Score: -6
(6/0/12)
Humboldt County Grand Jury
• 2017-2018
Humboldt County’s Future, “Scene” Through the Looking Glass
⚠️ 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 10 findings
F1
We found the majority of county employees to be hardworking, dedicated, and committed to public service.
No recommendations for this finding
F2
The Board of Supervisors has not yet communicated and implemented a clear and viable vision for the county, nor have they developed a strategic plan supporting such a vision.
Related Recommendations (3)
R3
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that during the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors Strategic Workshop in May 2018, a Vision of Humboldt County from the present through the year 2030 be created. (F2, F10)
R4
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that this Vision of Humboldt County be shared with county and city governments, and county citizens during the first quarter of fiscal year 2018-2019. (F2, F10)
R5
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors develop a comprehensive strategic framework document which identifies the type of planning to be completed in support of the 2030 vision statement. This strategic framework document should be completed by December 31, 2018. (F2, F7, F10)
F3
Humboldt County leadership seems unfamiliar with the value of creating and implementing a Continuous Improvement Program.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors initiate a continuous improvement program setting annual goals for savings each year which can offset losses in other areas. This program should be fully implemented by December 31, 2018. (F3)
F4
A silo mentality pervades many Humboldt County government entities (such as departments, programs, special districts, etc.) and their functions.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors (BOS) develop and implement an alternative county administration system, with an executive officer supervising all non-elected county department heads, departments, and county employees in order to maximize governmental efficiencies and interdepartmental communication, as well as minimize duplication of effort. This should position the BOS to be free from routine business matters, thus providing ample time to focus on strategies to improve the quality of life for Humboldt County citizens. This change should occur with the beginning of fiscal year 2019-2020. (F4, F5, F6) 11
R2
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors task county government with performing a study on county work functions to determine which ones can be merged, how to increase collaboration, and how to reduce silos where warranted. This study should be completed and presented to the Board of Supervisors by December 31, 2018. (F4, F5, F6)
F5
Citizens often are frustrated by a lack of interdepartmental communication when attempting to access services.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors (BOS) develop and implement an alternative county administration system, with an executive officer supervising all non-elected county department heads, departments, and county employees in order to maximize governmental efficiencies and interdepartmental communication, as well as minimize duplication of effort. This should position the BOS to be free from routine business matters, thus providing ample time to focus on strategies to improve the quality of life for Humboldt County citizens. This change should occur with the beginning of fiscal year 2019-2020. (F4, F5, F6) 11
R2
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors task county government with performing a study on county work functions to determine which ones can be merged, how to increase collaboration, and how to reduce silos where warranted. This study should be completed and presented to the Board of Supervisors by December 31, 2018. (F4, F5, F6)
F6
Duplication of many county services is confusing and wasteful.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors (BOS) develop and implement an alternative county administration system, with an executive officer supervising all non-elected county department heads, departments, and county employees in order to maximize governmental efficiencies and interdepartmental communication, as well as minimize duplication of effort. This should position the BOS to be free from routine business matters, thus providing ample time to focus on strategies to improve the quality of life for Humboldt County citizens. This change should occur with the beginning of fiscal year 2019-2020. (F4, F5, F6) 11
R2
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors task county government with performing a study on county work functions to determine which ones can be merged, how to increase collaboration, and how to reduce silos where warranted. This study should be completed and presented to the Board of Supervisors by December 31, 2018. (F4, F5, F6)
F7
Although county services in rural areas are improving, they remain inadequate to sufficiently meet the needs of rural residents.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors develop a comprehensive strategic framework document which identifies the type of planning to be completed in support of the 2030 vision statement. This strategic framework document should be completed by December 31, 2018. (F2, F7, F10)
F8
Loss of Measure Z funding would be disastrous to rural communities.
Related Recommendations (1)
R8
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors promote and advertise all accomplishments of Measure Z including positions funded by the measure. This statement to the citizens of Humboldt County should be made public no later than October 31, 2018. (F8)
F9
For many county residents, lack of affordable housing is a root cause of a declining quality of life.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors take immediate action to address both the short and long term housing shortage facing the county, which must include strategies beyond the current Affordable Housing Trust Fund and Housing First models. Such strategies might include modifying the General Plan to allow for additional housing starts and alternative housing options, and reducing building fees to encourage development. (F9)
F10
Humboldt County leadership decisions in the past often maintained the status quo rather than offering creative solutions for the future.
Related Recommendations (3)
R3
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that during the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors Strategic Workshop in May 2018, a Vision of Humboldt County from the present through the year 2030 be created. (F2, F10)
R4
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that this Vision of Humboldt County be shared with county and city governments, and county citizens during the first quarter of fiscal year 2018-2019. (F2, F10)
R5
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors develop a comprehensive strategic framework document which identifies the type of planning to be completed in support of the 2030 vision statement. This strategic framework document should be completed by December 31, 2018. (F2, F7, F10)
Agency Responses 1
Government agencies' official responses to this report's findings and recommendations. Click on a response to see the structured breakdown.
No Responses Found 1
Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.
Humboldt County Board of Supervisors
Elected County Office