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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.

Tulare County Grand Jury • 2015-2016

Tulare County Grand Jury Report 2015-2016 R3. Teleconferences and/or webinars should be utilized whenever available

69 pages
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Findings 18 findings

F1
The Grand Jury determined the combining of the office of city manager and police chief positions critically weakened the checks-and-balances with regards to personnel issues. This eliminated the division of authority to more than one person and position.
F2
A number of costly employee settlements resulted from the aforementioned combination of these two positions.
F3
The Grand Jury determined that the lack of meaningful evidence made allegations of Brown Act violations difficult to substantiate.
F4
Some City council members were involved in discussions over union issues at private residences and outside the parameters of established procedures.
F5
The cost of the employee settlements contributed to the city’s poor financial condition and the necessity to impose employee furloughs.
F6
A resigned board member had not been replaced at time of this report.
F7
An off-site staff development meeting cost in excess of $4,000.
F8
The Bond/Citizen’s Oversight Committee meets approximately every other month.
F9
Most of the applications are lengthy and somewhat complicated, but county employees assist with completing the forms, if necessary. FINDINGS: F1. The Tulare County Grand Jury found Cal-Works employees to be helpful and knowledgeable about the resources that are available to homeless individuals in Tulare County. F2. Individuals who are not mentally ill or chemically dependent, and without children, are not eligible for any available housing programs.
F10
Two mobile chicken coops were designed and built for the TCSO. They provide approximately one thousand eggs per day. This accounts for half of the eggs consumed by the inmates.
F11
The initial savings in the cost of eggs was $1,530 per week. Annual savings is estimated at $53,000.
F12
The TCSO is in the process of acquiring two additional mobile chicken coops.
F13
All beef and pork consumed by the inmates is completely produced by the TCSO farming program. About 4,000 lbs. of hanging meat (beef and/or pork) is provided weekly.
F14
By not purchasing outside-sourced beef and pork, there is an approximate $320,000 annual savings.
F15
Approximately 120,000 pounds per year of tomatoes, bell peppers, squash, eggplant, okra, sweet corn, potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, onions, cabbage, Fresno chilies, Jalapenos, watermelon, and cantaloupe are grown by the farming program. This results in significant annual cost savings.
F16
Excess fruits and vegetables are traded to packing houses and gleaning organizations for other produce not grown by the TCSO farming program.
F17
The farming program also has benefits by teaching agricultural and pastoral trades to inmates. Some of the County’s programs provide competency certificates to participating inmates.
F18
The TCSO operates six (6) inmate work crews. There are two (2) litter removal crews, one (1) tire abatement crew, one (1) gleaning crew, one (1) garden and farming crew and one (1) beef and hog crew. FINDINGS: F1. The detention facilities within Tulare County appear to be adequately maintained. F2. The farming program is innovative and is a significant cost-savings measure. F3. To realize greater self-sufficiency and provide greater cost savings, the TCSO is proposing to acquire two more mobile chicken coops. This would essentially double the savings in egg supply costs. F4. The detention facility beef and pork production has multiple advantages, especially in cost savings and providing work experience for inmates. F5. The farming program training for agricultural and pastoral trades to inmates provide valuable skills and, in some cases, certificates to increase the chance of employment of inmates after release. Stable jobs aide in decreasing recidivism.

Recommendations 5