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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.

Tulare County Grand Jury • 2016-2017

Tulare County Grand Jury Report 2016-2017 Woodlake Public Cemetery District

Published: December 23, 2016 8 pages
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Findings 12 findings

F1 Page 40
Many headstones are in need of repair and maintenance. Some headstones have fallen into holes and others are partially sunk into the ground. Some markers are covered with dirt and ar not visible.
F2 Page 40
Site visits revealed poorly maintained grounds, dry grass, unleveled areas, sink holes, vermin tunnels and an abundance of weeds.
F3 Page 40
Some of the board minutes reflect complaints made by individuals regarding the poor condition of the cemetery.
F4 Page 40
The board meeting notices posted December 12, 2016, December 20, 2016 and January 17, 2017, at the district office, did not meet the requirements of the Brown Act as no agendas was included.
F5 Page 40
Public documents are not being provided upon request.
F6 Page 40
The cemetery district does not have a computer and/or internet service. The public is notified of board meetings by word of mouth and posting at the district’s office.
F7 Page 40
Since there were no board meeting agendas for the public to review prior to and/or during the board of trustees meetings, it is impossible for the public to know what matters are to be discussed and/or acted upon by the board during open and closed session.
F8 Page 40
There is no record within any of the board minutes that makes reference to adopting a final budget on or before August 30, 2016.
F9 Page 40
The minutes of September 12, 2016, state under the caption, “New Business: It was moved and seconded to raise the price of the burials accordingly, voted, passed.” There was no indication of the dollar amount of the raise, the current price of a burial, and/or any reason(s) justifying the increase. TULARE COUNTY GRAND JURY REPORT 2016-2017
F10 Page 41
The WPCD has a bank account outside of the county treasurer, but its revenues are less than $500,000.
F11 Page 41
On April 13, 2015, the board approved to transfer an amount that exceeded accumulated earnings on those principal funds. Upon completion of the audit for that year, management was aware of the uncompliant excess withdrawal and understood the need to transfer it back to the separate account. As of June 30, 2016, there still remains excess funds that must be transferred back to the county treasury.
F12 Page 41
At the entrance of the handicap ramp there is a large mat that obstructs the passage of walkers and wheelchairs which is not in compliance with ADA.

Recommendations 5