Humboldt County Grand Jury
2015-2016
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Findings & Recommendations
4 findings
F1:
The four-day CIT program takes officers out of the field for a significant period of time and may leave smaller agencies too short-staffed to be effective in their communities.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that County law enforcement agencies work with mental illness stakeholders (clients, families and advocates) and the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services to create and offer consistent, comprehensive, relevant and culturally-sensitive crisis intervention and de-escalation training program. F1, F2
F2:
Repeated turnover of staff within the Mental Health Branch of the Department of Health and Human Services has negatively impacted their ability to offer the local CIT program.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that all County crisis intervention and de-escalation training programs be available to all Sheriff’s Office and municipal police department dispatchers Countywide. F3 8
F3:
In crisis situations, public safety may rest on first contact with dispatchers, yet the recently enacted California Senate Bill 11 standardizing de-escalation/mental illness training for law enforcement personnel does not include the training of dispatchers.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that some continuing education course on interactions with persons with mental, behavioral, substance use or intellectual disabilities be offered regularly for every dispatcher and every law enforcement officer who is assigned to patrol duties or who supervise patrol officers in the County. F1, F2, F3, F4
F4:
The Eureka Police Department is to be commended for taking the initiative in designing the new De-escalation Intervention Response Training (DIRT).
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Eureka Police Department present the De-escalation Intervention Response Training program to the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training when the program is ready to be implemented. F3, F4
Findings & Recommendations
11 findings
F1:
The operations center for the Office of Emergency Services is housed within a Cold
F2:
Training for future disasters is conducted at separate facilities due to the inadequate
F3:
The Emergency Operations Center has no satellite phone for use in the event of a
F4:
There is inconsistent availability of reserve generator power to some parts of the
F5:
The security of the basement Emergency Operations Center in the event of a
F6:
Due to retention difficulties and training issues, staffing of Emergency Dispatch
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Sheriff’s Office of
F7:
Due to short staffing, overtime costs are a significant issue for the various entities
F8:
Due to the individual approaches of various entities, equipment and
F9:
Previous discussions regarding possible consolidation of emergency dispatch
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Humboldt County
F10:
The HCCGJ has found no evidence that the issues of Emergency Operations Center
F11:
The HCCGJ has seen no evidence that a formal feasibility study of the
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends a formal feasibility study of
Findings & Recommendations
13 findings
F1:
Several County facilities are overwhelmed with stored paper files, boxes, and shelves containing paper records.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the County facilities, digitize records as a space saving, transparency, and a cost-saving measure. (F1)
F2:
There is an ongoing issue with broken glass partitions in the inmate visitor’s areas at the Humboldt County Correctional Facility.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department explore alternative cost saving options to the problem of continual vandalism of the glass partitions in the visitor’s area of the Correctional Facilitate. (F2)
F3:
There is inadequate security at the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Evidence Yard.
Related Recommendations (2)
R3:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department secure the Evidence Yard with better fencing to obscure visibility and with security wire, as needed, to prevent pedestrian access. (F3, F4)
R5:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department establish a location that is specific to the needs of large evidence storage. (F3, F4) 14
F4:
The Sheriff’s Evidence Yard is too small for the security and efficient storage of large items.
Related Recommendations (3)
R3:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department secure the Evidence Yard with better fencing to obscure visibility and with security wire, as needed, to prevent pedestrian access. (F3, F4)
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department install security cameras to monitor the Evidence Yard. (F4)
R5:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department establish a location that is specific to the needs of large evidence storage. (F3, F4) 14
F5:
There is no directional signage for the Garberville Substation to aid citizens, particularly non-residents, in locating the station.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department install directional signs to the Garberville Substation near appropriate cross streets to aid both northbound and southbound traffic on Redwood Drive and on U.S. 101. (F5)
F6:
There are continual issues with the transportation of arrestees from the Garberville Substation to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility and the subsequent absence of essential personnel at the Substation.
Related Recommendations (2)
R7:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department inspect, and have certified by the Board of State and Community Corrections, the Garberville Substation holding cells. (F6, F7)
R8:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department assign a Correctional Deputy to staff the Substation. (F6, F7)
F7:
The holding cells at the Garberville Substation have had no Board and State Community Corrections certifications on file for at least twelve years. Inspections are required biennially if holding cells are used.
Related Recommendations (2)
R7:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department inspect, and have certified by the Board of State and Community Corrections, the Garberville Substation holding cells. (F6, F7)
R8:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department assign a Correctional Deputy to staff the Substation. (F6, F7)
F8:
The Garberville Substation has no available external emergency phone.
Related Recommendations (1)
R9:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department install an external phone at the Garberville Substation. (F8)
F9:
The Garberville Substation is not Americans with Disabilities Act compliant.
Related Recommendations (1)
R10:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department bring the Garberville Substation into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. (F9)
F10:
The Sheriff’s Work Alternative Program is a beneficial program to the community and the Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury commends the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department for its good work.
F11:
The Arcata Police Department has no Americans with Disabilities Act informational sign available next to the external phone indicating access assistance is available.
Related Recommendations (1)
R11:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Arcata Police Department install an Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility sign next to the external phone. (F11)
F12:
The Eureka Police Department has only one exit for department vehicles from the secure parking lot. If blocked, emergency and other vehicles would be unable to exit the parking lot.
Related Recommendations (1)
R12:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Eureka Police Department provide additional entrance/exit points to its secure parking lot. (F12)
F13:
The Northern California Regional Center is a source of income to Humboldt County.
Related Recommendations (1)
R13:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Probation Department maximize the use of The Northern California Regional Center. (F13) REQUESTED RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code section 933.05, the Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury requests responses as follows: From the following agencies: Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10) Humboldt County Probation Department (R1, R13) Arcata Police Department (R1, R11) Eureka Police Department (R1, R12) Ferndale Police Department (R1) Fortuna Police Department (R1) INVITED RESPONSES Humboldt County Board of Supervisors (R1, R10) County Administrative Office (R1, R10) Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code section 929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury.
Findings & Recommendations
10 findings
F1:
Humboldt County is not in compliance with the 2008 Settlement Agreement between the United States of America and Humboldt County, California under The Americans with Disabilities Act, DJ 204-11-275.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors renegotiate the 2008 ADA Settlement Agreement with the U. S. Department of Justice. (F1, F3, F5, F6, F8)
R8:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors develop a long-term budget plan to bring Humboldt County into ADA compliance. (F1, F2, F3, F9)
F2:
In 2013 Caltrans conducted a formal review of Humboldt County’s program compliance with the ADA. In the nine assessments listed of the Review, Caltrans found only one to be compliant. The Caltrans Review also disclosed that the County was entirely unresponsive in providing the required update status reports.
Related Recommendations (2)
R6:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County ADA Coordinator ensure that ADA grievance processes and grievance forms are easily accessible on County websites. (F2, F4, F7) 14
R8:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors develop a long-term budget plan to bring Humboldt County into ADA compliance. (F1, F2, F3, F9)
F3:
The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors is ultimately responsible for making sure that the County of Humboldt is ADA compliant.
Related Recommendations (5)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors renegotiate the 2008 ADA Settlement Agreement with the U. S. Department of Justice. (F1, F3, F5, F6, F8)
R2:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors establish an ADA Advisory Committee which would include persons with disabilities and local disability advocacy groups. (F3, F4)
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors release an annual “State of ADA Compliance and Accessibility Report” to the public. (F3, F4, F5, F8)
R8:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors develop a long-term budget plan to bring Humboldt County into ADA compliance. (F1, F2, F3, F9)
R9:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors direct the heads of all pertinent departments to conduct routine ADA training workshops for County personnel to better assist the public. (F3, F10) REQUESTED RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code section 933.05, the Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury requests responses as follows: From the following governing bodies: Humboldt County Board of Supervisors R1, R2, R4, R8, R9. ● Humboldt County Human Resources Department R3, R5, R6, R7, R9. ● Humboldt County Public Works Department R1, R5, R7. ● INVITED RESPONSES Tri-County Independent Living. R2, R4, R5, R6, R9. State of California Department of Transportation R1. United States of America Department of Justice R1.
F4:
The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors, the Humboldt County Human Resources Department and the Humboldt County Public Works Department have no formal system in place through which to solicit and receive input from persons with disabilities and ADA advocacy groups regarding ADA compliance.
Related Recommendations (3)
R2:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors establish an ADA Advisory Committee which would include persons with disabilities and local disability advocacy groups. (F3, F4)
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors release an annual “State of ADA Compliance and Accessibility Report” to the public. (F3, F4, F5, F8)
R6:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County ADA Coordinator ensure that ADA grievance processes and grievance forms are easily accessible on County websites. (F2, F4, F7) 14
F5:
The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors has not established a Self–Evaluation survey of current services nor developed a system for its periodic review and update, as required by the 2008 Settlement Agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice and the 2013 California Department of Transportation ADA Compliance Review.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors renegotiate the 2008 ADA Settlement Agreement with the U. S. Department of Justice. (F1, F3, F5, F6, F8)
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors release an annual “State of ADA Compliance and Accessibility Report” to the public. (F3, F4, F5, F8)
F6:
The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors has not established a Transition Plan, as required by the 2008 Settlement Agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice and the 2013 California Department of Transportation ADA Compliance Review. 13
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors renegotiate the 2008 ADA Settlement Agreement with the U. S. Department of Justice. (F1, F3, F5, F6, F8)
F7:
While Humboldt County does have an ADA Coordinator, the existence of and contact information regarding that position are not shared among County Departments, not posted within County buildings, inaccurately described and not easily accessible on the County website.
Related Recommendations (3)
R5:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County ADA Coordinator ensure that the Humboldt County ADA Coordinator’s office number, phone number and email address be visibly represented in all County buildings. (F7, F8)
R6:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County ADA Coordinator ensure that ADA grievance processes and grievance forms are easily accessible on County websites. (F2, F4, F7) 14
R7:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County ADA Coordinator develop a time-specific action plan to organize the record keeping of ADA activities and send such report to the Board of Supervisors for their review and approval. (F2,
F8:
Neither the Humboldt County Human Resources Department, the Humboldt County Public Works Department nor the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors currently demonstrate the ability to coordinate and oversee the keeping of ADA compliance records, timely ADA communications, or the development of the ADA guidelines necessary to bring Humboldt County into compliance with the 2008 U.S. Department of Justice Settlement Agreement.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors renegotiate the 2008 ADA Settlement Agreement with the U. S. Department of Justice. (F1, F3, F5, F6, F8)
R3:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Human Resources Department hire a full-time ADA analyst not in lieu of, but in addition to, the existing ADA Coordinator. (F8)
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors release an annual “State of ADA Compliance and Accessibility Report” to the public. (F3, F4, F5, F8)
R5:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County ADA Coordinator ensure that the Humboldt County ADA Coordinator’s office number, phone number and email address be visibly represented in all County buildings. (F7, F8)
F9:
There are no budgetary plans submitted or approved by the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors that cover the cost of bringing Humboldt County into ADA compliance.
Related Recommendations (1)
R8:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors develop a long-term budget plan to bring Humboldt County into ADA compliance. (F1, F2, F3, F9)
F10:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury could find no evidence of a coordinated training program within the County of Humboldt for the purpose of instructing County personnel on how to assist members of the disabled community as well as the community as a whole.
Related Recommendations (1)
R9:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors direct the heads of all pertinent departments to conduct routine ADA training workshops for County personnel to better assist the public. (F3, F10) REQUESTED RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code section 933.05, the Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury requests responses as follows: From the following governing bodies: Humboldt County Board of Supervisors R1, R2, R4, R8, R9. ● Humboldt County Human Resources Department R3, R5, R6, R7, R9. ● Humboldt County Public Works Department R1, R5, R7. ● INVITED RESPONSES Tri-County Independent Living. R2, R4, R5, R6, R9. State of California Department of Transportation R1. United States of America Department of Justice R1.
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Findings & Recommendations
5 findings
F1:
Humboldt County is at risk for an outbreak of contagious disease due to the high percentage of children who are currently unvaccinated.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Humboldt County Office of Education, in collaboration with the Humboldt County Department of Public Health, develop and implement a plan which addresses lack of transportation as a barrier to receiving mandated vaccinations before the 2016-2017 school year. (F1, F4)
F2:
The Humboldt County Department of Public Health has established the Humboldt Immunization Coalition and is initiating a community-wide outreach program to improve vaccination rates for school-age children in Humboldt County. The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury commends their excellent work.
F3:
Prior to enrolling their children in a particular school, parents have difficulty obtaining information about that individual school’s vaccination rates.
Related Recommendations (2)
R3:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Office of Education, the Humboldt County Department of Public Health and all elementary schools and districts’ provide the link www.shotsforschool.org prior to the start of the 2016-2017 school year. (F3)
R4:
All Humboldt County schools provide vaccination information to parents prior to the 2016- 2017 school year. (F3)
F4:
Accessible transportation, whether getting the children to the vaccine or getting the vaccine to the children, is a major obstacle to any successful vaccination program.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Humboldt County Office of Education, in collaboration with the Humboldt County Department of Public Health, develop and implement a plan which addresses lack of transportation as a barrier to receiving mandated vaccinations before the 2016-2017 school year. (F1, F4)
F5:
No Humboldt County agency has officially taken the responsibility for ensuring that all schools’ vaccination data is recorded on the Shots for School database.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Humboldt County Office of Education, in collaboration with the Humboldt County Department of Public Health, assume vaccination data oversight responsibility, ensuring that each school within Humboldt County accurately collects and reports their vaccination rates to the State database. (F5)
Findings & Recommendations
7 findings
F1:
The Humboldt County Behavioral Health Board does not adequately serve the Mental Health Branch of the Department of Health and Human Services, the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors, nor the citizens of Humboldt County.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Behavioral Health Board submit its past due annual reports to the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors, and thereafter submit, in a timely manner, its required annual reports. F3
F2:
The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors provides little or no direction, specific goals, or training to the Humboldt County Behavioral Health Board.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Behavioral Health Board expand its membership, as allowed by State law, so it can more proactively serve the interests of Humboldt County. F1
F3:
The Humboldt County Behavioral Health Board failed to submit written annual reports to the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors for the years 2014 and 2015.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Behavioral Health Board study and then proceed to proactively carry out the requirements of the Bronzan-McCorquodale Act. F1, F3, F6, F7
F4:
There is little evidence of communication between the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors and the Humboldt County Behavioral Health Board.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors monitor the performance of the Behavioral Health Board by requiring periodic reports throughout the year. F1, F2, F3, F4, F5 9
F5:
The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors failed to include the Humboldt County Behavioral Health Board in discussions regarding the County mental health system.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors support training programs to ensure that Board members are supported in meeting their responsibilities to the community and the mental health system. F2
F6:
The Humboldt County Behavioral Health Board assumed little or no responsibility for investigating issues of concern regarding the County’s mental health system.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Behavioral Health Board members explore and utilize online training, video-conferencing and webinars available to expand their knowledge. F2
F7:
The Humboldt County Behavioral Health Board Minutes in the past year reflect no formal actions taken to advocate for the mentally ill in Humboldt County.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors ensure that the Behavioral Health Board has sufficient resources and authority to fulfill their duties as required by the Bronzan-McCorquodale Act. F1, F2, F4,
Findings & Recommendations
3 findings
F1:
Changes made to the booking process of The Humboldt County Correctional Facility have not been adequately communicated to the arresting officers from the many law enforcement agencies within Humboldt County.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department create and initiate a formal process of communication with law enforcement agencies in Humboldt County regarding any and all changes to the booking process of the Humboldt County Correctional Facility. (F.1)
F2:
Law enforcement officers in Humboldt County are not sufficiently knowledgeable about their role in determining the release or hold of potential arrested felons, based on the current use of ORAT, during the booking process of the HCCF.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department, in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies, develop a new holding form that arresting officers can use to ensure that felons who should not be released will not be released. (F.3)
F3:
The current “Misdemeanor Incarceration Form” re-titled “Request for Non Release” form is, and was, an ineffective way to address the issues associated with the release of felons based on an ORAT score.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department and all local law enforcement agencies instruct their officers on the existence and proper use of the new Humboldt County Correctional Facilities holding form. (F.2)
Findings & Recommendations
16 findings
F1:
There is no Countywide system reflecting the status of contracts that are outstanding or due for evaluations.
F2:
There is no current vendor database for departments to share information or to research the performance of vendors.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the County Purchasing Department establish a County database to include a vendor evaluation field so that formal evaluations can be available to other County departments. F1, F2, F3
F3:
There is currently no requirement for written, evidence-based evaluations for prospective vendors, or evaluations of existing contracts and current vendors.
Related Recommendations (2)
R2:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the County Purchasing Department establish a County database to include a vendor evaluation field so that formal evaluations can be available to other County departments. F1, F2, F3
R3:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the County Purchasing Department require written, evidence-based evaluations of vendor performance. F3, F4, F7
F4:
The current system of purchasing does not sufficiently address issues of accountability and transparency.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the County Purchasing Department require written, evidence-based evaluations of vendor performance. F3, F4, F7
F5:
While each department head has responsibility for procurement in their respective departments, there is a lack of accountability and follow-through within those departments.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends establishment of a consolidated Finance Department, headed by an appointed Director of Finance. F4, F5, F6, F7, F15, F16
F6:
The process of procurement is not standardized across the various departments of the County.
Related Recommendations (2)
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury supports the recommendation of the CAO’s Mid- Year Budget Review to consolidate the Auditor-Controller and Treasurer-Tax Collector offices and remove Revenue Recovery from the County Administrative Office. F4, F6, F7, F9, F13
R5:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends establishment of a consolidated Finance Department, headed by an appointed Director of Finance. F4, F5, F6, F7, F15, F16
F7:
There is no centralized oversight of procurement by the County Purchasing Department.
Related Recommendations (2)
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury supports the recommendation of the CAO’s Mid- Year Budget Review to consolidate the Auditor-Controller and Treasurer-Tax Collector offices and remove Revenue Recovery from the County Administrative Office. F4, F6, F7, F9, F13
R5:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends establishment of a consolidated Finance Department, headed by an appointed Director of Finance. F4, F5, F6, F7, F15, F16
F8:
Contract and purchasing/procurement terminology is not consistent throughout County departments.
F9:
There is a lack of communication between, within, and among the County departments.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury supports the recommendation of the CAO’s Mid- Year Budget Review to consolidate the Auditor-Controller and Treasurer-Tax Collector offices and remove Revenue Recovery from the County Administrative Office. F4, F6, F7, F9, F13
F10:
The opportunity exists for County departments to circumvent Board of Supervisors’ required approval for contracts exceeding $50,000 by creating smaller contracts, which are in fact related to the same project.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the proposed Finance Department shall conduct annual audits. F7, F10
F11:
Contact information for purchasing/procurement personnel is not easily found on County websites.
Related Recommendations (1)
R8:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that County databases and websites include user-friendly information relative to procurement staff contacts. F11
F12:
The Auditor-Controller processes and pays invoices. The only verification expected for payment is whether there is departmental approval and if funds are available. No additional information is required prior to payment. 13
F13:
There is insufficient staffing and cross-training within the Auditor-Controller’s office to enable monitoring of existing contract performance.
Related Recommendations (1)
R9:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors create and fund a new position of Internal Auditor within the current Purchasing Department or in a newly-formed Finance Department. F15, F16 14
F14:
There is no standardized training or minimum qualifications for contract administrators and others involved in the procurement process.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the County Administrative Officer (Purchasing Agent) allocate a staff position responsible for training individual department personnel in contract management. F8, F13, F14
F15:
The County's procurement process lacks the necessary unified, consistent and independent auditing functions throughout the various departments and branches that would assure all best practices and value are received for County goods and services.
Related Recommendations (4)
R5:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends establishment of a consolidated Finance Department, headed by an appointed Director of Finance. F4, F5, F6, F7, F15, F16
R7:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors engage an outside firm to conduct a review and provide recommendations on how best to oversee a newly-established, unified Finance Department. F15, F16
R9:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors create and fund a new position of Internal Auditor within the current Purchasing Department or in a newly-formed Finance Department. F15, F16 14
R10:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors engage a firm to conduct an outside audit review of procurement practices. F4, F5, F6, F12, F14, F15
F16:
The Board of Supervisors is not currently considering all possibilities in a recommendation to create a new elected position of Finance Director.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors engage an outside firm to conduct a review and provide recommendations on how best to oversee a newly-established, unified Finance Department. F15, F16