Butte County Grand Jury Report Artist: Mailynn Tran, Pleasant Valley High School

Conclusions 4

• CL1
  The independent auditor found the county’s financial report was in compliance with Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards. The independent auditor recommended that the auditor-controller implement a review process to ensure that the required annual redeterminations for the Medi-Cal Assistance Program are conducted. That recommendation has been implemented.
• CL2
  Officials of Butte County are elected by voters to represent their constituents. Residents deserve representation that addresses basic services including emergency medical response, law enforcement and fire protection. The Board of Supervisors has had adequate notice and information to calculate the eventual depletion of reserves to meet the increasing costs of basic fire protection. The Board of Supervisors is fully aware of the CAL FIRE expiration date that is rapidly approaching. After chronologically reviewing the process, the Grand Jury concludes the Board of Supervisors has failed to adopt an adequate fire restructuring plan in a timely manner. Residents of Butte County will be faced with Fire Services Restructure Plan 65 Butte County Grand Jury 2016-2017 financial hardships and inadequate basic services if the Board of Supervisors fails to promptly execute their civic responsibility.
• CL3
  The TOP is cognizant of the significant challenges it faces with respect to aging and deficient infrastructure. Management is transparent in its efforts to be fiscally responsible. They recognize that Measure C is a temporary fix and are to be commended for being proactive in planning for when it expires. The purchase of modern equipment, supplies and vehicles for many of the departments, made possible by Measure C, has improved efficiency and morale. However, a long- range plan to provide for the infrastructure needs should be a top priority for TOP. Town of Paradise 108
• CL4
  Butte County Grand Jury 2016-2017 R4. The TOP should hire another mechanic or shop assistant for fleet maintenance by FY 2017-2018. R5. The TOP should consider facility improvements to the fleet maintenance shop, possibly a canopy to provide protection from the elements when repairing vehicles or equipment in the shop driveway. This should be completed by FY 2018-2019. RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code section 933.05, following response is required:  The Town of Paradise Town Council respond to R1 within 60 days.  The Town of Paradise Manager respond to F1, F2, F3, F4, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 within 90 days. The Grand Jury invites the following response:  Director of Public Works/Engineering is invited to respond to R3, R4 and R5 within 90 days. 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. Town of Paradise 110 Butte County Grand Jury 2016-2017 [This page left blank intentionally] 111 Butte County Grand Jury 2016-2017 Artist: Elizabeth Oppy, Chico High School 112 Butte County Grand Jury 2016-2017 [This page left blank intentionally] 113 Butte County Grand Jury 2016-2017 THERMALITO UNION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT SUMMARY A significant portion of taxpayer dollars are allocated to our public school systems. With that in mind, the Grand Jury decided to examine a local district—Thermalito Union Elementary School District (TUESD). TUESD serves mainly low-income students, many learning English as their second language. What the Grand Jury found were professionals, paraprofessionals, and other staff and community members committed to providing the very best educational experience to their students.