Kern County Grand Jury • 2024-2025

Report - Kern County Public Works Roads Division

Published: March 25, 2025 6 pages
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Findings and Recommendations 4 findings

F1
The Grand Jury investigated the process of reporting a problem on road conditions. It was discovered that the public can easily go to Kern County Public Works website, then to the Services tab to report a problem.
No recommendations for this finding
F2
The Grand Jury found that 85% of maintenance work is reactive, and 15% proactive. This ratio leads to potholes developing sooner.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
By July 1, 2027, proactive maintenance work should be increased from 15% to 25% and reactive decreased from 85% to 75%. (Finding #2) NOTES: • The Kern County Public Works Roads Division should post a copy of this report where it will be available for public view. • 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 60 DAYS FROM: Kern County Public Work Roads Division
F3
The Grand Jury found that an increase in blade sealing would decrease the need to refill the reincarnated potholes.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
By July 1, 2027, Roads Division increase blade sealing by a minimum of 10%. (Finding #3)
F4
Due to staffing shortages within the General Services Human Resources Division the workload has increased for the remaining Human Resources staff. This could be the cause of the lengthy hiring process within the Roads Division. COMMENTS: There has been improvement in the staffing levels and work repairs completed since the inception of this investigation. The Grand Jury would like to thank the staff of Kern County Public Works Roads Division and General Services Human Resources Division for their cooperation and for providing information.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
By June 1, 2025, Kern County Public Works Roads Division and General Services Human Resources Division have regularly scheduled meetings to communicate and better comprehend what is necessary to shorten the hiring process and to better inform applicants of the job requirements. (Findings #4)

Comments 6

In the News 1

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