📋
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.
Sierra County Grand Jury
• 2010-2011
Downieville Fire Protection District
⚠️ 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 9 findings
F1
Page 18
The DFPD has been unable to manage and maintain accepted principles ofaccounting and financial records since approximately 2007. The person responsible for these administrative duties, namely, the Fire Chief, not only failed to carry through on these duties, but also failed to advise or inform the DFPD Fire Commissioners that they had not been done.
F2
Page 18
During the period 2007 through 2010, the DFPD Fire Commissioners failed to exercise the oversight which could have prevented the financial and insurance problems previously noted.
F3
Page 18
The financial problems noted previously were the result of: a) too broad ofa range of financial duties and responsibilities assigned to the Fire Chief; b) lack ofcommunication from the Fire Chiefto the Fire Commissioners; and c) lack ofreview by the Fire Commissioners.
F4
Page 18
The DFPD Fire Commissioners and the Fire Chiefshould have known that Worker's Compensation Insurance or a Certificate of Self Insurance was mandatory under State labor laws, yet neither took steps to secure the insurance, thus risking costly penalties.
F5
Page 18
All who have volunteered within the Downieville Fire Department including firefighters, EMT's, and ambulance drivers were at risk ofbecoming personally responsible for all of their medical expenses if they suffered an injury while on duty during the time period that the DFPD had no Worker's Compensation Insurance.
F6
Page 18
All who volunteered to fight the Pearl Street residence fire last July were similarly at risk because ofthe lack of Worker's Compensation Insurance.
F7
Page 18
The incident commander at the Pearl Street fire exercised poor judgment in letting cadets fight the fire.
F8
Page 18
The DFPD has lost opportunities for grants because ofthe lack of up-to-date financial statements.
F9
Page 18
Since January 2011, the current Fire Commissioners have begun to take charge oftheir responsibilities. Page: DFPD - 5 -2011 FINAL REPORT
Recommendations 10
-
R1Page 14The Fire Commissioners must make it clear that the governing body of the DFPD is the Board ofFire Commissioners, and that the Fire Commissioners have the final say in all issues ofthe Fire District..
-
R2Page 14The Fire Commissioners must make it clear to the Fire Chiefthat he reports to the Fire Commissioners and that he serves at the "will and pleasure of the District Board" (Fire Commissioners).
-
R3Page 14The DFPD Fire Commissioners should review and, if necessary, rewrite detailed job descriptions for the Fire Chief, a bookkeeper, office help, and any other DFPD paid staff, clarifying standards for organization, management and accounting.
-
R4Page 14The DFPD Fire Commissioners should review their Bylaws and amend them, as necessary, to reflect the actual policies and practices ofthe DFPD.
-
R5Page 14The DFPD Fire Commissioners should schedule a periodic review of administration, management, accounting, inventory, and chain of command functions within the DFPD (monthly for the remainder of2011, and thereafter, at least quarterly).
-
R6Page 14The DFPD Fire Commissioners should hire a Bookkeeper to maintain and keep current all financial matters ofthe DFPD.
-
R7Page 14The DFPD Fire Commissioners should be responsible for scheduling annual audits by an independent auditor. Upon completion the audit report must be submitted to the Sierra County Auditor.
-
R8Page 14The DFPD Fire Commissioners should enroll the District in the "BIT" Program (Biennial Inspection ofTerminals) as required by the California Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1988, which is conducted by the California Highway Patrol.
-
R9Page 14Fire Commissioners need training and education. The District should consider joining the Professional Association ofFire Protection Districts.
-
R10Page 14Policies and Procedures regarding Cadets must be evaluated, revised and followed at all times. It must specify the limits ofa Cadet's participation at a fire or rescue scene. Page: DFPD - 6 -2011 FINAL REPORT