Several Baltimore County Council members said auditor Brian Rowe fully disclosed his personal gain from a legislative proposal, which contradicts accusations from senior officials who are threatening to file ethics charges.
County administrators said Rowe intentionally misled the county when he urged them to adopt a law that would increase his and other employees? pensions without divulging his private interest. But council members told The Examiner Tuesday Rowe was “very up front” and “forthcoming” about his benefit.
“He said it impacted himself and a number of county employees, and he dropped names of other county employees that it would affect,” said Councilman Kevin Kamenetz, D-District 2. “He was very clear about that.”
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Councilman Ken Oliver, D-District 4, said Rowe met with him personally to explain the legislative proposal and emphasize he would benefit personally from the bill. After 12 years with the county, Rowe announced his resignation late last week and said Monday he plans to sue the county for violating state law. Rowe said the county is deducting too much from the pensions of employees who used to work for other governments with noncontributory retirement plans, estimated to be between 141 and 220 current employees, including Rowe.
The 60-year-old auditor estimated his losses at $87,000 during the course of his retirement.
But county officials estimate a change could cost millions and accused Rowe of intentionally omitting the fiscal impacts from a report he prepared for councilmen. They also accused him of keeping his personal benefit a secret.
“We?re reviewing it,” said Don Mohler, a spokesman for County Executive Jim Smith. “County attorneys are reviewing our best course of action, whether or not that includes a referral to the ethics board.”
Mohler clarified a quote in Tuesday?s Examiner that indicated Fred Homan, the county?s budget director, was congratulated for selling spin to reporters. The remark ? captured during a conference call when officials thought they had hung up ? was meant to convey disbelief over Rowe?s success with reporters, Mohler said.
