Orange County Grand Jury
• 2025-2026
A Breach of Public Trust in Orange County Buried in the Fine Print: How the Board of
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⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 5 findings
F1
On June 24, 2025, the Orange County Board of Supervisors (“Board”) approved an ordinance granting themselves salary increases with minimal public notice and limited discussion, embedding the language deep within the details of an otherwise complex annual budget.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
By March 31, 2026, the Board should rescind the ordinance No. 25-012 or parts thereof, which authorized the most recent salary increase, or take other appropriate steps to rescind the salary increase with the intent to restore institutional trust and demonstrate a genuine commitment to transparency and accountability. [F3]
F2
The County of Orange lacks a formal established, independent review process for evaluating or recommending changes to the Board of Supervisors’ compensation.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
By March 31, 2026, the Board of Supervisors should implement one of the following accountability measures: • Request an Independent Compensation Review in accordance with California Penal Code §927, immediately petitioning the Orange County Grand Jury to conduct an impartial review of Board compensation. This would provide a credible, third-party assessment and help restore public confidence. • Schedule a Voter Oversight Referendum consistent with Proposition 12 (California, 1970), California Constitution Article XI, Section 1(b), and Orange County Charter Section 201 for public review and approval. [F3]
F3
One Supervisor voted “no” on the Salary Increase. Two other Supervisors pledged to donate their salary increases to charity in response to public outcry. The Board has not reversed or reconsidered the decision to increase their salaries.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
By March 31, 2026, the Board should establish a new County ordinance that clearly defines the procedures for proposing, reviewing, and approving future salary adjustments for Board members. This framework should include public hearings and documentation requirements to ensure accountability. [F1, F2] -2026
F4
The ongoing lack of transparency and apparent self-enrichment among Board members have deeply disappointed many Orange County residents and county employees.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
By March 31, 2026, the Board should align its salary deliberations with the County’s annual budget process, including a public review period. This timeline allows for early and sustained community engagement, ensuring that compensation decisions are made in full view of the public. [F4]
F5
The Grand Jury’s investigation was impeded by repeated meeting postponements, the invocation of attorney-client privilege, and a lack of cooperation from some executive and support staff, who were unable or unwilling to recall key events. of 37
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
By March 31, 2026, the Board should require by ordinance that any future salary adjustments for Board members be accompanied by a clear and accessible public notice which outlines the referendum process and provides a minimum 90-day window for public challenge, in accordance Orange County Charter Section 201. [F1, F2]
No Responses Found 1
Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.
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