Butte County Grand Jury
2014-2015
From the annual report
The consolidated year-end volume. The individual investigations it contains are listed separately below.
📑 Year-End Report
The full consolidated volume; individual reports are listed below.
Individual reports (4)
Findings & Recommendations
16 findings
F1:
The Butte County Jail is operated by a professional and dedicated staff.
F2:
The Butte County Jail is not designed for long-term inmate housing as mandated by AB 109.
F3:
Butte County is in need of a new jail facility.
F4:
The Butte County Sheriff has been innovative in managing the jail and helping those individuals sentenced by the court and who are placed in his custody with a priority for public safety.
F5:
Valuable internship experience for students was achieved through a partnership between the Sheriff and CSUC’s Criminal Justice Program.
F6:
The Butte County Sheriff-Coroner website contains little information regarding the DRC programs.
F7:
The TMS Principal is highly motivated and works well with her staff.
F8:
The TMS is highly committed to helping their students achieve success in school as well as beyond incarceration.
F9:
The annexation will leave the Police and Fire Departments more understaffed than they already are.
F10:
The City is seeking a one percent increase in Sales Tax to pay for more Police and Fire Personnel.
F11:
Police and Fire now come under the heading of Public Safety, although they are still separate entities.
F12:
Planning and Development utilizes mid-managers to help with the workload and make the development process run smoother.
F13:
Finance has updated its procedures and outdated software to help with its workload.
F14:
The City Council, Department Heads and Managers use meetings as a way to resolve conflicts.
F15:
Dealing with homeless people has become a problem for the City.
F16:
Water has begun to be a problem the City Parks will need to address, particularly if drought conditions continue.
Additional Recommendations
9
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
The Butte County Board of Supervisors and the Sheriff should continue to search for adequate funding for a new jail facility.
R2:
The partnership between the Sheriff and CSUC’s Criminal Justice Program should continue.
R3:
ACS and visitation programs that have been successful should continue. 6
R4:
The Sheriff should provide additional information on the Sheriff-Coroner website regarding the array of programs available to participants. Responses Pursuant to Penal Code §933 and §933.05, the following responses are required: • Butte County Sheriff: A response to Findings F1 through F6 and Recommendations R1 through R4. • Butte County Board of Supervisors: A response to Findings F1 through F6 and Recommendations R1. The governing body indicated above should be aware that the comment or response of the governing body must be conducted subject to the notice, agenda and open meeting requirements of the Brown Act. Reports issued by the civil Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code §929 requires that the reports of the Grand Jury do not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the civil Grand Jury. 7 [This page left blank intentionally] 8 2014-2015 BUTTE COUNTY GRAND JURY REPORT BUTTE COUNTY JUVENILE HALL AND TABLE MOUNTAIN SCHOOL
R5:
The City should consider developing a plan to restore the Workers’ Compensation Fund by developing a restoration plan similar to the General Fund Reserve Restoration Plan. Responses Pursuant to Penal Code §933 and §933.05, the Chico City Council is required to respond to all Findings and Recommendations of the Grand Jury Report. The Grand Jury invites the Chico City Manager to respond to all Findings and Recommendations of the Grand Jury Report. The governing body indicated above should be aware that the comment or response of the governing body must be conducted subject to the notice, agenda and open meeting requirements of the Brown Act. Reports issued by the civil Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code §929 requires that the reports of the Grand Jury do not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the civil Grand Jury. Attachment B General Fund—Use of Fund Carryover from June 30, 2014 City Council Agenda Report—Meeting Date 03/03/2015 Exhibit B - Provides for a 51% ($2.45M) transfer to the General Fund Deficit (Fund 004) and loan is written off, Airport Fund ($100k), and allows for a ($1.2M) fund balance in Fund 001 that can be used as beginning fund balance for the fiscal year 2015-16 budget. General Fund - Exhibit B - Maximizes fund balance carryover in Fund 001 General Fund (Fund 001) fund balance reconciliation: Fund balance at 6/30/14 $ 4,860,207 Items Previously Approved: • Allocation of 3 Police Officers $190,000 • Waste Hauler Consultant $120,000 • Exp Bancroft Agreement - 1st Payment $120,000 • Sycamore Pool Total $48,000 • Items Previously Approved • $ 478,000 10% Additional Items Proposed: • PW Preventative Maint Software $2,500 • Citywide Cyber Security Assessment $20,000 • P. D. Interview Rooms - Monitoring Equipment $25,000 • Library Funding $25,000 • Citywide Document Management System (including P.D. workflow) $40,000 • City Hall - Monitoring Equipment $50,000 • LED Street Lights – Critical Intersections $50,000 • P.D.-Laser Mapping System for the CSI and Major Accidents $74,000 • City-Wide Timekeeping/P.D. Advanced Scheduler Program $75,000 • PW Street Condition Assessment Total $85,000 Items Previously Approved $446,500 9% Additional Transfers Proposed: • Recommended fund balance carryover (Fund 001) $1,200,000 • Recommended transfer to Fund -Zone l Neighborhood Parks $181,000 • Recommended transfer to Fund 856 - Airport Fund Total $100,000 Total Additional Transfers $1,481,000 30% Recommended Transfer to General Fund Deficit $2,454,707 51% 23 Attachment C Chico Fund Reserve Restoration Plan 24 Attachment D City Council Approved New Fiscal Policies In order to move the City towards fiscal health Council approved the following new fiscal policies (See the following Budget Policies): “A budget must be sustainable into the future, not balanced with one-time fixes, such as transfer of reserves or set-asides, and must reasonably reflect expenditures that match available revenues." “The City shall establish a plan to reduce the current deficits and to structurally balance the City's budget." "The City will dedicate new ongoing revenue sources in the following manner and priority: Priority 1: Reducing fund deficits, addressing anticipated fund deficits, funding significant long-term liabilities and replenishing established Fund balance targets. Priority 2: Fixed cost increases outside Council control (e.g., health benefit escalators). Priority 3: Replenishing internal service funds, such as Vehicle Replacement, Building Maintenance, etc. Priority 4: Discretionary expenditures and negotiable items. “One-time revenues not anticipated during the fiscal year will be primarily dedicated to reducing fund deficits, addressing anticipated fund deficits, funding significant long-term liabilities, and replenishing reserve and internal service funds to established targets.” This (next) section increased the safeguards and tightened controls over the use and appropriation of department expenditures. "The City will refrain from allowing funds to fall into deficit positions or continuing growth in existing fund balance deficits. Annual fund deficits should be eliminated by transferring funds into the deficit fund to maintain the previous year's fund balance." "Fund Deficit Mitigation and General Fund Reserve Restoration Plan" This section details the General Fund deficit repayment plan and the restoration of Fund Reserves through fiscal year 2029-30. Source-City Council Agenda Report------March 3, 2015 Meeting, 25 [This page left blank intentionally] 26 2014-2015 BUTTE COUNTY GRAND JURY REPORT OROVILLE: A CITY DEALS WITH TODAY’S PROBLEMS
R6:
The various elements of City Government should continue to use meetings as a way of communicating with one another and resolving any conflicts.
R7:
Oroville needs to continue to manage its homeless problem by supporting programs that get people off the streets and into places that help them deal with their problems.
R8:
The City needs to develop a plan for dealing with its water problem, including using native species as a way of keeping their parks and recreation areas from becoming brown or completely paved over with concrete.
R9:
The Butte County BOS should communicate its concern that the citizens of Butte County could be at unreasonable risk as long as railroad bridges located in Butte County remain uninspected by the CPUC. RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code §933 and §933.05, the following responses are required: • Butte County Board of Supervisors: A response to Findings F1 through F11 and Recommendations R1 through R9. The Butte County Grand Jury invites the following individuals to respond: • Butte County Chief Administrative Officer: A response to Findings F1, F2, and F6 through F11, and Recommendations R5 through R6. The governing body indicated above should be aware that the comment or response of the governing body must be conducted subject to the notice, agenda and open meeting requirements of the Brown Act. Reports issued by the civil Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code §929 requires that the reports of the Grand Jury do not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the civil Grand Jury. 75 [This page left blank intentionally] 76 2014-2015 BUTTE COUNTY GRAND JURY REPORT BUTTE COUNTY OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT “DIAMOND INCIDENT” EXERCISE MARCH 11, 2015
Findings & Recommendations
4 findings
F1:
and R1: Golden Feather has established a working website with up-to-date information
F2:
and R2: If a volunteer has a financial hardship Golden Feather would assist them with the cost of qualifying to work in school.
F3:
and R3: Golden Feather is exploring preschool opportunities with the county office and as a standalone program.
F4:
and R4: We would welcome a more regular presence of our local law enforcement. Sincerely, Hug blow Greg Blake Superintendent Golden Feather UESD
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Findings & Recommendations
7 findings
F1:
School district websites are a good source for information to the public regarding activities, academics, and other relevant information. Response: The Butte County Office of Education Superintendent agrees with the Butte County Grand Jury finding that school district websites are a good source for information to the pubic regarding activities, academics, and other relevant information. The Butte County Office of Education website was updated in July, 2013 and has been commended by the public for its user friendly access and information it provides to the community. RI All school districts should complete the development of their websites and keep them current. Response: The Butte County Office of Education website is current and up to date. The Butte County Office of Education Superintendent will work with the local school districts to ensure their information on the county website is up to date.
F2:
The Grand Jury was impressed with educational and social Superintendent development opportunities available to the juveniles. ttaylor@bcoe.org Response: The Butte County Office of Education Superintendent thanks the Butte County Grand Jury for recognizing the educational and social development opportunities available to the juveniles. Principal Karen Stiles and her staff work closely with Butte County Mia Osborne-Ng Probation and have worked hard to address literacy, writing and Sr. Executive Assistant high school graduation for all. mng@bcoe.org
F3:
BCOE/TMS has an established partnership with Butte Community College to provide opportunities for students to enroll and earn college credits. Response: The Butte County Office of Education Superintendent confirms the established partnership with Butte Community College Board of Education providing students on-line courses to begin their college experience, and completed the first year of student enrollment Amy Christianson Ryne Johnson with success. This unique collaboration is one of the few juvenile Jeannine MacKay hall programs in California that provides college courses for Brenda J. McLaughlin incarcerated youth. Butte County Probation should be Roger Steel commended for their progressive leadership on behalf of youth. Betty Vassar Mike Walsh
F4:
When law enforcement questions arise, staff does not have a dedicated deputy sheriff to contact. Response: The Butte County Office of Education Superintendent agrees that school districts do not have dedicated deputy sheriff to contact when law enforcement questions arise.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
The Butte County Sheriff's Department should assign a designated deputy position to each of the small rural school districts to be of assistance in possible emergency situations and to develop relationships with students, staff, and parents. Response: Assigning a deputy to each of these schools is not fiscally feasible as enrollment is extremely small. However, the Butte County Office of Education Superintendent continues to work with the Butte County school districts to develop cohesive safety plans for campus protection. This effort involves partnering with the Butte County Sheriff, Butte County Fire, and local fire and police. All 14 school districts in Butte County are reviewing new school safety communication systems that include state of the art capacities. This will provide our districts with better tools to work with local law enforcement and fire agencies. PERSONAL NOTE: Thank you for the opportunity to address the comments and provide recommendations to your report. This task has allowed me to personally acknowledge the great efforts that take place daily, and by so many in the community to support the educational goals of our Butte County students. Respectfully submitted: Tim Taylor, Superintendent Butte County Office of Education
F5:
The educational curriculum at TMS combines core classes with programs that identify and reinforce positive social skills. Response: The Butte County Office of Education Superintendent thanks the Butte County Grand Jury for recognizing the educational curriculum at Table Mountain School as a combination core study and reinforcement of positive social skills. 1859 Bird Street Oroville, CA 95965
F6:
The TMS staff is highly committed to helping students achieve (530) 532-5761 Fax (530) 532-5762 success in school and in their future lives beyond incarceration. http://www.bcoe.org Response: The Butte County Office of Education Superintendent appreciates the recognition by the Butte County Grand Jury for commending the Table Mountain School staff on their passion and dedication to helping their student achieve success in school and in their future lives beyond incarceration. An Equal Opportunity Employer 2013-14 Grand Jury Responses September 1, 2014 BUTTE COUNTY JUVENILE HALL AND TABLE MOUNTAIN SCHOOL (con't)
F7:
Students have the opportunity to share stories and poems with incarcerated students in other areas of the state. Response: The Butte County Office of Education Superintendent acknowledges the fortune in employing not only highly qualified staff, but staff that brings out the best in the juveniles. The writing program created by Erin Gruwell and now famous by the "Freedom Writers" movie, encouraged Butte County juveniles to take a leap toward creativity, and has become a successful outlet for many students. 2013-14 SMALL RURAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS Pursuant to Penal Code § 933 and § 933.05, the following responses are required: A response to Finding F1 through F4 and Recommendation R1 through R4 from the following: Butte County Office of Education Superintendent Bangor Union Elementary School District Feather Falls Union Elementary School District Golden Feather Union School District Pioneer Union Elementary School District
Additional Recommendations
2
Not linked to specific findings.
R2:
The school districts should assist with the cost of qualifying volunteers to work on the school campus. Volunteers who work in Butte County Office of Education schools do not pay for the cost of Response: qualifying to work. The Butte County Office of Education Superintendent will work with the school districts to help assist with the cost of qualifying volunteers in district schools. 2013-14 Grand Jury Responses September 1, 2014 2013-14 SMALL RURAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS (con't)
R3:
School districts should provide preschool programs. Response: Currently the State of California does not provide adequate funding for small rural schools and preschool is not mandated to be offered by the school districts. The state has not addressed how to fund preschools in small rural schools who have limited numbers of preschoolers available in their area to attend. The Butte County Office of Education Superintendent has addressed this with the California State Superintendent of Public Instruction, as have other small, rural Superintendents in California.
Findings and recommendations not yet extracted.
* This report's PDF did not contain easily extractable text and required Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for analysis. There may be minor errors in the extracted findings and recommendations due to OCR limitations with scanned documents.