By BARBARA ARRIGONI - Staff Writer
Posted: 07/01/2009 12:05:00 AM PDT
WILLOWS — In a document roughly as thin as a brand new, one-subject school notebook, Glenn County's 2008-2009 Grand Jury report became public Tuesday afternoon at the courthouse in Willows.
But though it's slim, the report addresses allegations of wrongdoing at the Human Resources Agency and inadequate staffing of a police department and adult and juvenile detention facilities.
The 2008-2009 Grand Jury Report was released publicly after a ceremony at Glenn County Courthouse, where the members of the panel were given certificates of thanks for their work and dedication. A new panel of 18 jurors and 10 alternates was sworn in for 2009-10.
The Grand Jury reported on 10 agencies: Glenn County Board of Supervisors, Human Resources Agency, the Valleywide Mosquito Abatement District, Glenn County Jail, Jane Hahn Juvenile Hall, Orland Police Department, Orland City Council, Willows City Council, Glenn County Office of Education, and Stony Creek Joint School District.
The most critical investigation was of the Human Resources Agency. The Grand Jury was asked to investigate the agency last October.
During the investigation, individuals brought forward allegations of a hostile working environment, public humiliation, ridicule and verbal contempt by upper management, and blatant threats of job loss through harassment and intimidation. The panel also heard allegations of on-the-job alcohol and drug use by employees.
The panel recommended the county provide an interim director as soon as possible to investigate, reorganize and restructure the upper management team.
It also recommended further investigation of the claims about the work environment, an independent financial audit, and random drug and alcohol testing for all HRA employees.
Though the jury stated it is "imperative" the issues be addressed, it may take a while. Currently the county is looking for a permanent director to replace Kim Gaghagen, who retired as agency director Tuesday.
Another note of alarm the Grand Jury struck in the report is for staffing levels at law enforcement agencies and facilities.
The panel found Orland Police Department is severely understaffed and noted violent crime has risen drastically in the past year in the city.
Despite the current financial limitations the city faces, the Grand Jury stated "money must be found to augment the staffing levels at the OPD in order to insure the well being of the community."
Likewise, they also recommended the Board of Supervisors find ways to fund staffing at the jail to bring it up to state standards, as well as at the juvenile hall.
In addition, the panel recommended the supervisors provide funds for the jail for sorely-needed expansion of the sallyport — which is an issue of safety for officers and the public — and replacement of the outdated, worn out air conditioning units.
Staff writer Barbara Arrigoni can be reached at 896-7757 or barrigoni@chicoer.com.
http://www.chicoer.com/news/ci_12729420
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