Kern County Grand Jury • 2023-2024

Report: Kern Mosquito and Vector Control

Published: March 27, 2024 13 pages
View Original PDF

Findings and Recommendations 9 findings

F1
The Grand Jury finds that: There is a correlation between an increase of green pools and more reported cases of WNV.
No recommendations for this finding
F2
The Grand Jury finds that: Mosquitofish are a viable tool to manage mosquito larvae in stagnant water.
No recommendations for this finding
F3
The Grand Jury finds that: The District is implementing a solution that is expected to bring its financial audits current, as required by code.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
The District continue the diligent work to bring its audits current by June 30, 2025, and ensure a plan is in place to prevent future audits from becoming delinquent. (Finding 3)
F4
The Grand Jury finds that: The District maintains an exceptionally informative website, including user friendly request for service forms.
No recommendations for this finding
F5
The Grand Jury finds that: The District’s detailed recommendation of the proper type and use of mosquito repellants is an important tool for disease prevention.
No recommendations for this finding
F6
The Grand Jury finds that: The District’s PIO is actively keeping the public educated with a plethora of information on mosquito awareness, contributing to the control of the mosquito population.
No recommendations for this finding
F7
The Grand Jury finds that: A mascot would be a beneficial addition to the District’s educational programs to increase public awareness.
No recommendations for this finding
F8
The Grand Jury finds that: The District is doing an exemplary job with mosquito population reduction and disease control. Efforts this past season have resulted in significantly lower reported cases (16) of WNV in the District during the wettest year in 40 years.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
By September 30, 2024, the District should consider formulating a plan to create, adopt and implement a friendly mascot in their public outreach programs. (Finding 8)
F9
The Grand Jury finds that: The District’s truck decals could be more informative to create a more positive public perception. COMMENTS: The Grand Jury would like to thank the management and staff of the Kern Mosquito and Vector Control District. The District’s employees patiently answered our questions and did an excellent job sharing their expertise with us. We also enjoyed the relationship we developed with the District’s resident cat, Oreo. Oreo is estimated to be 25 years old, and she seems to be a great morale builder for the District staff. Plus, she has probably been an excellent “mouser” for them. Oreo Photo by Grand Jury
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
By September 30, 2024, the District should consider re-designing decals for its fleet of vehicles to increase positive public awareness. (Finding 9) NOTES: • The Kern Mosquito and Vector Control District should post a copy of this report where it will be available for public review. • Persons wishing to receive an email notification of newly released reports may sign up at: https://www.kerncounty.com/government/other-agencies/grand-jury • Present and past Kern County Grand Jury Final Reports and Responses can be accessed on the Kern County Grand Jury website https://www.kerncounty.com/government/other- agencies/grand-jury RESPONSE DEADLINE: REQUIRED WITHIN 90 DAYS FROM: • The Kern Mosquito and Vector Control District Board of Trustees

Comments 8