Lassen County Grand Jury
2017-2018
Findings & Recommendations
7 findings
F1:
Since the 2016 Grand Jury Report it appears that the CFS has made improvements in following procedures and implemented the recommendations made.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
CFS continue to follow the guidelines set forth in the County and State Policy and Procedures Manuals.
F2:
Based on information gathered, CFS could become more efficient with the acquisition and implementation of mobile electronic equipment. 9
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
CFS acquire some type of mobile technology, such as; but not limited to, voice recording devices, laptops, IPADs, or Tablets. It is anticipated that this type of mobile technology will streamline field investigation operations and data input.
F3:
Through interviews it is our understanding that CFS has funds that could be used to upgrade and incorporate mobile technology.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
Non-restrictive funds could be made available for purchasing the mobile technology identified in R2.
F4:
At times employees struggle with inputting documents and field notes into the CSF Data Storage System in a timely manner. This is due to an overwhelming number of caseloads per Case worker, the distant case workers must travel to perform the required client visits and with the historical staff turnover the insufficient staff to handle the case loads.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
CFS should hire additional clerical employees to input data and assist with the creation of documents, which would allow more time for the other required duties performed by social workers.
F5:
Information gathered identified that employee performance evaluations are not being completed on an annual basis.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5:
Employee performance evaluations must be completed in a timely manner as identified in the Lassen County Employee Handbook. Required Response: It is the Grand Jury’s decision that we are requiring a response from the County of Lassen Board of Supervisors. In it, covering the solutions given for the concerns outlined above. Honey Lake Valley Recreation Authority The people of Lassen County have invested significant time and money to create a community pool. Therefore, the Grand Jury has chosen to have the Finance/Audit Committee inquire about the long-term financial stability of the Honey Lake Valley Recreation Authority (Authority). Reason for Inquiry The Grand Jury is seeking to ensure that all goals stated in the Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) are being accomplished. The Grand Jury wanted to see what measures are being taken, to assure the pool’s longevity for the public. In doing so, this will increase confidence that the Authority has planned sufficiently, and can provide for the pool to operate beyond the life of the JPA.
F6:
The Authority entered into an Agreement for Administrative and Operational Services contract with the City. Our reading of the contract indicates that there were no guidelines as to how many hours the Executive Officer and Secretary were to work. 15
Related Recommendations (1)
R6:
Based upon our interviews, we suggest that the Agreement for Administrative and Operational Services state maximum hours during a billing period for the Executive Officer and Secretary. The expected number of work hours should be included in the agreement, so it can provide the Authority with control over budgeted line items for these City employees. An open-ended contract could lead the Authority to a budget surprise. It is important that the Authority, not the City, have operational control over these City employees when they are performing Authority Business. We also recommend that time sheets from these employees be more specific to the tasks completed. Admin and project oversight for every hour of work does not provide the Authority, the City, or the public with enough information to determine the validity of claimed hours and reimbursement.
F7:
Susanville Sanitary District (SSD) provides waste disposal services to the Authority. There appears to be a disagreement that dates back to last summer, between SSD and the Authority. The disagreement is about how often the pool is being back-washed. The back-washing amounts to about 3,000 gallons of water. SSD has the requirement to monitor flows through its system to avoid reaching a state mandated maximum. Once SSD reaches this mandated maximum, then they would incur financial obligation that will impact all users. SSD installed an Effluent Discharge Meter at the pool sewer site.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7:
We do not take a position regarding who is right or wrong in this matter. However we are of the strong opinion that an operations manual must be created to give management guidelines and standards for pool operations along with following and monitoring the established agreement with Susanville Sanitary District. Commendation The Lassen County Board of Supervisors and The Susanville City Council are commended for working together to bring a pool facility back to the Susanville area. Also, The Pennies for Pool program is appreciated for bringing in thousands of dollars to help support the pool initiative. The Authority has recognized the value of the Pennies for the Pool program by continuously inquiring about the status of the money. For all of this, as a community, we are grateful. Required Response It is the Grand Jury’s decision that we are requiring a response from the Honey Lake Valley Recreation Authority Board of Directors. In it, covering the solutions given for the concerns outlined above. Lassen County Veteran’s Service Office