Another elected county official leaves office early

San Luis Obispo County Treasurer-Tax Collector Frank Freitas announced Wednesday he will retire on Friday less than two years into a four year term.

Two months ago, SLO County Auditor-Controller Gere Sibbach announced he will retire on Dec. 29, also with two years left in his four-year term.

Both men signed statements when they ran for office that they would serve out their terms. Because of the timing, the current Board of Supervisors will appoint their successors. The Board of Supervisors appointed Jim Erb as Sibbach’s successor.

Freitas was first elected Treasurer-Tax Collector in 1978, and reelected in 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2010. He did not explain his sudden departure.