Like it or not, we’re paying for this one
A case that shouldn’t have happened and a bill we can’t avoid.
Well, here we are again. Another day, another example of our hard-earned tax dollars being tossed into the bureaucratic abyss. The recent dismissal of the criminal case against Mendocino County Auditor Chamise Cubbison is just the latest installment in this ongoing saga.
For those who missed the spectacle, a Mendocino County judge recently threw out the charges against Cubbison, citing insufficient evidence to support the DA’s claims. The case, which many saw as flimsy from the start, has now collapsed under its own weight. But don't worry; the bill for this legal misadventure is still very real—and it's got our names on it.
To recap, Cubbison was accused of misappropriating public funds by approving the use of an obscure payroll code, leading to unauthorized payments. However, upon closer examination, the evidence supporting these claims was found lacking, resulting in the case's dismissal.
Now, Cubbison, having been dragged through the mud, is likely considering her options for restitution, including a civil lawsuit against the county Board of Supervisors for denying her due process, which could further drain public funds. And who could blame her? Her reputation has taken a hit, legal fees have piled up, and all for a case that couldn't hold water. Guess who's going to foot the bill for this next round of legal proceedings? That's right—us, the taxpayers.
This whole debacle raises some uncomfortable questions about accountability among our public officials. How did we get here? Who greenlit this costly endeavor? And when will they be held responsible for this misuse of public funds? It's easy to point fingers and demand answers, but history has shown that such inquiries often lead to shrugged shoulders and business as usual.
With the civil case coming, so is the bill. We’ve seen it before—public funds drained into courtroom showdowns, the only clear winners being the lawyers. There’s no lesson learned, no system corrected, just another expensive cycle of finger-pointing and damage control.
Meanwhile, the people who made these decisions will move on unscathed. No consequences, no accountability—just more tax dollars thrown at a problem they created. The public is left with the tab, as usual, while officials pretend this is just the cost of doing business.
Maybe one day, someone will answer for these mistakes. Until then, we’ll keep footing the bill and wondering how much longer they can get away with it.
Originally published in the Fort Bragg Advocate-News on March 6, 2025.