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Extracted from Consolidated Report
This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.
⚠️ 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.
Note: Missing finding numbers detected: F3
Findings 2 findings
F2
Page 9
(Recommendation 06-19) is a misstatement. Management has never supported the use of Davis properties as comparables for West Sacramento properties. In one instance an appraiser did use this approach, which was ultimately rejected by management.
F4
Page 9
(Recommendation 06-22) – Overall morale in the Assessor’s Office is good recognizing that all organizations face morale issues from time to time. With limited county resources, management cannot always fulfill every employee’s request, which sometimes leads to morale issues. That, however, does not lessen management’s commitment to providing a positive work environment. The report indicates conflicting testimony on morale, which likely could have been cleared up upon further investigation and discussion with the department head. All managers in the Assessor’s office have an open door policy that provides employees ample opportunity to communicate with management. Management is, and has been, committed to addressing employee morale issues as they arise and has regularly encouraged team-building activities to maintain a positive work environment. POLICE DEPARTMENT, YUBA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
Recommendations 4
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R1Page 7The Authority and its management have misused restricted housing program funds in connection with several major endeavors including the acquisition and remodeling of their office facilities and in the acquisition of property in the City of Woodland by one of the Authority’s non-profits. These transactions took place in violation of federal and state funding rules. Additionally, the Housing Commissioners were misinformed or incompletely informed of the details of the transactions and were deprived of the opportunity to adequately and independently review the actions proposed and taken by staff.
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R2Page 8There is a history of stress and turmoil at the Authority beginning with the tenure of the current Executive Director. At present, the workplace atmosphere is one of fear and polarization. Staff operate under an inordinate amount of stress. Moreover, these conditions place the Authority at risk for claims of hostile work environment and other workplace related liability claims. There are multiple causes for these conditions which include the personnel practices of Authority management.
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R3Page 8A long history of polarization and conflict among Housing Commissioners combined with a pattern of inadequate information and advice to the Commission concerning Authority operations and finance has compromised the ability of the existing Commission to carry out its statutory functions of management and control of Authority management and programs. This finding is not intended to question the motives, intent or integrity of the Commission or its members. The members of the Commission have served to the best of their abilities. Over the last several years, however, their effectiveness has been compromised by the actions of management, conflicts between themselves, and a series of vacancies at the Commission. Several current Commissioners would like to be replaced and the term of the remaining Resident Commissioner has expired. Based on our investigation and analysis and the present circumstances, we recommend:
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R06-09Page 7through 06-18. The report submitted to the Grand Jury was a summary of the confidential report submitted to the Board. The full report was not made available to the Grand Jury. Because of the interest in the resolution to the YCHA issues, the Recommendations will be summarized and the Judge’s response will be printed in full. Recommendations 06-09 through 06-18: • Immediately abolish the Board of Commissioners and assume oversight and management of the YCHA until all the allegations have been investigated and criminal charges, if any, have been filed. • Place the Executive Director and the Assistant Director on Administrative Leave, without pay, effective immediately. • Contact HUD and demand an immediate review of YCHA accounting irregularities and an explanation for its lax oversight. • Immediately begin an investigation of all financial dealings, loans, and debts incurred by the YCHA, New Hope and Nuevo Esperanza corporations. A determination should be made as to whether funds were properly allocated and loans were obtained with legitimate documentation. • Seize all remaining financial records and provide an independent audit of the YCHA, New Hope and Nuevo Esperanza finances. • Provide assurance that all employees are pre-screened according to HUD guidelines to determine their qualifications to perform the functions for which they were hired. Background checks must be a part of that process to assure the safety of the public and to protect public resources. • Investigate the charges of bribery, kickbacks, and threats by the Executive Director to tenants, and current/former Commissioners and employees.