SECTIONS 25170-25176

25170.  Whenever the board of supervisors deems it necessary orimportant to examine any person as a witness upon any subject ormatter within the jurisdiction of the board, or to examine anyofficer of the county in relation to the discharge of his officialduties as to the receipt or disposition by him of any money, orconcerning the possession or disbursement by him of any propertybelonging to the county, or to use, inspect, or examine any books,account, voucher, or document in the possession or under the controlof the person or officer relating to the affairs or interests of thecounty, the chairman of the board shall issue a subpena, in properform, commanding the person or officer to appear before it, at a timeand place therein specified, to be examined as a witness. Thesubpena may require the person or officer to produce all books,papers, and documents in his possession or under his control,relating to the affairs or interests of the county.25171.  Whenever the board appoints any of its members a committeeupon any subject or matter of which it has jurisdiction and confersupon the committee power to send for persons and papers, the chairmanof the committee has all the powers and duties of the chairman ofthe board of supervisors.25172.  The sheriff of the county to whom the subpena is deliveredshall serve it by reading it to the person named therein, and at thesame time delivering to him a copy thereof. The official return ofthe sheriff upon the subpena, showing the time and place of serviceis prima facie evidence of service.25173.  Whenever any person duly subpenaed to appear and giveevidence or to produce any books and papers before the board or acommittee neglects or refuses to appear, or to produce any books andpapers, as required by the subpena, or refuses to testify or toanswer any questions which a majority of the body decides are properand pertinent, he shall be deemed in contempt, and the chairman ofthe body shall report the fact to the judge of the superior court ofthe county.25174.  Upon receipt of the report, the judge of the superior courtshall issue an attachment directed to any sheriff, marshal, or policechief in the State of California, commanding him or her to attachthat person and forthwith bring him or her before the judge whoordered the attachment issued.25175.  On the return of the attachment and the production of thebody of the defendant, the judge has jurisdiction of the matter. Theperson charged may purge himself of the contempt in the same way, andthe same proceeding shall be had, and the same penalties may beimposed, and the same punishment inflicted as in the case of awitness subpenaed to appear and give evidence on the trial of a civilcause before a superior court.25176.  Witnesses subpenaed to testify on behalf of the county inmatters of public concern before the board of supervisors are notentitled to have their fees prepaid, but the board shall allow themthe reasonable expenses of their attendance.