Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury Looks at the Auditor-Controller’s Office

Over the last few days, we’ve been posting the 2018-2019 Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury reports. They are easy to read and informative.

For links to the previous posts go to the bottom of this one or for a little background on the Grand Jury click here:

This is the fifth and final report from the 2018-2019 Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury (Civil Grand Jury). The report examines the steps Humboldt County government has taken to address independent consultants’ audit, review and recommendations pertaining to the Auditor-Controller’s office, and is titled:

The Mis-Fortunes of Humboldt County

In 2017 public allegations arose that the Auditor-Controller’s staff was not functioning in a manner that could provide for the responsible management of funds and accounting needs of Humboldt County. As a result of these allegations, the Board of Supervisors hired independent consultants to conduct an audit and review of the management of the Auditor-Controller’s office.

The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury reviewed the consultants’ reports and the findings and recommendations they contained. We then investigated the steps Humboldt County government has taken to address the recommendations in the independent consultants’ reports.

We determined there are many areas where recommendations in the audits have not been fully implemented, for various reasons. For example, the Civil Grand Jury found the Auditor-Controller’s Office has encountered a lack of cooperation from county staff in its efforts to carry out its legal responsibilities. We learned proper training is lacking in many county departments regarding the government accounting requirements related to the responsibilities of their offices. An even greater concern is the opportunity for fraud in a number of county departments due to their poor cash handling policies and procedures, improper accounting, and lack of accountability.

The full report is attached, with all findings and recommendations.

 

The Mis-Fortunes of Humboldt County

Earlier reports:

• Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury Looks at Housing First Approach to Homelessness
• Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury Looks at ADA Compliance
• Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury Looks at Mental Health Care
• Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury Looks at the Criminalization of Homelessness in Eureka