Jim Erb announces candidacy for county tax collector

January 28, 2014

Jim Erb, the sitting San Luis Obispo County Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector-Public Administrator, announced today he will run for the office he was appointed to lead at the end of 2012.

“This office may have one of the world’s longest titles, but its primary function is quite simple: protect the public’s financial interests and ensure county government delivers essential public services at the highest level in the most cost-efficient way possible,” Erb said in a press release.

The SLO County Board of Supervisors appointed Erb to replace Gere Sibbach when he retired. A certified public accountant since 1993, Erb has worked in the County Auditor- Controller’s Office since 1990.

When county supervisors merged the office of Auditor-Controller with the office of Treasurer-Tax Collector in August 2013, Erb became the County Auditor-Controller- Treasurer-Tax Collector-Public Administrator.

Erb’s list of supporters includes Sibbach, County Sheriff Ian Parkinson, County Assessor Tom Bordonaro and County Supervisor Frank Mecham.

Erb’s priorities for the office:

• Maintain the county’s investment pool AAA / V1 rating from Fitch and its AA bond rating from Moody’s. San Luis Obispo County has been recognized as one of California’s top-ranked financially managed counties.

”Because of these outstanding ratings we were able to refinance existing debt, saving close to $6 million without extending the life of the bonds,” Erb said. “That’s a big deal.”

• Maintain and encourage the use of the county’s newly implemented whistleblower hotline for county employees and the public to report financial waste, fraud and abuse: (855) 326-9623 or online at: http://www.slocounty.ca.gov/AC/Whistleblower_Hotline.htm

• Remain on watch for more ways to use tax money more efficiently and increase return on public investments.

“I believe my experience in the office, years in the department and professional qualifications provide the required background and perspective to guide this important county department forward,” Erb said.