Grand jury says Tehama County needs computer policy

RED BLUFF - A countywide policy on employee use of computers and e-mail is on the Tehama County grand jury's wish list, but it's unlikely to materialize anytime soon.

"That's something we're working on," Chief Administrator Bill Goodwin said Friday. "It's slow."

In its final report for 2008-2009, the grand jury said an employee had used county time, computer and e-mail to lodge complaints against the county's Division of Animal Services and the Department of Agriculture, its parent agency. But jurors concluded in a complimentary report that Scott Alsteen, who oversees the animal division, "is an innovative, creative and cost-conscious manager."

In its recommendations, the jury asks for enforcement of "a countywide policy and procedure which prohibits the use of county computers, county e-mail addresses and county working time to manage personal business."

No such policy exists, Agricultural Commissioner Rick Gurrola said Friday, but he welcomes one.

"Coincidentally, I requested a policy for using computers" several months ago and unrelated to the grand jury, he said. "I would like to have this as soon as possible."

Goodwin said such a document falls under the county's strategic plan and a committee that's looking at all policies and ways to streamline adoption of new ones. Currently, departments have individual rules regarding computer use.

"Some are written, some aren't," he said. In general, the larger the department and the more sensitive the work - health services, for example - the more stringent and comprehensive the policy.

Meanwhile, in discussing the Public Works and Road departments, the grand jury cited the continuing deterioration of roads, poor quality of repairs and lack of formal training for equipment operators.

It recommends the Road Department develop a manual of standard operating procedures and plan for scheduling permanent repairs and improvements; that Public Works Director Gary Antone be more personally involved in inspections; that equipment operators get formal training; and that Public Works have more "shovel-ready" projects planned in the event that more stimulus money becomes available.

Antone was out of the office Friday and could not be reached for comment.

In other recommendations, the jury asked that the Probation Department develop a standard operating procedures manual that would include "definitions of inappropriate relationships and behavior" and train employees accordingly. It alluded to an "incident" in which an employee "was alleged to have been involved in inappropriate behavior," which was investigated by another department.

Acting Chief Probation Officer Renny Noll, who took the post July 1, did not return a phone call to his office Friday. He succeeded Daniel Emry, who retired June 30.

Probation is among the departments from which the grand jury is requiring a response, due in late August. For more information on the grand jury, go to www.tehamacourt.ca.gov/grand_jury.html.

Reporter Janet O'Neill can be reached at 225-8216 or at joneill@redding.com


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