Amador County Grand Jury
2010-2011
Quick View
Full Details →
Findings & Recommendations
8 findings
F1:
Full Service Partnerships (FSP) and independent agencies are essential for the operation of both the Health and the Social Service Departments. Both close cooperation and communication between Health, Social Services, FSP, and independent agencies are necessary for maximizing the monies available. These services provide continuity and an extension of care to clients and their families. Some examples of FSP and independent agencies include: ▪ Amador Tuolumne Community Action Agency (ATCAA) ▪ The Resource Connection ▪ The Wellness Center ▪ Sierra Wind Support Center ▪ Operation Care ▪ Interfaith Food Bank (Fact #19)
F2:
With the decrease in MHSA funding, it is not the intention of Health Services to reduce core services. Staff responsibility would be shifted and combined, resulting in a reduction of administrative costs. (Fact #12)
F3:
Some job descriptions in Health Services have been blended to include a variety of duties. For example, a receptionist may now also assist with billing duties. (Facts #11, #13)
F4:
Both Departments pursue every source that is appropriate and utilize every allocation possible "to the last penny.‖ (Facts #8, #9, #10 & #11)‖.
F5:
Food Stamp money spent in Amador County enhances the local economy. (Facts #14 & #15) 15
F6:
Due to the uncertainty of the Federal and State budgets, it is difficult for the Health and Social Service Departments to plan for future needs. (Facts #8, #10, #12, #17 & #18)
F7:
Due to Amador County's "minimal allocation" status (based on population), the decrease of MHSA funding monies is less significant than for more populated counties. For example, a 10% decrease on an allocation of $10,000 would reflect a $1,000 loss versus a 10% decrease on an allocation of $1,000,000 would reflect a $100,000 loss. (Fact #10, #12)
F8:
The homeless persons survey had not been released at the time this report was finalized. However, it is anticipated that the report will show that the number of homeless persons has significantly increased. The ramifications of needs for County services are unknown at this time. (Fact #20)
Additional Recommendations
3
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
The Health Services Department should consider a regional program for researching and applying for grant funds with other rural California counties.
R2:
The County should update the Amador County web site to reflect the Departmental changes.
R3:
Encourage Amador County to explore the possibility of revising the terms of the current Health and Human Services building lease. RESPONSE REQUIRED Pursuant to California Penal Code §933 (c) a response to this report is required. No later than 90 days after the grand jury submits a final report on the operations of any public agency subject to its reviewing authority, the governing body of the public agency shall comment to the presiding judge of the Superior court on the finding and recommendations. REFERENCE MATERIALS
▪ Data sheets from Health Services and Social Services
▪ Review 2009/2010 Amador County Civil Grand Jury report regarding Amador County Health and Human Services, Recommendations and Responses
▪ Amador County Website: www.co.amador.ca.us
▪ Communication with ATCAA Director
Findings & Recommendations
12 findings
F1:
Audit reports for 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 report significant financial shortcomings. (See Auditors report at http://www.ione-ca.com/home/ione/financials.htm) (Facts #1, 6)
F2:
Required Bank reconciliations have not been made in the last two years. (See Auditors report at http://www.ione-ca.com/home/ione/financials.htm) (Facts 2 b., 6 and 12)
F3:
Cash transfers between accounts are not properly documented as required. (Facts 2 c., 6 and 12)
F4:
Monthly Treasurer Reports have not been prepared since 2003. (Fact 4 b., 6 and 12)
F5:
The City Treasurer, who is under the direction of the City Council, has failed to prepare monthly bank reconciliations as required by Ordinance. (Fact 3 b, 6 and 12)
F6:
The fact monthly treasurer reports are not currently being prepared means the City Council does not have sufficient information in order to make intelligent financial decisions.( Fact 6)
F7:
The City of Ione's General Plan is being used to justify expenditures at a growth rate that has not been realized. (Fact 6, 11)
F8:
The General Plans annual status report has not been reported. (Fact 12)
F9:
The City is outspending its current income and has been heavily dipping into the LAIF account. (Fact 2, 6)
F10:
At the current rate of depletion the LAIF account will be fully depleted in the next year or two. ( Fact 2, 6)
F11:
When the LAIF account is fully depleted the City will be unable to meet current obligations from current revenue. (Fact 2, 6)
F12:
The failure to reconcile bank statements promptly enhances the possibility that embezzlement would go undetected.
Findings & Recommendations
6 findings
F1:
At PGYCC, members of the various gangs are required to live and work together. No gang activity is tolerated. A youth will be immediately transferred to another institution if this policy is violated. (Fact #7.)
F2:
Both the CDCR-DJJ and CALFIRE staff work to build a good relationship with each youth, using professional courtesy when addressing them. As a result, PGYCC has evolved from a strict military atmosphere to a more interactive one. (Facts #9 & 10)
F3:
The youths placed at PGYCC are considered the "cream of the crop." The staff feels responsible for making each one succeed in the program. A low rate of recidivism at PGYCC (28%) compares favorably to national figures (60%-70). (Facts # 2, 3 & 5)
F4:
Youths learn a strong work ethic. Many of them have grown up on the streets without an opportunity to acquire social and work-related skills. PGYCC focuses on steering them toward becoming productive members of society. (Facts # 9, 10, 12, 13, 14 & 16)
F5:
A concerted effort is made to find job opportunities for each young man. Case Managers keep in touch with them through phone follow-ups. (Fact #12) 32
F6:
The State of California benefits significantly from PGYCCs low cost, high quality firefighting resources. (Facts # 16 & 18)
Quick View
Full Details →
Findings and recommendations not yet extracted.
Quick View
Full Details →
Findings and recommendations not yet extracted.
Quick View
Full Details →
Findings and recommendations not yet extracted.
Findings and recommendations not yet extracted.
Quick View
Full Details →
Findings and recommendations not yet extracted.
Findings & Recommendations
12 findings
F1:
The philosophy of the current administration is to treat inmates with dignity and to provide a safe and secure environment.
F2:
Because of overcrowding, the safety and security of staff, inmates, and visitors are at risk.
F3:
The house monitoring equipment is so antiquated that it is increasingly difficult to find repair personnel.
F4:
There is no effective means to keep track of an inmate once released from custody.
F5:
Inmate classes are currently being held in library and in hallways. Some activities are no longer available because of staffing constraints.
F6:
There is no longer a community Work Crew because of staffing shortages.
F7:
As per 2008 recommendations ACSO has continued to pursue funding for a new facility through matching funds legislation. The County received a conditional award of up to $22,712,000. The conditions of this award require that the county raise matching funds of approximately $7-$8 million. Property has been purchased for the new facility.
F8:
The morale of the staff is better due to efforts to move forward with AB900. (Fact # 16)
F9:
Sheriff's Deputies with Law Enforcement Officer Classification are forced to work in the 22
F10:
Felony Release Criteria have been used for the early release of non-violent felons due the overcrowding of the facility. This program has not been very successful because ACSO is unable to keep track of persons once they are released from custody.
F11:
Booking fees reimbursed by the state do not adequately offset costs. (Fact#15)
F12:
There are two family units used for conjugal visits. These visits are very hard to earn and are thoroughly monitored by staff.
Findings & Recommendations
2 findings
F1:
Overcrowding continues to be a problem at MCSP. This complicated by budget issues. An early release program for inmates has become necessary. (Facts # 1 and 2)
F2:
As programs are eliminated, opportunities for rehabilation are lost and will have a negative effect on inmates. (Facts #6, #7, #8)