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Findings and Recommendations 5 findings
F1
Consolidating the Sheriff-Coroner/PA operation has produced significant operational improvements over the former independent operation of the Coroner/PA. These improvements include additional staffing, less reliance on overtime, better financial reporting and control, and better morale among staff.
No recommendations for this finding
F2
Monetary savings for overall operations have not been significant and, by some measure, have not been realized. Given the severe need for additional funding of the prior independent Coroner/PA, the consolidation was most successful in rescuing an underfunded operation.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Sheriff-Coroner consider the future cost-saving alternative of hiring a civilian professional to handle Public Administrator duties. (F2, F4)
F3
The increase in the Sheriff’s compensation, approved by the BOS, was somewhat controversial since there were no additional operational duties imposed on the Sheriff by the consolidation. The BOS justified the increase based on increased overall responsibility, but did not enumerate additional operational duties,
No recommendations for this finding
F4
Currently, the duties of Chief Coroner/PA are performed by a single person, a Chief Deputy Coroner with the rank of lieutenant. This individual spends a majority of working time on the duties of Public Administrator which compromises the ability to effectively address the other duties of the position. In addition, a civilian consultant provides part-time support to handle the PA workload.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Sheriff-Coroner consider the future cost-saving alternative of hiring a civilian professional to handle Public Administrator duties. (F2, F4)
F5
As detailed in another section (“Jails” report) of this 2016-17 HCCGJ report, the physical conditions of the Coroner/PA Office are deplorable, and represent substandard working conditions for dedicated professionals.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Sheriff-Coroner demand better physical working conditions in the Coroner’s Office, and work with the Board of Supervisors to implement needed improvements. (F5)
No Responses Found 1
Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.
Humboldt County Sheriff
Elected County Office