Tulare County Grand Jury
2016-2017
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Findings & Recommendations
6 findings
F1:
In fiscal year 2015-2016, CSSA had 24,460 established child support cases in its system and was able to provide resources and services to 25,210 children in Tulare County. Of the child support owed, 74.3% was collected and distributed.
F2:
Resources provided include access to a Family Law Facilitator who provides information and assists parents to obtain and complete court forms at no charge. An Ombudsperson is also available to help resolve complaints, explain the complaint process, rights and responsibilities, the hearing process and arrange for interpreters or special accommodations.
F3:
Paternity must be established before the court will order child support. The Paternity Opportunity Program offers an easy and free method of establishing paternity by having both parents sign the form in the hospital after the child’s birth. The hospital will file the form with the Department of Child Services. Paternity may also be established by genetic testing if either parent requests verification of paternity. The genetic testing will exclude any person who is not the biological father. It provides confirmation of paternity with a 99% accuracy rate. If there is a dispute about paternity and either party refuses testing, the court may order the parties submit to be tested or be in contempt of court. If the alleged father refuses or is unavailable/missing the court can actually establish paternity through reviewing evidence.
F4:
A parent ordered to pay child support is responsible for meeting that obligation. Income, other financial responsibilities, amount of time each parent has custody (if shared) are taken into consideration. If a non-custodial parent finds it impossible to meet the full obligation, they should notify the local child support agency as soon as possible to avoid or minimize adverse actions. The child support payments will still be due, but it may be possible to work out a payment plan. There are many reasons either parent may request child support payments be modified.
F5:
Locating a non-custodial parent who is determined to be in arrears of child support payments, requires the Local Child Support Agency to access all appropriate sources within seventy-five days. The State office is the branch that works with other states, in a sophisticated computerized effort, to 1 0 TULARE COUNTY GRAND JURY REPORT 2016-2017 locate non-custodial parents who are missing and in arrears.
F6:
CSSA works with noncustodial parents who are behind in payments. The goal is to work out a plan for repayment that will benefit the child and clear the non-custodial parent’s record.
Findings & Recommendations
9 findings
F1:
The number of voters may have been underestimated in the 2016 General Election.
F2:
Some polling sites did not have sufficient ballots.
F3:
Two positions in the department were vacant during the election process.
F4:
Significant voter registration occurred after ballots were ordered.
F5:
A total of 11,281 provisional ballots were cast in the 2016 General Election. Of these ballots, 1,459 were cast by unregistered voters.
F6:
There were 2,881 provisional ballots partially counted due to outside designated precinct voting.
F7:
There were 1,866 provisional ballots not counted due to insufficient information.
F8:
The number of provisional ballots cast contributed to the shortage of ballots.
F9:
The increase in provisional voters caused delays at some polling sites. 1 3
Additional Recommendations
7
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
Ensure the person hired is a knowledgeable and experienced Registrar of Voters.
R2:
Fill all authorized department vacancies.
R3:
Continue to provide required training for all employees and volunteers.
R4:
Be prepared to deploy additional touch screen machines when needed.
R5:
Provide additional voting booths for General Elections.
R6:
Be prepared to print additional ballots when needed.
R7:
Debrief with all stakeholders after each election. REQUIRED RESPONSES: 1. Tulare County Board of Supervisors (F2 and R1-R2) 2. Tulare County Registrar of Voters (F1-F9 and R2-R7)
Findings & Recommendations
3 findings
F1:
Continuing drought issues affecting agricultural operations will significantly impact future revenues and the county’s ability to meet its financial goals.
F2:
The UAL, as of June 30, 2016, was $238 million, an increase of nearly $37 million.
F3:
By the end of the proposed 19-year plan, the underfunded liability is expected to be eliminated.
Additional Recommendations
1
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
TCERA continue to review and modify the 19-year plan to ensure the funding needs of the retirement plan are being met. 1 6 TULARE COUNTY GRAND JURY REPORT 2016-2017 REQUIRED RESPONSES: 1. Tulare County Board of Supervisors (R1) 2. Chief Administrative Officer, Tulare County (F1-3 and R1)
Findings & Recommendations
6 findings
F1:
FUSD did not respond to the TCGJ’s recommendations when submitting its response to the 2015- 2016 final report.
F2:
The Interim Superintendent was permanently hired as the new Superintendent for FUSD in 2016.
F3:
The new vocational education building cost $3.6 million to build, of which $3.1 million was bond funds and approximately $500,000 from the general fund.
F4:
Policies and procedures regarding the expenditure approval process are not being followed.
F5:
Job descriptions for administrative staff are outdated.
F6:
Personnel Action Forms are not being used as policy requires.
Additional Recommendations
3
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
FUSD follow their established purchasing policies and procedures.
R2:
Update job descriptions to accurately reflect duties.
R3:
Train staff on the use of Personnel Action Forms and ensure policy is followed. REQUIRED RESPONSES: 1. Farmersville Unified School District (Recommendations 1-3)
Findings & Recommendations
4 findings
F1:
There was a lack of transparency and accountability in informing the general public of the bond’s cost to property owners.
F2:
To date, no facilities have been closed or services reduced.
F3:
KDHCD operates several health clinics outside of their district boundaries.
F4:
Health clinics operated by KDHCD are profitable.
Additional Recommendations
2
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
The KDHCD Board of Directors develop an on-going dialogue, such as Town Hall Meetings, to develop a planning process with residents of the hospital district to determine future needs.
R2:
KDHCD form a volunteer community advisory committee consisting of district residents. REQUIRED RESPONSES: 1. Kaweah Delta Health Care District Board of Directors (F1-F4 and R1-R2)
Findings & Recommendations
6 findings
F1:
The Tulare County Office of Education provides guidance regarding the implementation of AB 1266 to all Tulare County school districts.
F2:
School districts are responsible for ensuring compliance with AB 1266.
F3:
Individual school districts are responsible for developing policies and procedures that provide accommodations for transgender pupils. 2 3
F4:
Seventeen school districts do not have a written policy/procedure in place, but are in compliance with AB 1266.
F5:
At least 41 school districts have reasonable accommodation plans in place.
F6:
The efforts put forth by schools in Tulare County appear to be addressing the needs of transgender students.
Additional Recommendations
2
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
Every school district should have written transgender policies/procedures in place.
R2:
Tulare County Office of Education should annually verify that all school districts have written policies/procedures and accommodation plans that comply with AB 1266. REQUIRED RESPONSES: 1. Tulare County Office of Education (F1- F6 and R1- R2)
Findings & Recommendations
5 findings
F1:
The complaint concerning staff harassment could not be substantiated.
F2:
A significant number of homes have no functioning water meters.
F3:
Contractors are being paid without written agreements on file.
F4:
The need for future ethics training for board members was discussed during an open meeting.
F5:
Due to broken or lack of water meters, some customers are not being billed properly.
Additional Recommendations
4
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
RCSD ensure routine water testing is completed as mandated.
R2:
Water meters be repaired or installed.
R3:
Enforce all water usage violations.
R4:
The RCSD Board members should receive documented ethics training. REQUIRED RESPONSES: 1. Richgrove Community Service District Board (F1-5 and R1-4)
Findings & Recommendations
4 findings
F1:
The cold case detectives have approximately 200 unsolved homicide cases, with the oldest dating back to 1969.
F2:
The cyber-crimes unit has submitted 248 cases to the Office of the District Attorney for prosecution since January, 2016.
F3:
The current evidence room is approximately 7,000 square feet, not including the numerous seatrain containers also being used. All areas are filled to capacity and some are deteriorating. The new evidence room will be in excess of 10,000 square feet with climate control. Scanner/barcode technology will be used to maintain the inventory.
F4:
New technologies being implemented include Smart Water property marking, Leap Frog 3D visualization for evidence collection, and the use of drones for the K-9 teams.
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Findings & Recommendations
7 findings
F1:
The VMSWL met the state mandated diversion rate of 50%.
F2:
It is anticipated that the VMSWL will meet the increased 65% diversion mandate.
F3:
VMSWL personnel inspect the facility daily.
F4:
The following personnel play key roles in the maintenance and operation of VMSWL: a. Refuse Site Coordinator b. Fiscal Manager c. Solid Waste Sustainability Program Coordinator d. Solid Waste Environmental Coordinator
F5:
Materials transported to the landfill must be properly secured.
F6:
Specific areas are designated for recyclable materials that are picked up by other companies.
F7:
The VMSWL is well organized and operates efficiently.
Additional Recommendations
1
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
Explore a memorandum of understanding with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office to supply inmate workers for the landfill to ensure it remains self-sustaining and provide additional workforce when needed. REQUIRED RESPONSES: 1. Tulare County Solid Waste Department (F1-7 and R1) 3 0 TULARE COUNTY GRAND JURY REPORT 2016-2017
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Findings & Recommendations
4 findings
F1:
It appears DCSWD was not in compliance with their bylaws pertaining to a board appointment made on October 31, 2016.
F2:
Per AIWD bylaws, the January 9, 2017, board member appointment to fill a vacancy was found to be appropriate.
F3:
The allegation of misappropriation of funds by the DCSWD Board was not substantiated.
F4:
Brown Act violations could not be substantiated.
Additional Recommendations
1
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
DCSWD Board comply with established bylaws pertaining to appointments. REQUIRED RESPONSES: 1. DCSWD Board (F1 and R1) 3 3
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Findings & Recommendations
12 findings
F1:
Many headstones are in need of repair and maintenance. Some headstones have fallen into holes and others are partially sunk into the ground. Some markers are covered with dirt and ar not visible.
F2:
Site visits revealed poorly maintained grounds, dry grass, unleveled areas, sink holes, vermin tunnels and an abundance of weeds.
F3:
Some of the board minutes reflect complaints made by individuals regarding the poor condition of the cemetery.
F4:
The board meeting notices posted December 12, 2016, December 20, 2016 and January 17, 2017, at the district office, did not meet the requirements of the Brown Act as no agendas was included.
F5:
Public documents are not being provided upon request.
F6:
The cemetery district does not have a computer and/or internet service. The public is notified of board meetings by word of mouth and posting at the district’s office.
F7:
Since there were no board meeting agendas for the public to review prior to and/or during the board of trustees meetings, it is impossible for the public to know what matters are to be discussed and/or acted upon by the board during open and closed session.
F8:
There is no record within any of the board minutes that makes reference to adopting a final budget on or before August 30, 2016.
F9:
The minutes of September 12, 2016, state under the caption, “New Business: It was moved and seconded to raise the price of the burials accordingly, voted, passed.” There was no indication of the dollar amount of the raise, the current price of a burial, and/or any reason(s) justifying the increase. 3 6 TULARE COUNTY GRAND JURY REPORT 2016-2017
F10:
The WPCD has a bank account outside of the county treasurer, but its revenues are less than $500,000.
F11:
On April 13, 2015, the board approved to transfer an amount that exceeded accumulated earnings on those principal funds. Upon completion of the audit for that year, management was aware of the uncompliant excess withdrawal and understood the need to transfer it back to the separate account. As of June 30, 2016, there still remains excess funds that must be transferred back to the county treasury.
F12:
At the entrance of the handicap ramp there is a large mat that obstructs the passage of walkers and wheelchairs which is not in compliance with ADA.
Additional Recommendations
5
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
Provide Brown Act training to Woodlake Public Cemetery District Board of Trustees and the General Manager.
R2:
Follow the provisions of the Brown Act.
R3:
Follow the provisions of the California Health and Safety Code Sections 8890-9925.
R4:
Follow the California Code of Regulations Title 16 and Professional and Vocational Regulations Division 23, Cemetery and Funeral Bureau.
R5:
Comply with ADA requirements. REQUIRED RESPONSES: 1. Woodlake Public Cemetery District Board of Trustees (F 1-12 and R1-5)
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