Contra Costa County Grand Jury
• 2009-2010
First 5 Commission Can We Count on Accountability and Oversight?
⚠️ 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 11 findings
F1
The First 5 Commission of Contra Costa County is an independent, stand alone, decision- making agency, fully State funded and established by County ordinance. The Commission is neither a County department nor a Special District.
No recommendations for this finding
F2
The Commission's funds are received from the State and disbursed through the County Treasurer's office.
No recommendations for this finding
F3
The Commission's Sustainability and Special Reserve Funds are invested under the management of the County Treasurer.
No recommendations for this finding
F4
The Commission's payroll is processed by the County and employees participate in the County's health and retirement benefit programs.
No recommendations for this finding
F5
Grand Jury research revealed that, unlike First 5 Contra Costa, more than half of the First 5 Commissions in California operate as units of county government.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
The Board of Supervisors shall pursue inclusion of the First 5 Commission as a unit of County government.
F6
The Commission utilizes multiple contracts to meet its goals. Some of these contracts are awarded as a result of a Request for Proposal (RFP) process. An examination of the RFP documents and procedures revealed the process to be efficient and effective.
No recommendations for this finding
F7
Since Commissioners who have a financial interest in a contract are allowed to be present during the discussion and vote on the contract, there is potential for improper or undue influence of Commissioners.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
The Board of Supervisors shall appoint commissioners not affiliated with agencies most likely to be awarded significant funding, thereby minimizing perceptions of impropriety.
R2
First 5 Commissioners having financial interests in contracts before the Board of Commissioners shall recuse and physically remove themselves from meetings while the contracts are being considered.
F8
The Commission’s Executive Committee meets monthly with the Executive Director. It is comprised of four members, two of whom are employed by agencies that receive significant funds from First 5 Contra Costa.
No recommendations for this finding
F9
The Grand Jury investigation revealed that neither employees nor management clearly understand the First 5 Commission’s policies and procedures related to employee complaints and grievances as well as other provisions specified in the Employee Handbook.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
First 5 Commission shall provide annual training to all employees on Employee Handbook procedures and provisions.
F10
The Grand Jury investigation revealed that neither employees nor management receive regular, appropriate training regarding best or preferred employment practices.
No recommendations for this finding
F11
There is no requirement that the First 5 Commission change auditors from time to time. However to enhance accountability it is prudent that the audit firm be changed periodically. First 5 has engaged the same independent auditor for more than five years. CONCLUSIONS The Grand Jury commends the First 5 Commission for the beneficial work it has done to provide essential services to children and the families of children from pre-natal to age five. The Grand Jury concludes the Commission would greatly benefit from closer County oversight and regular employee training. By following the Grand Jury’s recommendations, the Commission can engender even greater confidence in its role in the community.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
First 5 Commission shall select a new independent auditor through a competitive bid process.
Conclusions 1
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CL1 Page 5The Grand Jury commends the First 5 Commission for the beneficial work it has done to provide essential services to children and the families of children from pre-natal to age five. The Grand Jury concludes the Commission would greatly benefit from closer County oversight and regular employee training. By following the Grand Jury’s recommendations, the Commission can engender even greater confidence in its role in the community.
No Responses Found 2
Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.
Contra Costa County
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Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors
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