San Bernardino
At the close of business on Monday, December 16, 2019 San Bernardino County Treasury funds reached an all-time high pool balance of $7,925,534,924.70 according to Treasurer Ensen Mason. The San Bernardino County Treasury pool first reached the seven-billion-dollar mark two years ago. County officials noted since then it has grown by almost a billion dollars, a rapid rate of appreciation by any measure. Mason heralded the county’s success in this regard. “Thanks to strategic money management, a strong economy and my outstanding Treasurer staff, San Bernardino County has been able to achieve excellent success in investments this year,” he noted. “Every dollar we earn is one dollar less that the taxpayers of San Bernardino County have to pay to fund essential government services such as the Sheriff and District Attorney.” The County’s Chief Deputy Treasurer John Johnson also weighed in on the accomplishment crediting Mason’s leadership. “During Treasurer Mason’s first year in office, he has worked tirelessly along with our talented investment staff to improve investment pool returns while focused on the safety and liquidity of the public funds in his care.” Johnson continued, “Mr. Mason’s investment experience and skillset as a Registered Investment Advisor and Chartered Financial Analyst make him uniquely qualified as a public sector Treasurer. He brings to the County Treasury a strong understanding of economics and the financial markets.” The San Bernardino County Treasurer’s Office is not only the official Custodian of Investments for the San Bernardino County Investment Pool it also provides banking services for the County, K-12 Schools, Community Colleges and Special Districts. According to Mason, the Treasury adheres to conservative investment policies that have allowed the county to maintain an AAA/S1 rating from Fitch Ratings—the highest possible ratings assigned by the agency for an investment pool of its type.
Header Photo: Ensen Mason, Chief Deputy Treasurer