Trinity County Grand Jury
2005-2006
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Findings & Recommendations
6 findings
F1:
(Duties): The Auditor works closely with the County Administrative Officer (CAO), County Clerk, Assessor and Tax Collector. He issues checks against the county treasury, processes claims, assesses benefits, administers payroll, maintains insurance coverage as the county's risk manager, periodically audits county entities both financially and for grant-compliance; keeps accounts and records of all county transactions.
F2:
(Is county expenditure on topical studies worthwhile?): Most such studies are part of grant-funded projects and therefore, in a sense, pay for themselves. Similarly, expenditures on grants writers and administrators are self- funding in that they are typically covered under the terms of each grant. Examples of such studies include our Classification and Compensation Study, comparing Trinity's pay scales with those of other county administrations; the Airport Study; and the General Plan Study, which insures the county against lawsuits and construction delays.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
Use grant funding to engage or internally train more professional grant writers and administrators.
F3:
(Volunteer Fire Departments): Under the Romero Bill (SB 1207) of 2002, the state, rather than the county, assumes regulatory responsibility and liability for the training and occupational safety requirements of Volunteer Fire Departments. The county, however, helps local Volunteer Fire Departments to pay Workman's Compensation Insurance. The Auditor's Office also provides accounting support to help volunteer firefighters meet the state's fiscal reporting and audit requirements for Special Districts.
F4:
(Veterans' Services): As per the recommendation of the 2004-2005 Grand Jury, the position of Veterans' Service Representative has been upgraded in the current fiscal year from part time to full time. A new Representative has been hired.
F5:
(Budgeting and Cash-flow): Apart from those departments that generate their own fee-based income, all other county departments are financed from the county's General Fund. Much of the county's expenditure is financed by the state. When the state is late in passing its own budget, the county has to keep running with a temporary budget that covers only ongoing operational expenses but excludes any major new outlays. Every year around November, the county faces a cash crunch prior to its receipt of bi-annual Property Tax revenues in December. Normally this gap is bridged with a Tax Revenue Anticipatory Note (TRAN), but last year the county was ineligible for this funding pool since its debt rating dropped below investment grade. Instead, the county had to take out a loan from a bank. Although the county now meets the "investment grade" criteria, it might take another year for its debt rating to be restored, which could necessitate one more bank loan in the upcoming year. The other bi-annual Property Tax inflow, at the end of April, signals the start of the county's budget preparation cycle. After the property taxes are in, the Auditor's Office makes its projections for the coming year. These numbers go to the individual departments for refinement and renegotiation until an overall budget can be agreed upon. Some of the departments, such as Behavioral Health, are mandated to balance revenues against expenditures. Others run on county funding without generating any revenues of their own. See the following pie charts for County Revenue and Expenditures for 2005-2006. Trinity County Expenditures FY 05-06 3%- 0%- 1%- 20% 13% ■ General Government ■ Public Protection ☐ Public Ways & Facilities Trinity County Revenues FY 05-06 1% 7% 10% ■ Taxes 1% 0% ■ Licenses, Permits and 1% Franchises ☐ Fines, Forfeitures & Penalties 23% ☐ Use of Money and Property
F6:
(Unpredictable timing of inter-departmental fee-for-service assessments): Much of the county's departmental spending is grant-funded. The state requires that these funds be allocated according to strictly prescribed Office of Management and Budget procedures. In this there is no flexibility. So when one department offers support services (such as legal, accounting, clerical or data processing) to another department of county government, those hours have to be aggregated in a time-study and then apportioned according to strict rules. Some of these hours are charged to the General Fund, which are passed through to the end-user department after a lapse of two years. Others are billed to particular funds and passed through after a one-year lapse. As a result, department heads may feel "blind-sided" as they are unsure just when expenses incurred in a given year will impact their budgets. But these accounting procedures are state-mandated and beyond the county's control.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6:
County Auditor should alert departments to any upcoming inter-departmental billings not posted in the same year as incurred. CONCLUSION: Considering the county's budgetary constraints and the resulting down-sizing, the Auditor's Office is doing a creditable job in dealing with a tremendous work load. RESPONSES REQUIRED: Entity
Findings & Recommendations
5 findings
F1:
(Unused land holdings): The county owns several unused parcels of land that, if sold, could generate income. The parcels range in value from $500 to nearly $500,000. One parcel could be worth as much as $2,500,000 after adequate access, easement, zoning, etc. Appraisals are now underway to assess the current worth of these parcels and their potential best value after re-zoning.
F2:
(Motor pool): The county has a number of vehicles, but most of them are old, with high mileage. The CAO doesn't enforce the use of these motor pool vehicles, as their reliability is questionable. He does require car pooling if there is a conference to be attended, thereby minimizing the number of private cars needed for the trip. Even though the motor pool vehicles are under-utilized, the county is still responsible for their insurance, registration, maintenance, etc. All county vehicles are now being re- evaluated; some will go to auction, some will be refurbished.
F3:
("Discretionary" versus "mandated" expenditure): Each department has mandated responsibilities, but they all have administrative discretion on how to allocate resources to meet their mandates.
F4:
(potential savings by out-sourcing services): The Board of Supervisors has directed each department to look for better ways to do things and save money. At the same time, we are also responsible to our employees as well as to the "bottom line" of county finances.
F5:
(Role-models): Mr. Layton and his staff have been looking at other counties as models. Some have really good systems, which he is trying to implement in our own County Plan. CONCLUSION: After only two and a half months working as Trinity County Administrative Officer, Mr. Layton seems well informed about Trinity County, its constituent departments and key administrators. RESPONSES REQUIRED: Finding
Findings & Recommendations
1 findings
F1:
Several questions were received by this jury regarding the procedures used by law enforcement when speaking with a student at Trinity High School. There appears to be confusion over the proper procedures, on the part of the students, the parents, and the general public.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
It is recommended that a member of the Probation Department speak annually at the Student Orientation sessions held at public, continuation and alternative schools so that the students understand their rights relating to the Probation Department. It should be explained how the department can approach the students and under what conditions. It should also be explained what are illegal and inappropriate behaviors. Much of this could be accomplished in the form of a brochure outlining this information to be included in the parent packet provided at the beginning of the school year. CONCLUSION: In light of the Budget restraints, Chief Probation Officer Terry Lee and his staff are to be commended on the care and compassion they give to the young people in their care. The clean, well managed facility they maintain is one the entire county can be proud of. RESPONSES REQUIRED: Recommendation Respond in
Findings & Recommendations
3 findings
F1:
The Dispatch Center is an asset to the facility and is an example of using grant funding to make a difference in county departments.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
No recommendation on this finding.
F2:
There are repairs which can be made to improve the general disrepair of the facilities. Help is needed to accomplish repairs on the facility.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
It is recommended that the General Services staff tour the facility and document repairs that can be made by them, and schedule those repairs at the earliest opportunity. General Services should look into the Trinity River Conservation Camp Work Program for use in general repairs to the facility. The cost is approximately $200.00 per day for a 17 man crew and supervisor.
F3:
Trinity County does not have the funds to build a much needed larger Detention facility. *
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
It is recommended that a Grant Writer be hired by the county to seek General Funds for a new facility. CONCLUSION: Considering the limits on funding, the overcrowding and disrepair of the jail, the Grand Jury feels that the jail staff is doing a satisfactory job; the few complaints received by the Grand Jury were minor, and quickly taken care of. The kitchen was exceptionally clean and organized.
Findings & Recommendations
1 findings
F1:
This camp is a well maintained minimum security facility, providing basic skill training for inmates in the last 24 months of their sentence. The training these men receive includes keeping the camp and their living accommodations neat and clean. They learn how to raise vegetables and flowers, prepare and serve meals, and run the fire-fighter mobile kitchen. They work in the auto-repair areas, keeping the machinery in well-maintained and working conditions. This includes working in the upholstery shop, the metal/wood shops, and the saw shop. (They also run a small mill where they cut and prepare lumber for sale of barter with other camps, for their products, throughout the state.) For community service the inmates use their spare time to design and build toys to be provided to Toys for Tots or local civic groups to be distributed to local children for Christmas. They also refurbish bicycles and tricycles for donation. They are available for work for any government agency, county, city, state of federal project. The crews work for a full day at a cost of $200.00. The fee covers the 17 workers, one supervisor and the necessary equipment.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
It is recommended that the County check into utilizing the crews to provide supplemental help in community projects, i.e., painting schools, fixing fences, etc., thereby saving the County funds that can then be applied to other much-needed projects. This is not only a cost savings to the county but also helps inmates learn job skills and work disciplines that may effectuate their eventual release as a productive citizen to their communities. It is also recommended that the Board of Supervisors write a letter of commendation to Trinity River Camp for its support and commitment to the communities of Trinity County. It is also suggested that members of the Board make a visit to the camp at their earliest opportunity. CONCLUSION: This was the first Grand Jury visit in a long while and it is felt the management is to be commended for its efficiency and training in helping the inmates become productive citizens.
Findings & Recommendations
2 findings
F1:
The complaints of 2005-2006 were reviewed with the complainant. This individual has not been in contact with the current office personnel. The complaints from the 2004-2005 report were reviewed. It was found that as much as can be, the items have been taken care of.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
Future complaints will be processed in the normal manner. •
F2:
The complaints about the manner in which funds in the CDBG program are applied, were unfounded.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
A more thorough explanation of the application process should be given to those who apply for loans and grants. CONCLUSION: The Trinity County Veteran Service Office is under new management and available to all county veterans. RESPONSES REQUIRED:
Additional Recommendations
1
Not linked to specific findings.
R11:
- 40 -37- .... - Recommendation #2: A more thorough explanation of the application should be given to those who apply for loans and grants. Response: Has been implemented. . .
Findings & Recommendations
6 findings
F1:
Most Volunteer Fire Departments are having trouble keeping personnel, mostly due to the Ramero Bill (SB 1207) of 2002 which requires many hours of training, the same training that paid Fire Fighter have to go through. The amount of hours required for training is more than most volunteers can afford to take time off work to attend.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
Band together with other Rural California Volunteer Fire Departments to revise the Ramero Bill, so that Volunteer Fire Departments are exempt from the same training that Paid Fire Departments have to under go.
F2:
Ramero Bill is to make everyone safe, Safety for Fire Fighters. Volunteers have to know what their training covers, and stay with in their training scope.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
Volunteers that are older and those who do not have the training to do jobs around the fire stations to free up the ones who have the training to respond to emergencies. For example, cleaning, yard work, inventory and office work. ٠.,
F3:
Since Hurricane "Trina" all the Fire Departments are working on Emergency Disaster plans. All agree communication is the biggest problem. Some satellite phones are in place in Trinity County, mostly in local community schools. Our mountainous terrain is the number one problem with reception.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
Find funding, grants etc for more satellite phones, and to place relay towers where needed to boost the reception of the phones.
F4:
A new 911 address system has been implemented in Trinity County. New residence numbers have been issued.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
Each community locates and record where people who are fragile, and would need assistance in case of an emergency and a plan to evacuate these people if needed. Encourage all residences to have their house number visible in case of an emergency.
F5:
Remote telephones will not work if the electricity is out.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5:
Each community should have a designated command center, the local school for example, where everyone can get information and instructions for evacuation if needed. ٠.,
F6:
If a disaster happened in Trinity County, because houses are sometime far apart, communities are miles apart, communication would be difficult. Response: I agree with this finding.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6:
Each Community should have a designated command center, the local school for example, where everyone can get information and instructions for evacuation if needed. Response: Requires further analysis. The County believes this recommendation would be best implemented by the individual communities with the assistance of the Fire Safe Council and County if requested. WEC:wt
Findings & Recommendations
6 findings
F1:
Funding critical programs remain a most important issue. (Recently, a grant was applied for but was denied.) Chief Smith discussed Title III funding and grants as a way to satisfy this need. He also reported that the funding issue have been discussed the FEMA through various fire chief associations and Under-Sheriff David Laffranchini.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
Investigate the Title III and/or Grant funding for immediate repair/upgrade, of the emergency phone service repeaters.
F2:
Natural and man-made disasters outside of Trinity County were discussed. There was concern over residents from larger populated area traveling to the county for refuge and not having resources to accommodate the influx. RECOMMEDATION #2: Develop a plan to regulate how many refugees come into the county, and what they must have in the way of supplies to maintain themselves.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
Develop a plan to regulate how many refugees come into the county, and what they must have in the way of supplies to maintain themselves. Response: Will not be implemented. The County does not have jurisdiction to determine how many people travel into (or out of) the County at any given time, nor can we require people looking for "refuge" to come adequately supplied.
F3:
Another concern with all departments was, will the residences of Trinity County have supplies to maintain themselves and families until help is organized.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
Publish a brochure outlining emergency evacuation procedures and temporary housing facilities and basic needs for survival. This publication could be included in the county tax billed mailed each year.
F4:
There is currently no plan in place to identify medically fragile citizens. The new 911 system is not able to do a "reverse address search" that would help in the event of emergencies.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
Identify medically fragile citizens through the disbursement of questionnaires. Placement could be made utilizing the Trinity Journal, the Golden Age Center or tax billings. A list of questions might include the following: A. Do you require evacuation assistance? B. Are friends or relatives available for immediate help? C. Do you have access to sufficient emergency supplies?
F5:
Individual communities do not have designated meeting places to get information, report missing people etc.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5:
Establish a grid map system advising meeting locations for each community, such as the local school, for information and for displaced citizens to generate a missing persons list.
F6:
Support groups for the fire departments has been beneficial in helping to support the departments.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6:
Aid in the continued establishment of fire department support groups, such as the volunteer auxiliaries. CONCLUSION: Residents of Trinity County need to prepare themselves for at least two weeks without emergency services. Basic items include but should not be limited to food, water, medical supplies, flash-lights, non-electric telephone, money, etc. RESPONSES REQUIRED: Respond in
* This report's PDF did not contain easily extractable text and required Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for analysis. There may be minor errors in the extracted findings and recommendations due to OCR limitations with scanned documents.
Additional documents
Documents found alongside this year's reports — not grand jury reports or responses.