The Colusa County Grand Jury entered their service in 2021 with the understanding that their duty to delve into government operations would be performed with tenacity and integrity.
The Grand Jury’s report issued late last month was the first completed report since 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic.
“While COVID-19 restrictions were lessened during our term, we had some challenges with meetings,” said Grand Jury Foreperson Marilyn Acree, in her final letter to Colusa County Presiding Superior Court Judge Jeffrey A. Thompson. “The members persevered and attended virtual meetings, including the editorial writing process. In addition, the 2021-2022 Grand Jury updated the Colusa County Civil Grand Jury Procedures Manual.”
Because the Grand Jury’s primary duty is to examine certain aspects of government, the jurors were authorized to inquire into charges of willful misconduct in office by public officials or employees.
They were also charged, as they are annually, with inquiring into the conditions of the Colusa County Jail and the Tri-County Juvenile Rehabilitation Facility.
The grand jury inspected the Colusa County Jail and Jail’s operation team on Feb. 14.
The jurors found the 1962 facility functional, despite it being outdated and not up to current correctional facility standards (due to its linear design layout), which the Grand Jury said poses many safety risks to inmates and staff.
The Grand Jury also found the outdoor recreation yard at the facility is too small and there were limited activities available to inmates, including educational and enrichment opportunities.
The jurors reported that the majority of complaints made by inmates, however, were regarding the food served at the facility.
While a new jail facility is still in the works, cost estimates have increased since the jail was first proposed seven years ago.
“The latest cost estimate to build the new jail is approximately $25 million,” the report states. “This is a $5.2 million increase above the original 2015 estimate. The increase is due to project delays and the current market conditions for building supplies.”
The Grand Jury, on March 31, also investigated the Tri-County Juvenile Rehabilitation Facility (Yuba County) and the Maxine Singer Youth Guidance Center (Camp Singer), which also houses Colusa County youth, ages 14-19.
The Grand Jury found the facilities operate adequately, despite their age and staffing challenges, but reported the housing unit was non-compliant and unsafe for youth and facility staff.
A new $20 million, 45-bed juvenile hall facility is still under construction directly across the street from the existing facility. This new detention center, which has been in the works since 2014 and broke ground in 2020, will follow current compliant guidelines and will not follow a linear design, the Grand Jury report stated. It will also offer two yards for recreation.
The Grand Jury, in its investigation of Camp Singer, said the linear layout is not compliant with current standards and is considered unsafe for both youth and staff.
The jurors reported the facility did have a classroom for instruction and a classroom converted to a library and music room.
Camp Singer also offers construction and welding programs.
“The welding program, started in October of 2021, provides Camp Singer youth the opportunity to earn a basic welding certification,” the report stated.
Members of the Grand Jury were sworn to secrecy and most of the jury’s work was conducted in closed session.
“During our tenure, we were tasked with several unique complaints that presented challenges for our Grand Jury members in realizing the criticality of their role and, in some instances, necessitating the jurors to step out of their comfort zone to pursue the oversight and tough questions required by the Grand Jury,” Acree noted. “They performed said duties with determination, ethics, and the willingness to listen and hear all parties.”
Acree said it was a privilege and honor to collaborate and work with each juror.
“We walk away having found synergy and commonality knowing we have fulfilled our commitment to Colusa County,” Acree added.
Acree said the grand jury passed the baton to the 2022-2023 Grand Jury on July 1 with the confidence they will understand and embrace the important role they face in ensuring public entities are “transparent and operating within the statutory requirements as mandated by law.” ■