Countywide : Tax Dispute Creates Conflict for Counsel

A dispute between Ventura County and the school districts over tax collection has caused a conflict of interest for County Counsel James L. McBride, he said.

The conflict arose when the County Board of Supervisors voted last month to pass on the cost of tax collection to the school districts.

School officials have indicated that they may not pay the tax collection fees, McBride said, and the issue may end up in court. County counsel lawyers regularly provide school districts with legal services.

McBride said Monday that his office can represent only the county in the dispute, since the county is its primary client. The districts must find other legal representation.

However, if the school districts want the county’s attorneys to continue to represent them in other legal issues they are being asked to sign a consent form.

The Board of Supervisors signed the form for the legal representation of the districts to continue.

So far, signed consent forms have been received from Oxnard Union High School District, Ojai Unified School District, and the superintendent of schools, McBride said. His office represents about 20 districts on legal matters ranging from contracts to personnel matters.