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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.

Butte County Grand Jury • 2012-2013

Butte County Employment Services and Eligibility Services Division

Published: May 29, 2013 6 pages

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⚠️ 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.

Findings 19 findings

F1 Page 23

Butte County government showed support for the grand jury system with its on-time and on-point responses, even as county officials disagreed as often as not with the findings and recommendations of the 2011-12 report.

F2 Page 23

The Feather River Recreation and Park District explained all of its positions in considerable detail and in conformance with state law. In contrast, three recreation and park districts - Durham, Paradise and Richvale - failed to meet their legal requirements even after a reminder letter from the 2012 - 13 Grand Jury.

F3 Page 23

The two cities that were the subjects of reports, Gridley and Oroville, both agreed overwhelmingly with the 2011-12 Grand Jury’s findings and

F4 Page 23

Larger local government agencies, which commonly have more personnel and more experience dealing with grand jury reports, generally did better than smaller agencies in providing legally adequate responses to reports. xvi

The caseloads of IHSS social workers are significantly large.

Staff in Adult Services feels communication with their supervisors is good, that they can voice concerns and that those concerns are heard.

There are safety concerns for Adult Services workers when doing field visits.

There are some concerns among the correctional deputies due to the stress of managing security issues in an overcrowded jail.

Having only seven female deputies is insufficient for a 24/7 operation.

F10

Knowledge of the proposed security system upgrade was varied among the staff counselors.

F11

The City of Oroville, under contract with DWR, is the Fund Administrator for the Project Supplemental Benefits Fund and will be disbursing grants to the community to stimulate recreation, tourism and economic development.

F12

The City Council’s adoption of a new Facility and Park Fee Waiver Policy will bring consistency to this process.

F13

Although the City of Oroville has a shortfall in its annual operating expenditures as compared to its revenues, City management is transparent about their steps to correct the situation.

F14

The City of Oroville balanced its operating budget by using its Contingency Fund. Paradise

F15

The Town of Paradise is primarily a residential community with minimal retail and commercial businesses. Therefore, Paradise residents often work and shop elsewhere, leaving their sales tax dollars in other jurisdictions.

F16

The Town of Paradise has experienced revenue challenges for many years, which impact town services.

F17

The Town of Paradise carefully planned for the transition to a new town manager.

F18

The Town of Paradise’s lack of a sewer system has been a barrier in attracting significant new retail and commercial businesses. 67

F19

A sewer system for the residential districts is impractical due to the Town of Paradise’s topography.

Recommendations 10

R1

Develop and implement an outreach program to raise awareness of Adult Protective Services in order to educate the public about programs.
R2

Hire additional public health nurses to evaluate and assist with APS and IHSS clients.
R3

Continue to investigate and assist in prosecuting IHSS fraud cases and seek ways to reduce recurrences of fraud.
R4

Hire additional social workers to better manage the caseload for the IHSS program.
R5

Work with social workers in Adult Services to equip them with whatever resources are available that they would need to insure their safety. 13
R6

Due to increased incarceration time, expand medical and dental care to cover the longer-term needs of inmates.
R7

Look for evidence-based methods of dealing with mental health disorders and formulate a plan for implementation at the County Jail.
R8

Conduct an anonymous survey of the correctional deputies for any possible concerns. Formulate a plan to address any issues and provide feedback to the deputies.
R9

Recruit additional female correctional deputies.
R10

Better communicate details and updates about the security system upgrade to the staff.

Conclusions 2

CL1

The Grand Jury did not detect any material accounting exceptions noted in the Independent Auditor’s report that had not been appropriately responded to by the county. 3 [This page intentionally left blank] 4 2012–2013 BUTTE COUNTY GRAND JURY BUTTE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES SUMMARY The 2012-13 Grand Jury reviewed the operations of the Butte County Department of Child Support Services (LCSA). For clarity in reading, this report refers to the Butte County Department of Child Support Services as LCSA and the California Department of Child Support Services as DCSS. This department receives state and federal funding to perform its duties of enhancing the well-being of children and the self- sufficiency of families. Though it administers state policy, it is staffed and operated by Butte County.
CL2

The Grand Jury was interested in learning about the management and stewardship of Butte County water. Our conclusion is that the Butte County water districts, agencies and county departments that we reviewed are doing an efficient job managing water distribution. There are future potential problems in water supply that need to be brought to the attention of the county’s residents. Lack of storage capacity, the decline of the Tuscan Aquifer elevation and increased demand from out-of-county interests may jeopardize our water resources. 99 Protecting our historical Area of Origin water rights is critical to preserve our quality of life in Butte County. Counties in the north state need to maintain close communication and cooperation to protect our water rights. Our elected officials need to keep the citizens apprised of any impending legislation that would jeopardize Butte County water. The print media and various conservation groups are to be commended for bringing water issues to the public’s attention. The public needs to become informed on water developments and be willing to express themselves publicly to protect our Area of Origin water rights.