Commission Vice Chair Considers Calling for a “No Confidence” Vote on Treasurer Manny Ortiz
Bernalillo County – Commission Vice Chair Debbie O’Malley is considering asking the Board of County Commissioners for a “no confidence” vote on Bernalillo County Treasurer Manny Ortiz.
“The treasurer is demonstrating a lack of urgency in dealing with an emergency situation regarding the county’s investments and the potential for greater losses from having to prematurely sell investments to cover county expenses and obligations,” says Commission Vice Chair Debbie O’Malley.
“I don’t feel Treasurer Ortiz is taking this matter seriously enough and I’m strongly considering asking my colleagues to join me in a “no confidence” vote, possibly next week.”
O’Malley says she’s disappointed that no one from the Treasurer’s Office has shown up to two Board of Finance meetings held earlier this month to discuss needed changes to the county’s investment portfolio.
The treasurer’s current investment practices have tied up too much money in long-term investments, which could affect future funding for special projects, along with reducing the amount of on-hand cash for monthly bills.
County administrators and representatives from the Treasurer’s Office are part of an investment committee that’s presently working on a new investment policy that the board intends to vote on during its Nov. 12 commission meeting.
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About Bernalillo County
Bernalillo County is 1,160 square miles and is New Mexico’s most populous county with 670,000 residents. Bernalillo County government provides a wide range of public services to residents who live in the city and to the 114,000 residents who live outside the city limits in the unincorporated areas of the county. Bernalillo County employs approximately 2,400 people and has an annual operating budget and capital investments of more than $500 million. Elected officials include five county commissioners, assessor, clerk, probate judge, sheriff and treasurer.
Tia Bland
Public Information Director
