Humboldt County Grand Jury
• 2023-2024
Humboldt County Facilities: Owning vs. Leasing Released May 29, 2024
⚠️ 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 and Recommendations 6 findings
F1
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that:
County of Humboldt facilities in Eureka are widely dispersed, with some departments occupying multiple buildings in multiple locations. This dispersion can result in less efficient county operations. (R1)
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
By no later than March 31, 2025, the County of Humboldt update the Facilities Master Plan to incorporate achievable implementation goals. (F1, F2, F3, F5)
R3
As funding becomes available, the County of Humboldt continue to accelerate their pursuit of consolidation by purchasing rather than leasing facilities. (F4, F5) Funding Recommendation: The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors fund the expenses listed in R2 with existing appropriations in the current fiscal year. If current appropriations are not sufficient, the Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors, at its next earliest opportunity, pursue additional funding from an appropriate agency, including state or federal agencies. RESPONSES Pursuant to California Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, each entity or individual named below must respond to the enumerated Findings and Recommendations within specific statutory guidelines. Responses to Findings shall be either: ● The respondent agrees with the finding; or ● The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. Responses to Recommendations shall be one of the following: ● The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action; or ● The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a time frame for implementation; or ● The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a time frame for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency where applicable. This time frame shall not exceed six months from the date of the publication of the Grand Jury report; or ● The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. REQUIRED RESPONSE WITHIN 90 DAYS The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors (All findings, all recommendations) INVITED RESPONSES The Grand Jury also invites the following entities or individuals to respond. Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services (F1, F2, F4) Humboldt County Public Works Department (F1, F2, F3, F4, F5) and (R1) Responses are to be sent to: The Honorable Judge Kelly L. Neel Humboldt County Superior Court 825 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code section 929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury.
F2
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that:
County of Humboldt facilities in Eureka are widely dispersed, with some departments occupying multiple buildings in multiple locations. This dispersion can result in unnecessarily increased difficulty for citizens who are conducting business with the county. (R1)
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
By no later than March 31, 2025, the County of Humboldt update the Facilities Master Plan to incorporate achievable implementation goals. (F1, F2, F3, F5)
R3
As funding becomes available, the County of Humboldt continue to accelerate their pursuit of consolidation by purchasing rather than leasing facilities. (F4, F5) Funding Recommendation: The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors fund the expenses listed in R2 with existing appropriations in the current fiscal year. If current appropriations are not sufficient, the Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors, at its next earliest opportunity, pursue additional funding from an appropriate agency, including state or federal agencies. RESPONSES Pursuant to California Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, each entity or individual named below must respond to the enumerated Findings and Recommendations within specific statutory guidelines. Responses to Findings shall be either: ● The respondent agrees with the finding; or ● The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. Responses to Recommendations shall be one of the following: ● The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action; or ● The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a time frame for implementation; or ● The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a time frame for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency where applicable. This time frame shall not exceed six months from the date of the publication of the Grand Jury report; or ● The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. REQUIRED RESPONSE WITHIN 90 DAYS The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors (All findings, all recommendations) INVITED RESPONSES The Grand Jury also invites the following entities or individuals to respond. Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services (F1, F2, F4) Humboldt County Public Works Department (F1, F2, F3, F4, F5) and (R1) Responses are to be sent to: The Honorable Judge Kelly L. Neel Humboldt County Superior Court 825 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code section 929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury.
F3
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that:
The County of Humboldt Facilities Master Plan from 2020 calls for consolidation of facilities throughout the County. However, the County has yet to meet most of these consolidation goals, which results in continued inefficient operations. (R1)
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
By no later than March 31, 2025, the County of Humboldt update the Facilities Master Plan to incorporate achievable implementation goals. (F1, F2, F3, F5)
R3
As funding becomes available, the County of Humboldt continue to accelerate their pursuit of consolidation by purchasing rather than leasing facilities. (F4, F5) Funding Recommendation: The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors fund the expenses listed in R2 with existing appropriations in the current fiscal year. If current appropriations are not sufficient, the Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors, at its next earliest opportunity, pursue additional funding from an appropriate agency, including state or federal agencies. RESPONSES Pursuant to California Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, each entity or individual named below must respond to the enumerated Findings and Recommendations within specific statutory guidelines. Responses to Findings shall be either: ● The respondent agrees with the finding; or ● The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. Responses to Recommendations shall be one of the following: ● The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action; or ● The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a time frame for implementation; or ● The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a time frame for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency where applicable. This time frame shall not exceed six months from the date of the publication of the Grand Jury report; or ● The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. REQUIRED RESPONSE WITHIN 90 DAYS The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors (All findings, all recommendations) INVITED RESPONSES The Grand Jury also invites the following entities or individuals to respond. Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services (F1, F2, F4) Humboldt County Public Works Department (F1, F2, F3, F4, F5) and (R1) Responses are to be sent to: The Honorable Judge Kelly L. Neel Humboldt County Superior Court 825 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code section 929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury.
F4
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that:
Leasing facilities in the long-term is more costly than owning them. Leasing results in additional unnecessary expenses for the County of Humboldt. (R2, R3)
Related Recommendations (2)
R2
By no later than July 1, 2025, the County of Humboldt evaluate funding alternatives, including but not limited to conducting a study into the practicality of floating a bond issue to fund future purchases. For funding recommendations see the wording below Recommendation #3. (F4, F5, F6)
R3
As funding becomes available, the County of Humboldt continue to accelerate their pursuit of consolidation by purchasing rather than leasing facilities. (F4, F5) Funding Recommendation: The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors fund the expenses listed in R2 with existing appropriations in the current fiscal year. If current appropriations are not sufficient, the Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors, at its next earliest opportunity, pursue additional funding from an appropriate agency, including state or federal agencies. RESPONSES Pursuant to California Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, each entity or individual named below must respond to the enumerated Findings and Recommendations within specific statutory guidelines. Responses to Findings shall be either: ● The respondent agrees with the finding; or ● The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. Responses to Recommendations shall be one of the following: ● The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action; or ● The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a time frame for implementation; or ● The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a time frame for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency where applicable. This time frame shall not exceed six months from the date of the publication of the Grand Jury report; or ● The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. REQUIRED RESPONSE WITHIN 90 DAYS The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors (All findings, all recommendations) INVITED RESPONSES The Grand Jury also invites the following entities or individuals to respond. Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services (F1, F2, F4) Humboldt County Public Works Department (F1, F2, F3, F4, F5) and (R1) Responses are to be sent to: The Honorable Judge Kelly L. Neel Humboldt County Superior Court 825 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code section 929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury.
F5
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that:
Consolidation using currently leased buildings is not a viable option. Until consolidation is achieved, operations will continue to be inefficient, and residents will continue to be inconvenienced. (R1)
Related Recommendations (3)
R1
By no later than March 31, 2025, the County of Humboldt update the Facilities Master Plan to incorporate achievable implementation goals. (F1, F2, F3, F5)
R2
By no later than July 1, 2025, the County of Humboldt evaluate funding alternatives, including but not limited to conducting a study into the practicality of floating a bond issue to fund future purchases. For funding recommendations see the wording below Recommendation #3. (F4, F5, F6)
R3
As funding becomes available, the County of Humboldt continue to accelerate their pursuit of consolidation by purchasing rather than leasing facilities. (F4, F5) Funding Recommendation: The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors fund the expenses listed in R2 with existing appropriations in the current fiscal year. If current appropriations are not sufficient, the Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors, at its next earliest opportunity, pursue additional funding from an appropriate agency, including state or federal agencies. RESPONSES Pursuant to California Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, each entity or individual named below must respond to the enumerated Findings and Recommendations within specific statutory guidelines. Responses to Findings shall be either: ● The respondent agrees with the finding; or ● The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. Responses to Recommendations shall be one of the following: ● The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action; or ● The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a time frame for implementation; or ● The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a time frame for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency where applicable. This time frame shall not exceed six months from the date of the publication of the Grand Jury report; or ● The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. REQUIRED RESPONSE WITHIN 90 DAYS The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors (All findings, all recommendations) INVITED RESPONSES The Grand Jury also invites the following entities or individuals to respond. Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services (F1, F2, F4) Humboldt County Public Works Department (F1, F2, F3, F4, F5) and (R1) Responses are to be sent to: The Honorable Judge Kelly L. Neel Humboldt County Superior Court 825 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code section 929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury.
F6
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that:
The current budget situation that the County finds itself in is one of limited resources. Without existing funding, the County would have to use other avenues such as bonds to acquire and/or develop property. (R2, R3)
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
By no later than July 1, 2025, the County of Humboldt evaluate funding alternatives, including but not limited to conducting a study into the practicality of floating a bond issue to fund future purchases. For funding recommendations see the wording below Recommendation #3. (F4, F5, F6)
Conclusions 2
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CL1 Page 4Citizens will be better served when the County of Humboldt physically consolidates or combines the offices of programs that are currently widely dispersed within the City of Eureka. It will ease obtaining services by residents and it will lead to operational efficiencies when program staff are co-located. Ownership of the buildings would become assets for the County. This would build equity and, in the long-term, reduce expenses. 6 https://humboldtgov.org/DocumentCenter/View/87532/Humboldt-Facilities-Master-Plan?bidId= page 6 7 Ibid, pages 12, 14, 16-19 8 Humboldt County DHHS – Behavioral Health Sempervirens & Crisis Stabilization Unit Preliminary Facility Planning 02/22/2024: https://humboldtgov.org/documentcenter/view/125791
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CL2 Page 5Consolidation will require the acquisition of new facilities. It would be more cost-effective if the County owned rather than leased these new buildings. Consolidation would enable the County to improve customer service. The County has a Facilities Master Plan that calls for consolidation and recognizes that ownership is preferable to leasing. To that end, the County is purchasing property near the Courthouse for future use. The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury believes that the County should accelerate enactment of their plan to consolidate operations into owned facilities. The clock is ticking; $500,000 is spent every month to lease buildings.
No Responses Found 2
Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.
County of Humboldt
Agency
Humboldt County Board of Supervisors
Elected County Office