Humboldt County Grand Jury
• 2023-2024
Humboldt County Hiring: Status, Process, and the Future Released June 21, 2024
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 12 findings
F1
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that:
Humboldt County Human Resources is now sending exit questionnaires to all departing County employees. Analysis of these responses may allow Humboldt County Human Resources to determine strategies to improve recruitment and retention.
Related Recommendations (1)
R10
Humboldt County Human Resources conduct performance evaluations annually for all Human Resources staff, to be completed by no later than June 30, 2025. (F12) Funding Recommendation: The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors fund the expenses listed in R1, R2, R3, R5, and R7 with existing appropriations in the current fiscal year. If current appropriations are not sufficient, the Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors, at its next earliest opportunity, pursue additional funding from an appropriate agency, including state or federal agencies. RESPONSES Pursuant to California Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, each entity or individual named below must respond to the enumerated Findings and Recommendations within specific statutory guidelines. Responses to Findings shall be either: • The respondent agrees with the finding; or • The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. Responses to Recommendations shall be one of the following: • The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action; or • The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a time frame for implementation; or • The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a time frame for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency where applicable. This time frame shall not exceed six months from the date of the publication of the Grand Jury report; or • The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. REQUIRED RESPONSE – WITHIN 90 DAYS The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors (All findings, all recommendations) REQUIRED RESPONSE – WITHIN 60 DAYS The Humboldt County Sheriff (F2) Invited Responses The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury also invites the following entities or individuals to respond. The Department of Humboldt County Human Resources (F1, F3, F4, F5, F6, F9, F10, F11, F12) and (R1, R2, R3, R5, R6, R7, R8) The Department of Health and Human Services (F6) and (R3) Responses are to be sent to: The Honorable Judge Kelly L. Neel Humboldt County Superior Court 825 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 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.
F2
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that:
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office has longer hiring times than other county positions due to necessary written and oral testing, and required background checks. However, overlapping testing and interviews have allowed them to shorten the hiring process by weeks. This shortened hiring time increases the likelihood of successful recruitment.
Related Recommendations (2)
R2
The Humboldt County Human Resources Assistant Director position be funded and filled by no later than June 30, 2025. For funding recommendations see the wording below
R10
Humboldt County Human Resources conduct performance evaluations annually for all Human Resources staff, to be completed by no later than June 30, 2025. (F12) Funding Recommendation: The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors fund the expenses listed in R1, R2, R3, R5, and R7 with existing appropriations in the current fiscal year. If current appropriations are not sufficient, the Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors, at its next earliest opportunity, pursue additional funding from an appropriate agency, including state or federal agencies. RESPONSES Pursuant to California Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, each entity or individual named below must respond to the enumerated Findings and Recommendations within specific statutory guidelines. Responses to Findings shall be either: • The respondent agrees with the finding; or • The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. Responses to Recommendations shall be one of the following: • The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action; or • The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a time frame for implementation; or • The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a time frame for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency where applicable. This time frame shall not exceed six months from the date of the publication of the Grand Jury report; or • The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. REQUIRED RESPONSE – WITHIN 90 DAYS The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors (All findings, all recommendations) REQUIRED RESPONSE – WITHIN 60 DAYS The Humboldt County Sheriff (F2) Invited Responses The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury also invites the following entities or individuals to respond. The Department of Humboldt County Human Resources (F1, F3, F4, F5, F6, F9, F10, F11, F12) and (R1, R2, R3, R5, R6, R7, R8) The Department of Health and Human Services (F6) and (R3) Responses are to be sent to: The Honorable Judge Kelly L. Neel Humboldt County Superior Court 825 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 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.
F3
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that:
Many departments continue to be short-staffed, including Humboldt County Human Resources itself. Productivity decreases when staffing is inadequate, and the workload for individual staff increases, affecting employee retention. (R1, R2, R3)
Related Recommendations (3)
R1
Current Humboldt County Human Resources vacancies be filled by no later than June 30, 2025. For funding recommendations see the wording below Recommendation #10. (F3)
R3
The three positions in Humboldt County Human Resources that were funded by expired federal grants be funded and filled by no later than June 30, 2025. For funding recommendations see the wording below Recommendation #10. (F3)
R10
Humboldt County Human Resources conduct performance evaluations annually for all Human Resources staff, to be completed by no later than June 30, 2025. (F12) Funding Recommendation: The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors fund the expenses listed in R1, R2, R3, R5, and R7 with existing appropriations in the current fiscal year. If current appropriations are not sufficient, the Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors, at its next earliest opportunity, pursue additional funding from an appropriate agency, including state or federal agencies. RESPONSES Pursuant to California Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, each entity or individual named below must respond to the enumerated Findings and Recommendations within specific statutory guidelines. Responses to Findings shall be either: • The respondent agrees with the finding; or • The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. Responses to Recommendations shall be one of the following: • The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action; or • The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a time frame for implementation; or • The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a time frame for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency where applicable. This time frame shall not exceed six months from the date of the publication of the Grand Jury report; or • The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. REQUIRED RESPONSE – WITHIN 90 DAYS The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors (All findings, all recommendations) REQUIRED RESPONSE – WITHIN 60 DAYS The Humboldt County Sheriff (F2) Invited Responses The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury also invites the following entities or individuals to respond. The Department of Humboldt County Human Resources (F1, F3, F4, F5, F6, F9, F10, F11, F12) and (R1, R2, R3, R5, R6, R7, R8) The Department of Health and Human Services (F6) and (R3) Responses are to be sent to: The Honorable Judge Kelly L. Neel Humboldt County Superior Court 825 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 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.
F4
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that:
The average length of time from announcement to hire is on a par with other counties, but the process still takes months. This long time reduces the qualified pool of applicants and potentially forces the hiring department to start over. (R4)
Related Recommendations (2)
R4
Humboldt County Human Resources develop a ‘best practices’ guide and training program for all hiring departments to use to speed up the hiring steps, to be completed by no later than June 30, 2025. (F4, F5)
R10
Humboldt County Human Resources conduct performance evaluations annually for all Human Resources staff, to be completed by no later than June 30, 2025. (F12) Funding Recommendation: The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors fund the expenses listed in R1, R2, R3, R5, and R7 with existing appropriations in the current fiscal year. If current appropriations are not sufficient, the Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors, at its next earliest opportunity, pursue additional funding from an appropriate agency, including state or federal agencies. RESPONSES Pursuant to California Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, each entity or individual named below must respond to the enumerated Findings and Recommendations within specific statutory guidelines. Responses to Findings shall be either: • The respondent agrees with the finding; or • The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. Responses to Recommendations shall be one of the following: • The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action; or • The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a time frame for implementation; or • The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a time frame for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency where applicable. This time frame shall not exceed six months from the date of the publication of the Grand Jury report; or • The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. REQUIRED RESPONSE – WITHIN 90 DAYS The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors (All findings, all recommendations) REQUIRED RESPONSE – WITHIN 60 DAYS The Humboldt County Sheriff (F2) Invited Responses The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury also invites the following entities or individuals to respond. The Department of Humboldt County Human Resources (F1, F3, F4, F5, F6, F9, F10, F11, F12) and (R1, R2, R3, R5, R6, R7, R8) The Department of Health and Human Services (F6) and (R3) Responses are to be sent to: The Honorable Judge Kelly L. Neel Humboldt County Superior Court 825 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 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.
F5
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that:
Hiring times are longer for departments that do not work efficiently or proactively with Humboldt County Human Resources during the hiring steps to provide subject matter experts and oral examiners. Longer hiring times make it more likely that applicants will give up, endangering the success of finding and hiring qualified employees. (R4)
Related Recommendations (3)
R4
Humboldt County Human Resources develop a ‘best practices’ guide and training program for all hiring departments to use to speed up the hiring steps, to be completed by no later than June 30, 2025. (F4, F5)
R5
Humboldt County Human Resources implement additional hiring and retention strategies by no later than July 1, 2025. For funding recommendations see the wording below
R10
Humboldt County Human Resources conduct performance evaluations annually for all Human Resources staff, to be completed by no later than June 30, 2025. (F12) Funding Recommendation: The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors fund the expenses listed in R1, R2, R3, R5, and R7 with existing appropriations in the current fiscal year. If current appropriations are not sufficient, the Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors, at its next earliest opportunity, pursue additional funding from an appropriate agency, including state or federal agencies. RESPONSES Pursuant to California Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, each entity or individual named below must respond to the enumerated Findings and Recommendations within specific statutory guidelines. Responses to Findings shall be either: • The respondent agrees with the finding; or • The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. Responses to Recommendations shall be one of the following: • The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action; or • The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a time frame for implementation; or • The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a time frame for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency where applicable. This time frame shall not exceed six months from the date of the publication of the Grand Jury report; or • The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. REQUIRED RESPONSE – WITHIN 90 DAYS The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors (All findings, all recommendations) REQUIRED RESPONSE – WITHIN 60 DAYS The Humboldt County Sheriff (F2) Invited Responses The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury also invites the following entities or individuals to respond. The Department of Humboldt County Human Resources (F1, F3, F4, F5, F6, F9, F10, F11, F12) and (R1, R2, R3, R5, R6, R7, R8) The Department of Health and Human Services (F6) and (R3) Responses are to be sent to: The Honorable Judge Kelly L. Neel Humboldt County Superior Court 825 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 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.
F6
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that:
The California Department of Human Resources controls the hiring of Merit System Staffing positions. Until Humboldt County Human Resources has control, the lengthy hiring process will continue to delay filling positions and may cause applicants to withdraw, making the recruitment less successful. (R6)
Related Recommendations (2)
R6
Humboldt County Human Resources continue the conversion process of becoming an Approved Local Merit System county, to be completed by no later than March 31, 2025. (F6)
R10
Humboldt County Human Resources conduct performance evaluations annually for all Human Resources staff, to be completed by no later than June 30, 2025. (F12) Funding Recommendation: The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors fund the expenses listed in R1, R2, R3, R5, and R7 with existing appropriations in the current fiscal year. If current appropriations are not sufficient, the Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors, at its next earliest opportunity, pursue additional funding from an appropriate agency, including state or federal agencies. RESPONSES Pursuant to California Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, each entity or individual named below must respond to the enumerated Findings and Recommendations within specific statutory guidelines. Responses to Findings shall be either: • The respondent agrees with the finding; or • The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. Responses to Recommendations shall be one of the following: • The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action; or • The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a time frame for implementation; or • The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a time frame for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency where applicable. This time frame shall not exceed six months from the date of the publication of the Grand Jury report; or • The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. REQUIRED RESPONSE – WITHIN 90 DAYS The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors (All findings, all recommendations) REQUIRED RESPONSE – WITHIN 60 DAYS The Humboldt County Sheriff (F2) Invited Responses The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury also invites the following entities or individuals to respond. The Department of Humboldt County Human Resources (F1, F3, F4, F5, F6, F9, F10, F11, F12) and (R1, R2, R3, R5, R6, R7, R8) The Department of Health and Human Services (F6) and (R3) Responses are to be sent to: The Honorable Judge Kelly L. Neel Humboldt County Superior Court 825 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 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.
F7
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that:
As of a 2020 survey, county pay levels are low relative to similar counties. This hinders both recruitment and retention across many departments. (R7)
Related Recommendations (1)
R7
The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors adjust compensation levels to be competitive with other counties, to be done when the county budget situation improves. For funding recommendations see the wording below Recommendation #10. (F7, F8)
F8
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that:
As of a 2020 survey, the cost of medical benefits to employees is high relative to similar counties. This high cost hinders both recruitment and retention across many departments. (R7)
Related Recommendations (1)
R7
The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors adjust compensation levels to be competitive with other counties, to be done when the county budget situation improves. For funding recommendations see the wording below Recommendation #10. (F7, F8)
F9
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that:
Humboldt County Human Resources has fewer strategies to improve recruitment and retention compared to some other counties. Having fewer strategies could hinder both recruitment and retention. (R5)
Related Recommendations (1)
R10
Humboldt County Human Resources conduct performance evaluations annually for all Human Resources staff, to be completed by no later than June 30, 2025. (F12) Funding Recommendation: The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors fund the expenses listed in R1, R2, R3, R5, and R7 with existing appropriations in the current fiscal year. If current appropriations are not sufficient, the Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors, at its next earliest opportunity, pursue additional funding from an appropriate agency, including state or federal agencies. RESPONSES Pursuant to California Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, each entity or individual named below must respond to the enumerated Findings and Recommendations within specific statutory guidelines. Responses to Findings shall be either: • The respondent agrees with the finding; or • The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. Responses to Recommendations shall be one of the following: • The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action; or • The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a time frame for implementation; or • The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a time frame for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency where applicable. This time frame shall not exceed six months from the date of the publication of the Grand Jury report; or • The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. REQUIRED RESPONSE – WITHIN 90 DAYS The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors (All findings, all recommendations) REQUIRED RESPONSE – WITHIN 60 DAYS The Humboldt County Sheriff (F2) Invited Responses The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury also invites the following entities or individuals to respond. The Department of Humboldt County Human Resources (F1, F3, F4, F5, F6, F9, F10, F11, F12) and (R1, R2, R3, R5, R6, R7, R8) The Department of Health and Human Services (F6) and (R3) Responses are to be sent to: The Honorable Judge Kelly L. Neel Humboldt County Superior Court 825 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 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.
F10
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that:
Unlike many other counties, Humboldt County Human Resources does not have a single comprehensive policies and procedures manual for hiring. This lack of direction could lead to misunderstanding and ignorance of hiring procedures. (R8)
Related Recommendations (2)
R8
Humboldt County Human Resources develop a single comprehensive internal hiring policies and procedures manual, to be completed by no later than March 31, 2025. (F10)
R10
Humboldt County Human Resources conduct performance evaluations annually for all Human Resources staff, to be completed by no later than June 30, 2025. (F12) Funding Recommendation: The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors fund the expenses listed in R1, R2, R3, R5, and R7 with existing appropriations in the current fiscal year. If current appropriations are not sufficient, the Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors, at its next earliest opportunity, pursue additional funding from an appropriate agency, including state or federal agencies. RESPONSES Pursuant to California Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, each entity or individual named below must respond to the enumerated Findings and Recommendations within specific statutory guidelines. Responses to Findings shall be either: • The respondent agrees with the finding; or • The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. Responses to Recommendations shall be one of the following: • The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action; or • The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a time frame for implementation; or • The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a time frame for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency where applicable. This time frame shall not exceed six months from the date of the publication of the Grand Jury report; or • The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. REQUIRED RESPONSE – WITHIN 90 DAYS The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors (All findings, all recommendations) REQUIRED RESPONSE – WITHIN 60 DAYS The Humboldt County Sheriff (F2) Invited Responses The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury also invites the following entities or individuals to respond. The Department of Humboldt County Human Resources (F1, F3, F4, F5, F6, F9, F10, F11, F12) and (R1, R2, R3, R5, R6, R7, R8) The Department of Health and Human Services (F6) and (R3) Responses are to be sent to: The Honorable Judge Kelly L. Neel Humboldt County Superior Court 825 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 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.
F11
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that:
Humboldt County Human Resources does not have or use a standard set of metrics for the completion of hiring steps, hiring timeframe, recruitment success, or retention. Without these metrics, it is hard to evaluate hiring performance for county employment. (R9)
Related Recommendations (2)
R9
Humboldt County Human Resources develop metrics to measure the completion of hiring steps, hiring timeframe, recruitment success, and retention, to be completed by no later than March 31, 2025. (F11)
R10
Humboldt County Human Resources conduct performance evaluations annually for all Human Resources staff, to be completed by no later than June 30, 2025. (F12) Funding Recommendation: The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors fund the expenses listed in R1, R2, R3, R5, and R7 with existing appropriations in the current fiscal year. If current appropriations are not sufficient, the Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors, at its next earliest opportunity, pursue additional funding from an appropriate agency, including state or federal agencies. RESPONSES Pursuant to California Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, each entity or individual named below must respond to the enumerated Findings and Recommendations within specific statutory guidelines. Responses to Findings shall be either: • The respondent agrees with the finding; or • The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. Responses to Recommendations shall be one of the following: • The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action; or • The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a time frame for implementation; or • The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a time frame for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency where applicable. This time frame shall not exceed six months from the date of the publication of the Grand Jury report; or • The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. REQUIRED RESPONSE – WITHIN 90 DAYS The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors (All findings, all recommendations) REQUIRED RESPONSE – WITHIN 60 DAYS The Humboldt County Sheriff (F2) Invited Responses The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury also invites the following entities or individuals to respond. The Department of Humboldt County Human Resources (F1, F3, F4, F5, F6, F9, F10, F11, F12) and (R1, R2, R3, R5, R6, R7, R8) The Department of Health and Human Services (F6) and (R3) Responses are to be sent to: The Honorable Judge Kelly L. Neel Humboldt County Superior Court 825 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 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.
F12
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that:
Performance evaluations of Human Resources staff are not always conducted annually. This results in performance and accountability being difficult to assess. (R10)
Related Recommendations (1)
R10
Humboldt County Human Resources conduct performance evaluations annually for all Human Resources staff, to be completed by no later than June 30, 2025. (F12) Funding Recommendation: The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors fund the expenses listed in R1, R2, R3, R5, and R7 with existing appropriations in the current fiscal year. If current appropriations are not sufficient, the Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors, at its next earliest opportunity, pursue additional funding from an appropriate agency, including state or federal agencies. RESPONSES Pursuant to California Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, each entity or individual named below must respond to the enumerated Findings and Recommendations within specific statutory guidelines. Responses to Findings shall be either: • The respondent agrees with the finding; or • The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. Responses to Recommendations shall be one of the following: • The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action; or • The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a time frame for implementation; or • The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a time frame for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency where applicable. This time frame shall not exceed six months from the date of the publication of the Grand Jury report; or • The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. REQUIRED RESPONSE – WITHIN 90 DAYS The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors (All findings, all recommendations) REQUIRED RESPONSE – WITHIN 60 DAYS The Humboldt County Sheriff (F2) Invited Responses The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury also invites the following entities or individuals to respond. The Department of Humboldt County Human Resources (F1, F3, F4, F5, F6, F9, F10, F11, F12) and (R1, R2, R3, R5, R6, R7, R8) The Department of Health and Human Services (F6) and (R3) Responses are to be sent to: The Honorable Judge Kelly L. Neel Humboldt County Superior Court 825 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 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.
Conclusions 2
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CL1 Page 9The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury learned during this investigation that understaffing is an issue in most departments. It has been cited in many past HCCGJ reports as well. Approximately 500 of the 2400 allocated positions for the county are currently vacant. As discovered in our seven-county comparison, Humboldt County’s twenty-one percent vacancy rate was the second highest. Humboldt County Human Resources (HR) is itself understaffed. An organization the size of the County of Humboldt should have a larger human resources department. Optimally, it would have close to twenty-five staff. Humboldt County HR obviously plays a key role in the hiring process, and they are stretched thin. Humboldt County HR is missing some tools that could perhaps be developed with more staff. Unlike many other counties reviewed by the HCCGJ, Humboldt County HR does not have a comprehensive policies and procedures manual. Humboldt County HR does not have any standard metrics to either measure county-wide hiring success or to measure internal performance of the hiring steps handled by HR. Like other Humboldt County departments, annual performance evaluations are not done for everyone in Humboldt County HR itself. One new effort by Humboldt County HR has the potential to improve retention: exit questionnaires are now being sent to all departing employees to find out why they left.
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CL2 Page 10The length of the hiring process is a big factor in recruitment success. The longer the process, the more likely an applicant will give up and seek employment elsewhere. Shortening the process is not easy in law enforcement, where positions require numerous tests and background checks. As detailed above, the Sheriff’s Office has cut the process by a few weeks by consolidating some steps, but little additional consolidation is expected. The hiring of Merit System Staffing positions, such as Social Workers, will continue to be very slow until Humboldt County HR wrests control of the process away from CalHR. For other positions, hiring times could be shortened if the practices of departments like Public Works could be replicated in other departments. When hiring departments proactively arrange for all the necessary resources prior to posting the job announcement, hiring times can be cut from sixty days to as little as thirty-to- forty-five days. One path to doing less hiring is to keep staff from leaving. Humboldt’s retention rates are on a par with other counties reviewed by the HCCGJ, but any improvement would be helpful. Low compensation was often cited by departing employees in the exit questionnaire. A four-year-old study showed that Humboldt County paid below market rate compared to other counties, especially when benefits are factored in. These disparities were addressed with salary adjustments, but without further data we cannot know if all disparities were eliminated. Humboldt County’s current budget situation makes it difficult to address compensation shortfalls, even though the frequent hiring cycle alternative is costly. Staffing shortages affect productivity, and the cycle to hire-train-quit-hire occurs all too often.
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County of Humboldt
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Humboldt County Board of Supervisors
Elected County Office
Humboldt County Sheriff
Elected County Office