CHRIS EBIE Mariposa County Auditor Chris Ebie is not seeking re-election to that post, leaving the position of the County’s chief financial officer up for grabs in the primary election on June 8.

Ebie informed his staff of his decision last week, and Monday told the GAZETTE, “It’s time for me to move on. I have some personal reasons, but I want to move on and do different things in my life, and spend more time with my 6-year-old son,” Ebie explained. He said he has no plans on leaving Mariposa County, but that “depends on what opportunities present themselves.”

Ebie has completed just over one term in office. He was appointed to the post in January 2006 to replace to replace Ken Hawkins, who did not complete his final year. Ebie was elected in the primary election of the same year, defeating challenger Janet Pritchett. His current term will end on Jan. 3, 2011.

According to elections clerk Courtney Progner, as of Monday, only Ebie had secured petitions in lieu of filing fees forms. No other person had demonstrated any interest in the position.

The auditor’s annual salary is $87,872, plus a benefit package that totals $14,477.04 annually for health, vision, and dental insurance as well as deferred compensation.

Not just anyone who happens to be handy with numbers can hold the position of auditor.

According to Mariposa County Code, “No person shall hereafter be elected or appointed to the office of county auditor unless: (a) He possesses a valid certificate issued by the California State Board of Accountancy under the provision of Chapter 1, Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code showing him to be, and a permit authorizing him to practice as; a certified public accountant or as a public accountant; or (b) He possesses a valid certificate or diploma of graduation from a school of accountancy or a degree in business administration or a related field, or; (c) He has served as county auditor or as deputy auditor for a continuous period of not less than three years.”

If Ebie changes his mind, he has until March 12 to file, according to County Clerk Keith Williams. If not, qualified individuals seeking that County post have until March 17, because the filing deadline is extended five days if the incumbent doesn’t file for re-election.