was right.
Scattini today told the Free Lance the CAO’s office has indicated its intention to examine how, and if, the county could close the marshal’s office. He said administrators asked him to sign a document weeks ago stating he would not use a salary reduction against the county if officials pursued closure of his office.
He declined to sign it, he said, and now he plans to hire an attorney – administrators told him it could be at the county’s expense and gave him a list from which to choose a lawyer – to defend himself against the possibility.
“I was elected and certified by the county and I’m going to finish my term,” said Scattini, whose term ends in 2010, when he plans to run again if the office still exists.
San Benito County’s marshal’s office is among four left in California. Scattini now primarily handles legal services such as delivery of warrants and civil papers. He handed over bailiff duties – court security – to the sheriff’s office more than four years ago.
Neither CAO Susan Thompson nor Assistant CAO Richard Inman could be reached immediately before publication.
Check back for more on this story and see an expanded version in the Free Lance on Tuesday.
