Nov 24, 2021

No fine has been imposed and State Controller is reviewing information on concerns about Humboldt County

 


The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors made it seem the sky is falling. Many of you watched the special meeting on Monday regarding the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors and the vote on Humboldt Auditor-Controller Karen Paz Dominguez. An entire day was wasted.

I contacted the State Controller's Press Secretary yesterday regarding certain references made this during this special meeting. 

The entire experience speaking yesterday with a staff member and the response today was pleasant, professional and smooth. 

This was completely different from trying to get information locally. The only state agency I have had negative experience with is CDCR and contacting California Governor Gavin Newsom's office.

The first question is about what I observed myself watching the meeting. The second question is something Lost Coast Outpost reported and attributed to Humboldt County CAO Elishia Hayes.

https://lostcoastoutpost.com/2021/nov/22/board-narrowly-passes-vote-no-confidence-auditor-c/

These are the responses from Ms. Jennifer Hanson, Press Secretary for the Office of State Controller Betty T. Yee

1. What exactly is the State Controller doing? An audit? An investigation? 

State law (GC 12422.5(e)) authorizes the State Controller to audit local governments’ internal controls to prevent financial error and fraud. The State Controller's Office (SCO) currently is reviewing available information on concerns about Humboldt County. The State Controller will notify the county by letter when the scope of SCO’s involvement has been determined.

2. A $5,000 fine was mentioned. Is that the only penalty? Why is it being charged?

State law (GC 53895) authorizes the Attorney General to prosecute a forfeiture to the state of between $1,000 and $5,000 (depending on prior year revenues) when certain local agencies fail to submit financial transactions report to SCO as required by law. No such forfeiture has yet been imposed.    

Linked below are posts I have done just in the last few days on the Auditor Controller.

Previous posts:

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2021/11/the-bos-should-not-throw-stones-when.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2021/11/county-employee-paper-checks-wont-clear.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2021/11/best-comments-today-on-rexs-facebook.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2021/11/half-county-employees-did-not-get-paid.html?m=1


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