A Silver Lining Orange County Today

The CEO has the authority to run the County and its departments with most appointed department heads reporting directly to the CEO. Elected department heads work in concert with the CEO to evaluate their proposals. The CAO was an administrator with limited executive authority. 4

The County Executive Office promotes the use of business methods from the private sector in delivering services to Orange County residents.

The existing Five-Year Strategic Financial Plan, the change from CAO to CEO and the innovative business changes have been rewarded by favor on Wall Street, which took notice of the changes and gave the County a more favorable bond rating and loan opportunities. The Board of Supervisors is required to respond to Findings 1, 2 and 3.

As you look into what the future might hold for you and Orange County, would you be more comfortable with a CEO or CAO? Many of the current managers have been employed with the County since before the bankruptcy, but not necessarily in their current position nor in the same department. The principle question “which form of administration is best for Orange County, CAO or CEO”, was answered with “CEO” in almost all cases. The authority of the CEO establishes the stability of the everyday business of the County and is attractive to those who look for timely answers to requests. The CEO has an overall view of the business of the County and that results in a more organized decision-making process. The success of the CEO, by William Popejoy, Jan Mittermeier, and now Michael Schumacher, is a testament to the merit of the office. This group of leaders, our County managers, supported with the tools of the business world, has shown great improvement in carrying out the responsibilities of their departments when compared to the time prior to the bankruptcy. The residents of Orange County should know that the perils of the past are gone, proving that “in every dark cloud, one can find a silver lining”. METHOD OF STUDY Members of the Grand Jury conducted interviews with current and former upper level management of Orange County. A questionnaire was developed and the same questions were asked during each interview. FINDINGS Under California Penal Code Sections 933 and 933.05, responses are required to all findings. The 2000-01 Orange County Grand Jury has arrived at three findings: 1. The CEO has the authority to run the County and its departments with most appointed department heads reporting directly to the CEO. Elected department heads work in concert with the CEO to evaluate their proposals. The CAO was an administrator with limited executive authority. 4 2. The County Executive Office promotes the use of business methods from the private sector in delivering services to Orange County residents.