MANTECA, Calif. —
Lack
of leadership, dysfunction and a hostile work environment are just a few of the
issues illustrated in a newly released San Joaquin County Grand Jury report
titled "The City of Manteca: A government in turmoil."
Foreperson
Gary Cooper said the report may provide a guide to positive change.
"Our
hope is that they do take a good look at how the city is run," said
Cooper, the 2021 San Joaquin Grand Jury Foreperson.
Cooper
explained that the grand jury investigated after several media reports and
complaints — highlighted by the fact that five top officials had been ousted in
the last year.
"A
lot of the dysfunction that's going on at top-level management within the city
of Manteca, and I think that lends itself to other areas," Cooper said.
The
city said in a statement that they have already taken significant steps to
improve, and including addressing the allegations of a hostile work
environment, stating:
"The
City will protect its workforce from harassment of any kind, and prohibit
bullying and retaliation based on filed complaints."
Cooper
also said the grand jury would like the city to be financially prudent.
"One
of the things we were concerned about is the money Manteca has, shouldn't be
foolishly spent," he said.
Manteca's
statement also addresses this issue, saying:
"The
City takes its responsibility as a steward of taxpayer dollars seriously and is
committed to professional, accurate and transparent financial management."
Cooper
told KCRA 3 that most of the issues stem from a common thread.
"We
just found so many things, and it goes right back again to the
dysfunction," Cooper said.
But
with written policies, which Cooper said the city lacks, Manteca may begin to
see improvement.
"Then
outline a procedure for bringing in top-level city management folks and we
think that one by itself would spearhead most of the other recommendations and
the findings," Cooper said.
The
city of Manteca has 90 days to respond to all of the grand jury's findings and
recommendations.
KRCA
By Kay Recede
July 16, 2021
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