Score: +23 (31/8/8)
Mendocino County Grand Jury • 2024-2025

Measure B Re-examined

6 pages
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Findings and Recommendations 8 findings

F1
The wording of the Measure B ordinance was very precise on the collection of the taxes. The ordinance was imprecise about the execution of the programs. There is insufficient organizational direction in the Measure B Ordinance. This has resulted in a lack of ground rules for discussions and making recommendations to the BOS.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
in future ordinances prepared for ballot measures, the function and responsibility of County Departments, Advisory Boards and Committees be spelled out in greater detail. (F1, F2)
F2
In the Measure B Ordinance, the responsibilities of the B Committee were unclear, resulting in members assuming authority which belonged to the BOS.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
in future ordinances prepared for ballot measures, the function and responsibility of County Departments, Advisory Boards and Committees be spelled out in greater detail. (F1, F2)
F3
There has been no direct funding for SUDT as recommended in the Measure B Ordinance and the Kemper Report. The GJ determined this to be a serious oversight.
Related Recommendations (2)
R2
the BOS fund SUDT programs as required by Measure B Ordinance No. 4387. (F3, F7)
R4
the BOS give direction to staff to identify and pursue additional funding to supplement the Measure B one-eighth cent sales tax by applying for grants and State funding. (F4, F8) RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code § 933.05, responses are required from the following board: Board of Supervisors (All Findings) and (R1, R2, R4) Pursuant to Penal Code § 933.05, responses are required from the following individual: Auditor-Controller (F4, F5) and (R3) Pursuant to Penal Code § 933.05, responses are requested from the following individual: Director of the Behavioral Health Department (F3, F7, F8) and (R2, R4) Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code § 929 requires reports of the Grand Jury not containing the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury.
F4
A required function of the B Committee is to review annual audits and to ensure transparent use of funds. Annual independent audits of taxpayers’ money were not performed resulting in no definitive answer to what funds are available or have been expended.
Related Recommendations (2)
R3
the County Auditor ensures annual independent audits be conducted of Measure B funds as required, commencing with the initial funding of the measure and to include election and consultant costs. (F4, F5)
R4
the BOS give direction to staff to identify and pursue additional funding to supplement the Measure B one-eighth cent sales tax by applying for grants and State funding. (F4, F8) RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code § 933.05, responses are required from the following board: Board of Supervisors (All Findings) and (R1, R2, R4) Pursuant to Penal Code § 933.05, responses are required from the following individual: Auditor-Controller (F4, F5) and (R3) Pursuant to Penal Code § 933.05, responses are requested from the following individual: Director of the Behavioral Health Department (F3, F7, F8) and (R2, R4) Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code § 929 requires reports of the Grand Jury not containing the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury.
F5
The first 15 months of operations are excluded from the commissioned audits. Not starting from day one does not give a complete financial picture.
Related Recommendations (2)
R3
the County Auditor ensures annual independent audits be conducted of Measure B funds as required, commencing with the initial funding of the measure and to include election and consultant costs. (F4, F5)
R4
the BOS give direction to staff to identify and pursue additional funding to supplement the Measure B one-eighth cent sales tax by applying for grants and State funding. (F4, F8) RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code § 933.05, responses are required from the following board: Board of Supervisors (All Findings) and (R1, R2, R4) Pursuant to Penal Code § 933.05, responses are required from the following individual: Auditor-Controller (F4, F5) and (R3) Pursuant to Penal Code § 933.05, responses are requested from the following individual: Director of the Behavioral Health Department (F3, F7, F8) and (R2, R4) Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code § 929 requires reports of the Grand Jury not containing the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury.
F6
The high vacancy rate of County employees, particularly for social service workers and nursing staff, has raised concern. Contractors for staffing the new programs and facilities may have difficulty employing sufficient local staff. This problem plagued the previous PHF facility which led to its closure.
No recommendations for this finding
F7
The GJ and service providers are concerned that SUDT programs will not receive adequate attention and funding under Measure B.
Related Recommendations (2)
R2
the BOS fund SUDT programs as required by Measure B Ordinance No. 4387. (F3, F7)
R4
the BOS give direction to staff to identify and pursue additional funding to supplement the Measure B one-eighth cent sales tax by applying for grants and State funding. (F4, F8) RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code § 933.05, responses are required from the following board: Board of Supervisors (All Findings) and (R1, R2, R4) Pursuant to Penal Code § 933.05, responses are required from the following individual: Auditor-Controller (F4, F5) and (R3) Pursuant to Penal Code § 933.05, responses are requested from the following individual: Director of the Behavioral Health Department (F3, F7, F8) and (R2, R4) Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code § 929 requires reports of the Grand Jury not containing the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury.
F8
The GJ is concerned that the high costs to construct the PFH facility may reduce funds available for other proposed services and programs.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
the BOS give direction to staff to identify and pursue additional funding to supplement the Measure B one-eighth cent sales tax by applying for grants and State funding. (F4, F8) RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code § 933.05, responses are required from the following board: Board of Supervisors (All Findings) and (R1, R2, R4) Pursuant to Penal Code § 933.05, responses are required from the following individual: Auditor-Controller (F4, F5) and (R3) Pursuant to Penal Code § 933.05, responses are requested from the following individual: Director of the Behavioral Health Department (F3, F7, F8) and (R2, R4) Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code § 929 requires reports of the Grand Jury not containing the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury.

Agency Responses 6

Government agencies' official responses to this report's findings and recommendations. Click on a response to see the structured breakdown.