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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.
⚠️ 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 4 findings
F1
Page 35
Nepotism is an ongoing issue within the county. The appearance of nepotism is as harmful as the actual fact itself.
F2
Page 35
People are hired to fill vacant positions that do not meet the County‘s job qualifications as described in the Plumas County Job description’s qualifications. The results are poor performance and employee problems.
F3
Page 35
Department managers do not follow proper procedures for disciplinary and termination action resulting in wrongful termination claims and issues involving the employee’s union. These actions are very costly and should be avoided. The training provided to department managers in the appropriate ways to handle employees with stress leave, disciplinary action, and termination procedures is inadequate.
F4
Page 37
The previous Grand Jury expressed the belief that some of the project expenditures did not meet the MSA’s stated goals. Further investigation reveals that these project expenditures were approved by the WF. However, it is unclear how the programs specified in the MSA were served by the expenditure of $115,000 for "budget expenditures" and $452,000 to "repay the general fund for loans to PCFC for expenditures that had accumulated for several years ". These expenditures are being reviewed by DWR.
Recommendations 8
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R1Page 34In the County of Plumas, California Management Report For The Year Ending June 30, 2004 the Independent Auditor has made recommendations to correct the five (5) conditions mentioned. These recommendations are clear and specific and need to be put in place as soon as possible. It is to be noted that at the time of the presentation of the Independent Auditor’s report the Auditor/Controller had already implemented the Cash with Fiscal Agent condition and partially implemented the Transportation System Accounting. The Auditor/Controller will raise the Workers Compensation rates to ensure adequate reserves. That will leave the Depreciation on Transit Buses and Classification of Solid Waste Planning and Operation to be implemented. It is important the Board of Supervisors monitor these items to ensure their completion.
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R2Page 34The establishment of an Audit Committee is an acceptable and widely used tool in other counties to aid in the process of monitoring county operations. The Grand Jury recommends that The Board of Supervisors seek to establish such a committee. The members should include at least two (2) members of the Board of Supervisors, two (2) members of the Grand Jury, and the Auditor/controller.
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R3Page 34The Auditor/Controller has been instrumental in preparing the budget in years past and at the time of this report is the most knowledgeable person in the process. The Auditor/Controller must cross-train his staff and any other persons (in the county with a need to know) in the process of the budget preparation to ensure continuity in this process under all circumstances. PLUMAS COUNTY HUMAN RESOURCES Function 31 Human Resources administers implementation of The Personnel Rules of Plumas County. The purpose of these rules is to provide a consistent, equitable, and efficient program of personnel administration. It has come to the attention of the Grand Jury that the problem with the lack of interaction of the Human Resources Department is common in many other departments. A well run and efficient Human Resources Department is the key to the success of all other county functions.
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R4Page 34That the PCFC states clearly how the funds received under the MSA were spent and how much of those funds have not yet been spent.
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R5Page 34That the PCFC keep the public informed of the status of the EIR and legal challenges to the MSA. COMPLAINT SUMMARY COMPLAINT #04/05-01 Nature of Complaint This is a continuation of last year’s Grand Jury Complaint #03/04-03 alleging widespread and gross misconduct within County Offices. Response The issues of this complaint were discussed by the Law and Justice Committee and the complainant was advised by letter to take the complaint to the California Attorney General’s Office. COMPLAINT #04/05-02 Nature of Complaint This complaint was a continuation of several complaints previously filed with previous Grand Juries against a Plumas County employee. Response 34 This complaint was referred to the District Attorney and County Counsel offices. COMPLAINT #04/05-03 Nature of Complaint This was a continuation of complaint 03/04-09 alleging wrongful and retaliatory termination of employment at Plumas District Hospital (PDH). Response As this complaint had been investigated by the Health, Education, and Welfare Committee of the Grand Jury last year, and deemed a labor dispute, it was not investigated further as it did not fall under Grand Jury jurisdiction. The complainant was notified by letter. COMPLAINT #04/05-04 Nature of Complaint Complaint delineated a list of problems arising from a private civil matter. Response The Grand Jury declined to pursue investigation, indicating to the complainant by letter that this was a private civil matter and could possibly be resolved by legal counsel. COMPLAINT #04/05-05 Nature of Complaint The complaint lodged was of a possible criminal nature involving the destruction of property. Response The complaint was referred to the District Attorney and after his review it was determined that the statue of limitation has expired. COMPLAINT #04/05-06 Nature of Complaint The complainant accused a Sheriff Deputy of not acknowledging monies he had supposedly received. Response The complainant was informed by letter that this was not considered a matter for the Grand Jury. COMPLAINT #04/05-07 Nature of Complaint Complaint was submitted regarding an issue the complainant had with Plumas County several years ago. Response After reviewing the history of the incident the Grand Jury felt that this was not an item for Grand Jury investigation and the complainant was informed by letter of this action. COMPLAINT #04/05-08 Nature of Complaint This complaint stated that no action had been pursued by Plumas County Officials on a previous criminal conviction. Response The complaint was referred to the County District Attorney. COMPLAINT #04/05-09 Nature of Complaint Alleged improper actions that were taken by the Indian Valley Fire Chief, while at a Greenville Park the summer of 2004. Response Complaint was reviewed by the Grand Jury, but not investigated. A letter was written to the complainant stating that all district fire departments would be notified to use caution when exhibiting equipment. COMPLAINT #04/05-10 Nature of Complaint Complainant charged that the Portola City Council is remiss in dealing with the citizens of the City of Portola and is out of compliance with the Portola Municipal Code. Response The Grand Jury reviewed the complaint, but action will not be taken this year. This item will be referred to the 2005-2006 Grand Jury. COMPLAINT #04/05-11 Nature of Complaint Complaint was made against actions by the Plumas County Planning Department. Response The Grand Jury reviewed the complaint, but action will not be taken this year. This item will be referred to the 2005-2006 Grand Jury. COMPLAINT #04/05-12 Nature of Complaint 36 The complainant brought a situation to the Grand Jury’s attention regarding a card lock transaction. Response This matter was unfounded and resolved. COMPLAINT #04/05-13 Nature of Complaint A complaint was received by a parent whose child attends elementary school within the Plumas Unified School District. The complaint alleged mistreatment of the child by a teacher and was supported by letters received by the Grand Jury through the District Attorney. The complaint also alleged a lack of response from the school district administration. Response An Accusation Hearing was conducted by the District Attorney. The Grand Jury heard testimony from several witnesses and complainants. The Grand Jury deliberated after the hearing and concluded that there was reasonable cause for the District Attorney to bring an accusation against the school district administration. This matter is now in the hands of the District Attorney. COMPLAINT #04/05-14 Nature of Complaint This complaint involves the alleged mistreatment and harassment of family members over a number of years by the Plumas County Sheriff’s Department. Response The Grand Jury will review the complaint, but action will not be taken this year. This item will be referred to the 2005-2006 Grand Jury. COMPLAINT #04/05-15 Nature of Complaint The complaint stated problems that had occurred because of lack of following zoning ordinances by his neighbors. Response No action will be taken this year and the complaint will be referred to the 2005/2006 Grand Jury. Plumas County Grand Jury Investigation History DEPARTMENT/ 2001- 2002- 2003- 2004- AGENCY/PROGRAM Earlier Years 2002 2003 2004 2005 Administrative/CAO 95-96 X Assessor 95-96, 98-99 Auditor/Controller X X Board of Supervisors X X inc Clerk/Recorder X inc Chamber of Commerce Information Technology 99-00 Fair X Farm Advisor Law Library 99-00 X Library 98-99 Literacy Program 98-99 Museum 98-99 Human Resources 99-00 X X Treasurer/Tax Collector 98-99 Alcohol and Drug 95-96 X inc X Senior Services District Attorney – Family Support Division 97-98 Mental Health 95-96, 99-00 X Plumas County Public Health Agency X Public Administrator Public 99-00 Guardian/Conservator Sierra House 99-00 Social Services 95-96 Veteran’s Services 95-96 Animal Control 95-96 X X County Counsel District Attorney 98-99 Fish and Game Commission Jail 98-99 X X X X Victim Witness Office of Emergency Services Probation 98-99 X X Juvenile Hall X 38
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R97-98Mental Health 95-96, 99-00
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R98-99Fish and Game Commission
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R99-00X X Treasurer/Tax Collector
Conclusions 1
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CL1In the course of our investigation, this Grand Jury became informed of numerous allegations of impropriety by staff members. The Grand Jury has worked diligently to not only verify each allegation, but also attempted to categorize them in an effort to keep our focus on the Department as a whole, not on an individual mistake. Put succinctly, we feel many of this department’s problems are heightened by (if not a result of) interpersonal relationship conflicts. There were several seemingly improper actions by staff members that the Grand Jury felt were a result of the antagonism that is so pervasive throughout the Department. The Grand Jury’s findings were focused on the core issues and not the small details. The Grand Jury did its best to focus on areas that may help to make this department more productive. It is the Grand Jury’s hope that with consistent management and increased oversight, this department will again be one upon which our citizens may rely. 16 PLUMAS COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT Function The Plumas County Mental Health Department (MHD) is an outpatient service providing a full range of outpatient, case management and socialization services. More intensive services such as acute hospitalization, long-term intensive residential and state hospital services are provided by contracting with the appropriate agencies in question. The services includes: emergency assessments, outpatient services, inpatient services, case management, day treatment programs, medication support and therapeutic behavioral services. The MHD is the managed care provider for all MediCal mental health services in the county.
Commendations 4
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CM1The main electrical breakers are now secured with fencing and locks. However, not only does the chain link structure need to be enlarged to adhere to PG & E's equipment clearance guidelines, but also the roof of the chain link structure has collapsed under the weight of snow requiring the need to redesign the structure as a whole.
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CM2Negotiations with the Public Works Department are underway for installation of food slots in the maximum security cell doors.
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CM3A full-time employee of the Facility Services Department is now assigned, specifically, to maintain the Jail. PLUMAS COUNTY ALCOHOL AND DRUG DEPARTMENT Function The mission of the Plumas County Alcohol and Drug Department (A&D) is to improve the quality of life in the County through lowering the impact and incidence of alcohol and other drugs of abuse. The State requires five (5) primary divisions of the A&D Department. • The Prevention Program includes educational youth programs such as Friday Night Live. • The Drug Courts include an adult division that entails such services as drug testing and counseling. • The Treatment Services include outpatient and residential services. • The Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Program is a drunk driving school. • The Perinatal Program helps pregnant women, women with children and their families with recovery from substance abuse. The A&D Department is funded by State and Federal dollars as well as funds from legal fines and client payments for certain services. Therefore, it is imperative for the A&D Department to collaborate with many other County departments including the Mental Health Department and the District Attorney’s Office. The State and Federal funds are closely monitored by State and Federal agencies. Client fees are set by the Plumas County Board of Supervisors.
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CM4In spite of the problems facing the fire departments, there is a good esprit de corps among the fire fighters. They willingly assist other departments and agencies and respond to emergencies without regard to funding and the quality of their equipment. 25 PLUMAS COUNTY FACILITIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT Function The Facilities Services Department (FSD) is charged with providing and maintaining acceptable environments in which all county employees are able to comfortably carry out their individual duties. The FSD maintains over thirty (30) facilities and real properties owned and/or operated by the county.