Gran Jurado del Condado de Fresno
2021-2022
From the annual report
The consolidated year-end volume. The individual investigations it contains are listed separately below.
📑 Continuity Report
Compliance and Continuity Report
From the consolidated annual report · 24 páginas
Individual reports (4)
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Hallazgos & Recomendaciones
10 hallazgos
F1:
The Fresno County Charter, Section 41 (see Appendix 1, B), does not specifically state what actions constitute a conflict-of-interest for County employees. The Fresno County Board of Supervisors (“Board”) agrees with the finding.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R1:
The County Board of Supervisors should propose the repeal of County Charter, Section 41 in favor of reliance on established California ethics laws, during the next County-wide general election. (Not later than November 2024) (See F1 and F2) 39 The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted. Regardless of County Charter, Section 41, the County, and its staff and officers, abide by California ethics laws, and guidance is provided to County officials and employees beyond the County’s charter, specifically related to ethics.
F2:
The Grand Jury recognizes the energy and effort that is necessary to repeal the County Charter, Section 41. However, it is felt that the current situation of both a County Charter Section and conflicting State statutes is cumbersome, unnecessary and inefficient. The Board disagrees partially with the finding; specifically related to the necessity to repeal County Charter, Section 41. As noted in Appendix 3 of the report, the County’s Department of Human Resources has implemented, or is in the process of implementing initiatives related to conflict-of-interest processes and training for County officials and employees.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (2)
R1:
The County Board of Supervisors should propose the repeal of County Charter, Section 41 in favor of reliance on established California ethics laws, during the next County-wide general election. (Not later than November 2024) (See F1 and F2) 39 The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted. Regardless of County Charter, Section 41, the County, and its staff and officers, abide by California ethics laws, and guidance is provided to County officials and employees beyond the County’s charter, specifically related to ethics.
R2:
Audits not completed in a timely manner by special districts should be referred to Fresno County LAFCo as "potentially inactive" in order that Fresno County LAFCo may commence the dissolution process for chronic non-compliance, if needed. (F2) me The County will work closely with LAFCo with regards to potentially inactive districts due to continued non-compliance. Our most recent discussion with LAFCo regarding a potentially inactive district occurred in December 2020. This concludes the Fresno County Auditor-Controller/Treasurer-Tax Collector's responses to the
F3:
Vote-by-mail procedures are being implemented in conformance with state regulations.
F4:
Ballot boxes and ballot chain of custody were found to be secure.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R7:
Street2Home should develop a plan for regular dialogue with the Fresno County community to educate and inform the public about what is being done to resolve homelessness in the community. (F4) We anticipate that the collective impact structure's board and staff, once operational, will engage the entire community in solutions to addressing homelessness. Working with our robust network of agencies to address homelessness, the collective impact structure will be committed to full community engagement, with all partners, elected officials, and community leaders.
F5:
There was no single specified official, office or counselor for a County official or employee to consult regarding a real or potential conflict-of-interest. The Board disagrees partially with the finding; specifically related to the lack of an office or counselor for a county official or employee to consult regarding a real or potential conflict-of- interest. As provided in Board of Supervisors Administrative Policy No. 1 – Conflict of Interests, the County Counsel’s Office provides guidance to County officials and employees. The County is, however, undertaking additional training in governmental ethics with all employees, including developing a requirement that a broader range of management and financial employees take the bi-annual AB 1234 ethics training. In addition, when inquiries are made related to conflicts of interest, employees are encouraged to discuss specifics with the California Fair Political Practices Commission, via email or phone, as noted on the Statement of Economic Interests Form 700 cover.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (2)
R3:
The County Board of Supervisors should appoint a public official, Department or counselor, specifically designated to review possible conflict-of-interest situations and make recommendations to the County officers and employees or Departments involved and for them to act accordingly. This should be accomplished by December 31, 2022 (See F5) The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted. County officers and employees or departments are able to consult with the County Counsel’s Office regarding real or potential conflicts of interest. The County is increasing training and modifying its Administrative Policy No. 1 – Conflict of Interests to provide more clear direction for employees and increasing the requirement for a broader range of management and financial employees to take the AB 1234 ethics training regularly.
R4:
The County Board of Supervisors should appoint a County Ombudsman and develop a process to receive ethics complaints which will protect the private citizen, public official, or employee bringing the complaint to light. This should be accomplished by December 31, 2022 (See F5, F6 and F7) The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted. Existing laws already protect citizens and County employees who report matters that constitute legal or ethical matters. The County incorporates this reporting function in its management structure, but also provides employees with alternate avenues to report suspected violations through the District Attorney’s Public Integrity Unity, the County Counsel’s Office, the County Administrative Officer, or the Human Resources Department. With the additional training in ethics laws and how such matters are to be handled being implemented by the County, the County does not consider the addition of a new position to handle such complaints to be necessary at this time. 40 41 42 43 44 45 REPORT #2 Despite Criticism, County Elections Integrity Validated 46 2021-2022 Fresno County Civil Grand Jury Report No. Despite Criticism, County Elections Integrity Validated
F6:
The Elections Department website is well maintained and user friendly. Commendation: The Grand Jury commends the Fresno County Elections Office for its integrity, smooth and efficient operation, secure vote-counting system and commitment to ensuring that each eligible voter can cast a ballot that is counted accurately.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (2)
R4:
The County Board of Supervisors should appoint a County Ombudsman and develop a process to receive ethics complaints which will protect the private citizen, public official, or employee bringing the complaint to light. This should be accomplished by December 31, 2022 (See F5, F6 and F7) The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted. Existing laws already protect citizens and County employees who report matters that constitute legal or ethical matters. The County incorporates this reporting function in its management structure, but also provides employees with alternate avenues to report suspected violations through the District Attorney’s Public Integrity Unity, the County Counsel’s Office, the County Administrative Officer, or the Human Resources Department. With the additional training in ethics laws and how such matters are to be handled being implemented by the County, the County does not consider the addition of a new position to handle such complaints to be necessary at this time. 40 41 42 43 44 45 REPORT #2 Despite Criticism, County Elections Integrity Validated 46 2021-2022 Fresno County Civil Grand Jury Report No. Despite Criticism, County Elections Integrity Validated
R5:
The CPD should seek outside professional advice on developing a strategy and plan to overcome the perception that the CPD does not welcome officers of color, including African Americans no later than March 31, 2023. (F6)
F7:
The CPD follows POST standards for the training of officers in issues regarding implicit bias.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R4:
The County Board of Supervisors should appoint a County Ombudsman and develop a process to receive ethics complaints which will protect the private citizen, public official, or employee bringing the complaint to light. This should be accomplished by December 31, 2022 (See F5, F6 and F7) The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted. Existing laws already protect citizens and County employees who report matters that constitute legal or ethical matters. The County incorporates this reporting function in its management structure, but also provides employees with alternate avenues to report suspected violations through the District Attorney’s Public Integrity Unity, the County Counsel’s Office, the County Administrative Officer, or the Human Resources Department. With the additional training in ethics laws and how such matters are to be handled being implemented by the County, the County does not consider the addition of a new position to handle such complaints to be necessary at this time. 40 41 42 43 44 45 REPORT #2 Despite Criticism, County Elections Integrity Validated 46 2021-2022 Fresno County Civil Grand Jury Report No. Despite Criticism, County Elections Integrity Validated
F8:
The FCC Police Academy graduates classes with diversity that reflects the entire Fresno/Clovis metropolitan area.
F9:
The CPD command staff established a diversity strategic plan in January 2018, which has been partially completed to date.
F10:
The CPD does not publicly share information on their diversity efforts. Based on its findings, the 2021-2022 Fresno Civil Grand Jury recommends:
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R6:
The CPD should make their Diversity Strategic Plan available to the public via CPD website and within the City of Clovis’ mobile application by March 31, 2023. (F10)
Recomendaciones adicionales
1
No vinculadas a hallazgos específicos.
R8:
Tardy Yes in Part Follow up to determine if City of implemented Fresno, Street2Ho me 65 WHO IS RUNNING PARLIER? The 2019-2020 Civil Grand Jury investigated the Parlier City Council's development and maintenance of administrative policies and procedures; hiring of qualified management; budget and finance procedures; and policies about filling unexpected Council vacancies. Pursuant to Penal Code Section 933.05, the Fresno County Grand Jury required responses to each of the specific findings and recommendations. It is required that responses from elected county officials and public agency/department heads are due within 60 days of the receipt of the report and within 90 days for other governing bodies of a public agency. The report was issued in October 2020, with responses required from the Parlier City Council. The Parlier City Council (City Council) did not respond in compliance with Penal Code Section 933.05. WHO IS RUNNING PARLIER?
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Hallazgos & Recomendaciones
3 hallazgos
F1:
The Fresno County Charter, Section 41 (see Appendix 1, B), does not specifically state what actions constitute a conflict-of-interest for County employees. The Fresno County Board of Supervisors (“Board”) agrees with the finding.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R1:
The County Board of Supervisors should propose the repeal of County Charter, Section 41 in favor of reliance on established California ethics laws, during the next County-wide general election. (Not later than November 2024) (See F1 and F2) 39 The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted. Regardless of County Charter, Section 41, the County, and its staff and officers, abide by California ethics laws, and guidance is provided to County officials and employees beyond the County’s charter, specifically related to ethics.
F2:
The Grand Jury recognizes the energy and effort that is necessary to repeal the County Charter, Section 41. However, it is felt that the current situation of both a County Charter Section and conflicting State statutes is cumbersome, unnecessary and inefficient. The Board disagrees partially with the finding; specifically related to the necessity to repeal County Charter, Section 41. As noted in Appendix 3 of the report, the County’s Department of Human Resources has implemented, or is in the process of implementing initiatives related to conflict-of-interest processes and training for County officials and employees.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R1:
The County Board of Supervisors should propose the repeal of County Charter, Section 41 in favor of reliance on established California ethics laws, during the next County-wide general election. (Not later than November 2024) (See F1 and F2) 39 The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted. Regardless of County Charter, Section 41, the County, and its staff and officers, abide by California ethics laws, and guidance is provided to County officials and employees beyond the County’s charter, specifically related to ethics.
F5:
There was no single specified official, office or counselor for a County official or employee to consult regarding a real or potential conflict-of-interest. The Board disagrees partially with the finding; specifically related to the lack of an office or counselor for a county official or employee to consult regarding a real or potential conflict-of- interest. As provided in Board of Supervisors Administrative Policy No. 1 – Conflict of Interests, the County Counsel’s Office provides guidance to County officials and employees. The County is, however, undertaking additional training in governmental ethics with all employees, including developing a requirement that a broader range of management and financial employees take the bi-annual AB 1234 ethics training. In addition, when inquiries are made related to conflicts of interest, employees are encouraged to discuss specifics with the California Fair Political Practices Commission, via email or phone, as noted on the Statement of Economic Interests Form 700 cover.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (2)
R3:
The County Board of Supervisors should appoint a public official, Department or counselor, specifically designated to review possible conflict-of-interest situations and make recommendations to the County officers and employees or Departments involved and for them to act accordingly. This should be accomplished by December 31, 2022 (See F5) The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted. County officers and employees or departments are able to consult with the County Counsel’s Office regarding real or potential conflicts of interest. The County is increasing training and modifying its Administrative Policy No. 1 – Conflict of Interests to provide more clear direction for employees and increasing the requirement for a broader range of management and financial employees to take the AB 1234 ethics training regularly.
R4:
The County Board of Supervisors should appoint a County Ombudsman and develop a process to receive ethics complaints which will protect the private citizen, public official, or employee bringing the complaint to light. This should be accomplished by December 31, 2022 (See F5, F6 and F7) The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted. Existing laws already protect citizens and County employees who report matters that constitute legal or ethical matters. The County incorporates this reporting function in its management structure, but also provides employees with alternate avenues to report suspected violations through the District Attorney’s Public Integrity Unity, the County Counsel’s Office, the County Administrative Officer, or the Human Resources Department. With the additional training in ethics laws and how such matters are to be handled being implemented by the County, the County does not consider the addition of a new position to handle such complaints to be necessary at this time. 40 41 42 43 44 45
Hallazgos & Recomendaciones
6 hallazgos
F1:
The Fresno County Elections Office staff is well trained to handle elections efficiently and securely.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R1:
The Board of Supervisors should recognize the importance of maintaining the commendable integrity of the Fresno County voting process by providing the resources requested by the Registrar of Voters during the 2022-2023 budget process. (F1 - F6) 52
F2:
Voter rolls are maintained to the best of the department’s ability.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R1:
The Board of Supervisors should recognize the importance of maintaining the commendable integrity of the Fresno County voting process by providing the resources requested by the Registrar of Voters during the 2022-2023 budget process. (F1 - F6) 52
F3:
Vote-by-mail procedures are being implemented in conformance with state regulations.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R1:
The Board of Supervisors should recognize the importance of maintaining the commendable integrity of the Fresno County voting process by providing the resources requested by the Registrar of Voters during the 2022-2023 budget process. (F1 - F6) 52
F4:
Ballot boxes and ballot chain of custody were found to be secure.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R1:
The Board of Supervisors should recognize the importance of maintaining the commendable integrity of the Fresno County voting process by providing the resources requested by the Registrar of Voters during the 2022-2023 budget process. (F1 - F6) 52
F5:
The Dominion Voting System is secure and is monitored and updated regularly to assure accuracy.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R1:
The Board of Supervisors should recognize the importance of maintaining the commendable integrity of the Fresno County voting process by providing the resources requested by the Registrar of Voters during the 2022-2023 budget process. (F1 - F6) 52
F6:
The Elections Department website is well maintained and user friendly. Commendation: The Grand Jury commends the Fresno County Elections Office for its integrity, smooth and efficient operation, secure vote-counting system and commitment to ensuring that each eligible voter can cast a ballot that is counted accurately.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R1:
The Board of Supervisors should recognize the importance of maintaining the commendable integrity of the Fresno County voting process by providing the resources requested by the Registrar of Voters during the 2022-2023 budget process. (F1 - F6) 52
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Hallazgos & Recomendaciones
5 hallazgos
F1:
The Departments of Internal Services and Public Works and Planning are meeting the needs and requirements for the County with the maximum efficiency and minimum disruption to County programs while maintaining maximum integrity in the purchasing process.
F2:
County risk management officials have listened to the concerns of contractors about the mandatory insurance minimums and have taken prompt action to provide needed flexibility in a difficult situation.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R2:
Purchasing Managers should be given the flexibility to abate all or part of the mandatory insurance requirements, in consultation with County Risk Management, to maximize the participation of local and small businesses. (Not later than November 2023) (See F2, F3 and F4)
F3:
County risk management works with County purchasing agents to tailor insurance minimums to the needs of the job requirements, the County and the contracting community.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R2:
Purchasing Managers should be given the flexibility to abate all or part of the mandatory insurance requirements, in consultation with County Risk Management, to maximize the participation of local and small businesses. (Not later than November 2023) (See F2, F3 and F4)
F4:
The County risk managers, in cooperation with County purchasing managers are developing a matrix for general liability and professional liability insurance requirements, to determine what limits of liability are appropriate for each contract.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R2:
Purchasing Managers should be given the flexibility to abate all or part of the mandatory insurance requirements, in consultation with County Risk Management, to maximize the participation of local and small businesses. (Not later than November 2023) (See F2, F3 and F4)
F5:
The County purchasing process operates commendably in the best interest of Fresno County, its citizens, and the contracting community to ensure the broadest possible pool of potential contractors from which to choose. 98
Recomendaciones adicionales
1
No vinculadas a hallazgos específicos.
R1:
The Fresno County Board of Supervisors should encourage the continued development of a risk management matrix for mandatory liability insurance requirements and utilize the risk matrix to determine what limits of liability are adequate for each contract. (Not later than November 2023) (See F3 and F4, and R1 and R2)