Solano County grand jury admonishes Dixon veterans hall officials

By Kimberly K. Fu / The Reporter
Posted: 06/24/2011 01:04:25 AM PDT

A Solano County grand jury report released Thursday confirmed what county officials and involved parties have already acknowledged -- that issues exist regarding the Dixon Veterans Memorial Hall Building.

Operations and management problems are many, jurors said in the report, emphasizing that "the lack of acceptable accounting practices leaves the financial operation of the Dixon Veterans Memorial Building in question and results in potential liability to the county. Additionally, the lack of clearly defined management accountability and duties has led to confusion about the Dixon Veterans Building Association's operations."

Acquired by the county in 2008, the veterans hall at 1305 North First St. opened in late 2009. It is occupied by the Dixon Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8151, Dixon American Legion Post 208 and the Dixon American Legion Auxiliary, all of which form the Dixon Veterans Building Association (DVBA).

According to its report, the grand jury could not determine clear lines of authority, management responsibility or accountability regarding the building. Also, jurors found that financial records were inadequate and failed to track income, expense or payroll.

The grand jury recommends that the DVBA "use commonly accepted accounting methods to establish a financial tracking system."

Financial responsibility for the building has not been established, the report stated, and it is unclear how much each organization owes for shared bills.

Jurors recommend that county officials require the association "to clearly define which entity is responsible for paying what portion of bills incurred by the Dixon Veterans Building Association."

The report also revealed that management authority, duties and responsibilities are not clearly stated.

Jurors recommend that county officials require the association "to clearly define management responsibilities, duties and scope of authority."

Referencing the recent county auditor-controller's report, the grand jury added that county officials need to ensure that the association works with the auditor-controller and other agencies "to meet acceptable accounting methods and controls."

In closing, the grand jury admonished the association.

"Solano County provides the building for the benefit of veterans; it is an asset to the community," said jurors in the report. "It is incumbent upon the veterans' organizations to resolve internal issues to properly operate the building and to adhere to written agreements."

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