RED BLUFF - Tehama County's public works director wasn't given a chance to thoroughly answer concerns of the grand jury before it issued a stinging report that questioned his planning and procedures, he said Friday.
"We had our discussion and then they went away," said Gary Antone, who expected a follow-up meeting with questions he was prepared to answer.
"And it didn't happen and that was a little frustrating," he said. When he saw the report, "I thought, 'Good grief, we are already dealing with all these issues.' "
In the final document filed in June, the 2008-2009 grand jury said Antone needed a Standard Operating Procedure Manual, should develop a plan for permanent road repairs and should be more personally involved in inspections.
Additionally, it called for a formal training program for equipment operators and planning more "shovel ready" projects. Antone has until Aug. 21 to respond.
"I will obviously let them know that it's disheartening that information was not verified," he said.
Tehama County Supervisor Ron Warner, who chairs the county's public works committee, said Friday he believes the investigation was prompted by disgruntled employees.
"I was kind of upset that they (grand jurors) didn't do him the courtesy of coming back and talking to him," Warner said. "I know that he was working on or just about to complete everything that was in that grand jury report."
Antone said he's been revising policies and procedures since he took the post four years ago and is more than halfway through a new document. And in that period, the department has replaced two bridges, completed $3 million in major maintenance on 14 roadways and finished the Bowman intersection and other projects.
"I feel very confident that the Public Works Department as a whole is moving in a very positive direction," Antone said.
But not surprisingly, funding is an issue. Antone has had to trim his staff to 70 from an allocation of 80.
Gas tax for roads could be the next obstacle, as the state may withhold that money to be repaid in January.
"We can get through this year, but if it's not recovered, that means $3.5 million for roads alone," Antone said.
Preparing "shovel ready" projects isn't so easy, he said, considering the tricky timeline and required environmental review.
Antone spent 19 years with Red Bluff Public Works before taking the county post.
Saying he's very open to constructive criticism, he also has "some real heartburn" over the report. "Nevertheless, it is what it is," he said.
As director, Antone oversees roads, flood control, transportation, bridges, engineering and the wastewater plant.
Reporter Janet O'Neill can be reached at 225-8216 or at joneill@redding.com.
http://www.redding.com/news/2009/aug/02/tehama-public-works-director-rebutts-grand-jury/
No comments:
Post a Comment