Napa County Grand jury finds fault with AmCan

By Sarah Rohrs/Times-Herald staff writer
Posted: 06/26/2009 01:00:37 AM PDT

American Canyon should strive to be more transparent in conducting the public's business and also consider hiring a city attorney, a Napa County grand jury recommends.

A recnt grand jury report scolded the city over its handling of incentive pay given to American Canyon firefighters after they secured degrees from a bogus online university.

After examining two investigators' reports on the issue, jurors also criticized the city for the costs of producing the documents, and for keeping one temporarily from public review.

The grand jury report unearths little new information over the incentive pay controversy, which arose in March when the City Council, acting as the fire protection board, rescinded the raises.

That action followed a Sacramento law firm concluding the pay boosts could be construed as improper gifts of public funds.

City Attorney Bill Ross, who is contracted to provide legal services, said the city will respond to the report within 60 days.

Without elaborating, he said the response will "clarify the inaccuracies that are set forth as well as whether there is evidence to support the findings and recommendations."

The grand jury decided to look into the issue after the city refused to make one investigator's report public.

According to jurors, the city spent about $130,000 on the two investigations, and in defending a lawsuit brought by the Napa Valley Register. They also said the city resisted their efforts to review the matter.

Jurors said the second investigator's report cost a hefty $43,623, but did not reveal any more information than the first report which cost $4,332.

Firefighters who got the raises have agreed to reimburse the district about $36,000.

Jurors said the city might be better served by a full-time staff city attorney whose services would cost less than contracting with outside counsel.

Contact staff writer Sarah Rohrs at srohrs@thnewsnet.com or (707) 553-6832.

http://www.timesheraldonline.com/news/ci_12695020