The mid-year overruns could end up eating into millions of dollars in county discretionary money that could pay for other services, according to budget documents.
Tag: OC Supervisor Spending
Posted inNorberto Santana Jr.
Santana: Homelessness Showcases County Supervisors’ Weakness
As Orange County Supervisors have increasingly abandoned their regional responsibilities, they’ve largely been left with a one job they seem to hate: combating the effects of poverty.
Posted inCountywide, Government, Health & Wellness, Housing & Homelessness, Safety, Security & Justice, Top Stories
Mental Health Reform Suggestions Get Muted Reception From OC Supervisors
The recommendations are aimed at diverting mentally ill people from jails into treatment, which county officials say would improve public safety by reducing crime, while also saving taxpayer dollars.
Posted inCountywide, Mission Viejo, Norberto Santana Jr., Safety, Security & Justice
Santana: OC Contract Cities Rebuke County Supervisors Over Spiraling Sheriff Costs
Following significant salary hikes granted by Orange County Supervisors to Sheriff Deputies, fueling a 33 percent increase in costs over the past decade, contract cities are now starting to publicly question whether they need to look into alternatives. OC’s biggest contract city, Mission Viejo, takes leadership on a new audit of Sheriff’s patrol services. Big questions also loom over whether city or county taxpayers own the long-term pension obligations for both Deputy Sheriff’s and Firefighters if cities bolt from current regional policing and fire protection models.
Posted inEconomy, Government, Top Stories
Helicopter Rescue Dispute Escalates Between Sheriff and Fire Officials
Fire Authority officials say they’ve been performing air rescues for over 20 years and are well-equipped for the job, but that in recent years sheriff’s helicopter crews have been racing to the scene and taking control.
Posted inGovernment, Safety, Security & Justice, Top Stories
Despite Spending $100 Million, County Hasn’t Audited Motorola Radio Costs in 15 Years
Over $100 million in taxpayer money has been spent since the most recent audit, which was in 2002. The aging system is proprietary, and no bids have been sought from other companies for its $140 million overhaul.
Posted inEmergencies & Disasters, Government, Safety, Security & Justice, Top Stories
County Set to Approve No-Bid $25 Million Contract With Motorola for Emergency Radio Overhaul
As the 1990s-era equipment becomes obsolete, county supervisors and Sheriff Sandra Hutchens have opted not to ask other companies what they could offer as a replacement for the current system. The upgrade project is expected to cost $140 million.
Posted inTop Stories
OC Grapples With Homelessness, Sheriff Funding and Sex Assault Evidence Backlog
The proposed budget has a large discretionary increase for the Sheriff’s Department and comparatively tiny discretionary increases for social and health services.
Posted inCountywide, Norberto Santana Jr.
Santana: Focus on the Fundamentals
A glitch in procurement policy shows why it’s important for the public to stay focused on something county supervisors increasingly don’t handle well: details.
Posted inGovernment, Safety, Security & Justice, Top Stories
County Budget Proposes Large Increase for Sheriff’s Department
The proposed $6.2 billion Orange County budget for the next fiscal year calls for a large increase in discretionary funds allocated to the Sheriff’s Department and comparatively tiny discretionary increases for social and health services. Public budget hearings will take place in June.
