The 2008-09 Trinity County grand jury has wrapped up a year of investigation

The 2008-09 Trinity County grand jury has wrapped up a year of investigation concerning specific complaints and review of certain county departments and procedures with the recent release of findings, recommendations and conclusions about how county services are being delivered.

Specific complaints about the county grants department, behavioral health services and personnel/administration were investigated. The grand jury also followed up on previous investigations regarding county purchasing procedures and audit compliance of special districts.

It concluded that the grants department, though understaffed, is administering its programs according to proper procedures and is very thorough in its care for clients.

The grand jury indicated that the grants department is providing a commendable service, providing funds that are helping many residents repair health and safety problems on their properties or contributing toward the completion of community projects.

It noted that the grants department has brought approximately $10 million into the county's economy over the past five years, assisting more than 100 homeowners and 10 community projects. Grant administration costs are paid by the grants themselves with only minimal matching funds from the county general fund.

The report recommended hiring an additional grants analyst to bring in more money to the county.

Regarding behavioral health services, the grand jury found a staffing shortage there as well, noting it is imperative to fill vacant positions for clinicians as soon as funding is available. It also recommended filling more client intake positions to improve the process that it said involves a large amount of time-consuming paper work required by the state.

Overall, the grand jury found that behavioral health services staff morale has improved due to creative and constructive changes being initiated in the department that should ultimately expand delivery of services to clients.

It was especially complimentary of the agency's strategic plan for programs to be implemented under the Mental Health Services Act funding and of the two drop-in centers established in Weaverville and Hayfork that "are client-directed and provide a safe, confidential, empowering and healing environment." It recommended continuing the centers as a high priority.

The grand jury was somewhat critical of county administration/personnel policies and procedures when it comes to annual employee evaluations.

In response to a specific complaint, the grand jury concluded there was a lack of communication between management and an employee pertaining to the 2002 implementation of a compensation study that adversely affected the employee's wages.

The grand jury report said employees should be notified immediately anytime their position or pay status is changed and that pay status should be reviewed during their annual evaluations.

Furthermore, the grand jury concluded that the employee who complained was denied due process because he was not told in a timely manner how to properly file a complaint or advised of the time limitations on doing so.

The grand jury recommended a revision of the county employee handbook to include the time limitations imposed on the complaint process. It also indicated that middle management needs training in evaluation procedures and suggested that the personnel department implement a computer program to assist in the performance and tracking of employee evaluations because there is no system currently in place ensuring that all employees receive timely evaluations.

In following up on a previous evaluation of county purchasing procedures, the grand jury found that prior recommendations are currently being followed for change orders and obtaining three bids on all possible contracts, leases and purchases.

It concluded that the county is following guidelines and procedures to the best of its ability and encouraged the county administrative officer to continue monitoring the process and quality of the request for proposals going out. It commended the CAO for his effort to implement the recommendations of the prior grand jury and recommended that the next grand jury continue to monitor purchasing procedures.

Finally, the grand jury concluded that special districts in the county are in compliance with their obligation to file annual financial audits with the county auditor/controller's office for 2007, but some are late for 2008.

Because of the cost burden on small fire departments and community service districts that pay an average of $2,000 a year for an audit, the grand jury encouraged the Trinity County Board of Supervisors to give the smaller districts some relief by requiring less frequent audits every two or five years.

It noted the money saved could help them procure needed equipment or training.

http://www.trinityjournal.com/news/2009/0909/news/015.html