HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 03221994 - 2.1 2. la
THE BOARD OR SUPERVISORS OF
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
Adopted this Order on March 22, 1994 by the following vote:
AYES: Supervisors Smith, Bishop, McPeak, Torlakson, Powers
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
SUBJECT: "Efficiency and Effectiveness March 1994"
Phil Batchelor, County Administrator, presented the report
entitled "Efficiency and Effectiveness March 1994" which high-
lights a few of the accomplishments of the County in 1993 . He
referred to the many services the County provides through its
administration of its many programs through the creativity,
professionalism and dedication of County employees. He commented
on the work of his staff in preparing this report.
Following comments of the Supervisors, the Board:
A. ACCEPTED the Report of the County Administrator; and
B. EXPRESSED appreciation to Phil Batchelor, Scott Tandy,
Sara Hoffman, and their staff for their work on the
Report.
i hereby certify trk-t this is a true and correct copy of
an action taken and entered on the minutes of tn3
cc: Count Administrator Boar%+of Supervisors on the date shown.
County ATTESTED: .:�"7•
PHIL BATCHELOR,Clerk of the Board
of Supervisors and County Administrator
BV ,Deputy
I
Z . 1b
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
DATE: March 22, 1994 MATTER OF RECORD
During the Board's .consideration of the report of the County
Administrator entitled "Efficiency and Effectiveness March 1994, "
Supervisor Gayle Bishop requested the County Administrator to
report in six weeks (May 3, 1994) on future plans for the County
in the area of telecommunications that would include automation
net-working, consolidation of functions, and economic vitality.
She expressed an interest in the planning and development of a
system to take the County as an institution into the 21st Century.
THIS IS A MATTER FOR RECORD PURPOSES ONLY
NO BOARD ACTION TAKEN
CC : County Administrator
�'s%,,,,./y; s.,,/ — ,</,•„-y,.,,,,;,,/,,�✓.,o/,//,y;.,/;y;y y;,,,,;,ss„�, sy%.,,,>,,,:-' y'ss$s¢%ssiyissy „
p'y/////////��i�i j� �� y /. /•y / / i//yam/�//////�l; �// /i / /yi ./: / '.f /j,
£ / � '..//%%� c a I�-i / / � yn/� i/� Ps3- �/ Y:E / i', '✓ //icy.
Y-
i
mv-
x+, S•S
17
//f%�///i�'. - mac_"`. =o� :=-I yS'y/moi-” i i 7�i -/f/ ✓ ,., i ':: i/i%�
/ � � E�!4�. � ? J/ 'mss i /,� ' ,y _�, ' i'ys•`,��:/'�' � //// // / /jam / /7. /,
14.
1:
7
7.E
March: 190,4
t A MESSAGE FROM THE CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Over the past two years the State seized nearly $100 million of County revenues. These losses
required the Board of Supervisors to make difficult decisions on allocating scarce public resources
among program priorities. The Board focused on providing services that nurture and protect
children and stretching its resources as far as possible to increase public protection.
The Board of Supervisors tried to respond proactively to the fiscal realities of 1993. Our goal has
been to provide the best possible services to the citizens and businesses of Contra Costa County
while maintaining the County's historic reputation for fiscal integrity and sound management
practices. Statewide, Contra Costa County has a reputation for innovative programs...no County
has received more awards from the California State Association of Counties. On the fiscal side,
Contra Costa County's reputation for fiscal frugality is well established on Wall Street. In an era
when the credit ratings of the largest counties in California are being downgraded, Contra Costa
County has maintained its excellent credit rating, as one of the highest in California.
As the governing body of Contra Costa County, the Board of Supervisors has taken the initiative
to provide guidance and leadership to County departments in our quest for innovative programs
and cost effective services:
J Productivity Investment Fund—The Board of Supervisors established a revolving fund to finance
new systems and programs. Projects must have a pay back of no more than two years and the
fund must be repaid, so that other projects can be financed.
V Program Budget—In 1993 the Board of Supervisors directed all County departments to prepare
program budgets in addition to the traditional line item budget. The program budget linked each
program with staff levels, funding sources, and the County's level of discretion to control the
program (i.e., level of mandate by the Federal or State government).
V Department Performance Indicators—The Board of Supervisors initiated a new system of evaluating
departmental performance in 1993. Each department was required to develop performance
indicators that focused on the most important services/programs within the department. This new
system increases accountability for success.
./ Fund Balance for Productivity Enhancements—As an incentive to fiscal frugality, the Board of
Supervisors authorized the County Administrator in 1993 to return a portion of their budget savings
to specified departments to finance one-time productivity improvements.
This report highlights a few of the accomplishments of the County in 1993. The Board of
Supervisors believes it is a testament to the creativity, professionalism and dedication of County
employees. Many of the..programs or services listed in this report are the result of the initiative
of a County employee in identifying and obtaining Federal or State grant funds.
1994 is a year of great question. At this time we do not know the impact of the State budget on
County revenue. Whatever the results, though, the Board of Supervisors will continue its efforts
to maximize the efficiency of its operations and the effectiveness of its services to the citizens and
usinesses of Contra Costa County.
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Statement of Values
Contra Costa County.operates with a set of fundamental beliefs
that encompass a community of individuals striving for excellence
in County government. Each of us has the responsibility to express
these values through our own work.
To understand that the County exists to serve the public.
To provide quality services in the most responsive and cost
effective manner.
To work and to fulfill our responsibilities with integrity.
To recognize that our employees are our most valuable asset and
to treat them with dignity and respect.
To participate in training and career development opportunities
to enable every employee to become an excellent performer.
To create an environment that:
removes obstacles to accomplishing quality work;
promotes the safety and welfare of employees;
maximizes productivity;
stimulates initiative; and
fosters creativity.
To prepare and plan for change.
• Table of Contents
Page
Efficiency of Operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Innovation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Strengthening Public Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Valuing Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i
Affordable Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Supporting Families . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Quality of Life . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Controlling Communicable Disease . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Affordable Quality Health Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Self-Sufficiency, not Welfare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Government as Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Consolidating/Integrating Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Economic Vitality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automation.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Consumer Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Prepared by
the Office of the County Administrator
March 1994
Phil Batchelor
County Administrator
IST
MINOR
EFFICIENCY
OF
OPERATION
Over the past two years, the State seized
over $100 million of County revenue. Compared with FederaMate Standards
These losses have made efficiency even
more critical than ever before. The federal government establishes
accuracy requirements for payments of
Compared to Other Counties both AFDC and Food Stamps. Any
violations result in penalty to the County.
The County ranked #1 among The County not only exceeds the
comparable counties in many areas of accuracy requirement, but also performs
operation. A few examples: better than California as a whole.
#1 Lowest number of clerk positions
per judicial position. Food Stamps AFDC
Arc Accuracy
#1 Highest number of animal service County 92.5% 971%
calls per officer. California 91.8% 96.1%
#1 Highest property tax receipts Federal
processed per employee. Requirement $9.7% 96.0%
#1 Highest number of property tax
parcels handled per employee.
#1 Highest number of people served The IRS recognized the County's Auditor
per employee (Tax Collector's in 1993 as a "IRS Quality Supplier,"
Office). meaning that the organization filed at
least 500,000 without format or validation
errors.
1
Compared with FederaYState Standards qualifying it for an incentive award.
The County's Weights & Measures The County Housing Authority was rated
Division inspected an average of 2.6 a"high performer"by HUD with a ranking
meters/hour with a 92.5% compliance of 96 points out of 100.
rate, surpassing the State compliance
rate by 4.5%. Compared Over Time
The County received an unqualified fiscal Some examples of increased productivity
and program audit for all its Community over time include:
Services programs for 1993 from the
certified public accountant firm of KPMG Assess - added 1 million new assess-
Peat Marwick. menta to the pop" tax rop with no
increase in staff.
The County's cost of elections was $3.52
per voter, 2196 lower than the State Public Works - maintained the Dost per
average. surface treatment application at 1992 cost
levels despite rising material and labor costs.
The County's Private Industry Council Public Works - increased productivity by
standard exceeded all six of the federally 12.1% in the Materials&Testing Laboratory.
designated performance standards,
Risk Management - reduced continuing pay
on workers compensation benefits from 94%
Increasing Employment to 88%, saving the County about $216,000.
Court System - reduced case processing
Federal County time from arrest to disposition in felony
Standard Achieve- cases from 643 days in 1990 to 130 days in
Adult Employ- "1ent 1993 and court appearances from 12 in 1990
meat Rate 59.67% 61.60% to 7 in 1993.
Aduk Weekly Audibr - received an unqualified opinion
Earnings $263.11 $28.00 from the accounting firm of KPMG Peat
Marwick for its comprehensive annual
Adult Welfare financial report and received certification of
Employment achievement for excellence In financial
Rate 50.12% 57.50% reporting.
Aduk Welfare Genera/ Services - converted to daytime
WOew custodial services saving $45,000 in night
Earnings $249.95 $260.00 ung costs.
Youth Entered
Employment Gatti Process inn - installed a new payroll
Rate 44.80% 70.25% processing program which saved over_
$90,000 in processing costs.
Youth Empty- -
ment Enhance- General Services - saved $112,000 in 1993
ment Rate 38.92% 72.15% by using pro-sorted mail discounts.
2
1 � f
INNOVATIONS
0
0
Creative thinking can improve services, $$$ Paying a fixed obligation at a
reduce costs and create new approaches lower interest rate.
to solving problems. The examples
below illustrate the application of
innovative ideas by County employees in $$$ Paying all other Retirement costs
1993. once a year at a discount rather
than making monthly payments.
Pension Obligation Bonds
$$$ Paying the bond debt service in
For the past 12 years, the County has July rather than semi-annually and
been paying interest allowing a third party to invest the
on a portion of its funds for a guaranteed return
pension obligation which eliminates the need for a
based on the costly bond reserve fund and
variable rate 14 provides investment earnings
determined by the substantially greater than normal.
Retirement Association's earnings. The
rate in 1993 was 8.25% SMART and SMART
(ER)
In September 1993, the County began SMART and SMART(ER) are acronyms
the process to pay off the outstanding for Special Mediators Actively Resolving
obligation by issuing fixed rate bonds at Trials (Extremely Rapidly). Initiated in
a lower interest rate than had been the Superior Court in 1989, it was
charged by the Retirement'Association. expanded to Municipal Court (Walnut
Creek and Bay divisions) in 1993. Both
The key savings generated by the action, of these programs have reduced the
which amounts to millions of dollars over number of civil litigation cases in the
the next 17 years, are: courts.
For some complex civil litigation cases,
3
judges now have the option of ordering changed program parameters. All parties
the case to mediation prior to trial. judged it to be a success.
Mediators are volunteers through the
Contra Costa County COI was initiated in the Merrithew
Bar Association. About Memorial Hospital under a grant and is
15 cases are referred now being expanded through out the
each month from - the Health Services Department.
Superior Court and up
to 22 per month in the video Court Recording
Walnut Creek and Bay
Courts. Settlement Effective July 1, 1993,courts charge fees
rates have averaged about 50% for in civil actions for recording services.
Superior Court, 3040%for Walnut Creek Under a new video recording program,
Courtand 45-50% for the Bay Court. litigants may choose video recordings at
Even if settlement is not reached, a rate of $70 a day instead of court
SMART and SMART(ER) often reduces recorders at$330 per day.
the complexity and length of the trial (by
resolving some of the issues). The response to video
recording has been very
positive from both lawyers
SMART and SMART(ER) have been and judges. One judge
valuable contributions to reducing the wrote, "I have found the
current overload on our court system. video recording to be reliable and cost
effective for both the court and the
Continuous Quality Improvement litigants. Attorneys who appear in my
courtroom enjoy the convenience of
Continues Quality Improvement (CQI) is taking a tape of the proceedings with
a system of identifying and implementing them."
organizational
change. It is a
structured system
that involves workers,
supervisors ,
management and
clients in the change
process.
Theefficacy of Continuous Quality
Improvement was proven in 1993 in the
resolution of an incident where a mental
patient in the County crisis ward attacked
a nurse, calling to question security
protocol, nurse protection and patient
rights. Under the COI system, all
interested parties were brought together
to identify issues and to agree upon
4
STRENGTHENING
PUBLIC
PROTECTION
L'
Do you feel safe in your home at night?
Are you comfortable taking an evening • Murders - 95% conviction rate
walk in your neighborhood? since 1991 (58 trials with 3
acquittals, 46 murder convictions,
The County's criminal justice system 8 manslaughter convictions and 1
helps protect against crime, through assault conviction)
sheriff's patrol and investigation,vigorous
prosecution of crimes, operation of the • Driving under the influence -
court system and incarceration of 99.6% conviction rate (35 trial
convicted criminals. acquittals out of 8,311 filings
between 1/1/92 and 9/30/93).
District Attorney Prosecutions
Sheaf's Patrol and lnvestw6on
The District Attorney is responsible for
prosecuting all The County Sheriff patrols 453 square
crimes In Contra miles of unincorporated County,providing
Costa County. 24 hour law enforcement coverage for
Conviction rates both businesses and residents.
are a good
Indicator of The County Sheriff's investigations result
success: in a high percentage of arrests in part
due to:
• Superior BE'
C o u r t Special Response Team(J Team)
cases - 97.6% conviction rate, made 411 arrests in 1993 and
compared to a statewide average executed 32 search warrants.
of 94.7%.
• Resident Deputy Program. For
5 .
Bay Point and North Richmond, Superior Courts. The results are
the resident deputy provides a significant reductions in the time from
high uniform presence in the arrest to conviction, necessary court
neighborhoods and keeps a pulse appearances and the length of pre-trial
on neighborhood activities. detention.
• K-9 Unit has four canines working Gh4na Youth Altematives to Crime
with general patrol and two
working with the J-Team (another Nominated for the California State
two in contract cities). All canines Association of Counties Challenge
are trained for tracking and five Award, the Sheriff's "Camp Legit" is a
are cross-trained for narcotics summer day camp for youth and
detection. In 1993, the canine provides educational and recreational
unit made 84 arrests and activities as an alternative to crime. In
responded to 324 specialized 1993, 40 youth participated in this 2
service calls. week program.
.One Day- One Trial Jury Service
The period of jury services was
shortened in 1993. Jurors are now
summoned for jury selection on a single
day, instead of an entire week.
The new system not only reduces the
burden of jury service on the public, it
also reduces reimbursement costs to
jurors ... saving about$300 000 per year
of taxpayer resources.
Pubic Defense
The Public Defender's Office defends
people without the financial resources to
hire their own lawyer. Over the past five
years, an average of 20,500 cases per
year have been defended by the Public
Defender.
Speedy Justice
In 1993, the County implemented the
Trial Court Coordination and Efficiency -
Program. The new system allows _
criminal felony cases to be heard and -
adjudicated at both Municipal and
6
y
VALUING CHILDREN
Children are society's most valuable
resource. Children are our future.
Yet, many children are exposed to
situations that inhibit their development with others in a classroom setting. As
as healthy, self sufficient, productive one teacher recently remarked, "i can
adults. The County supports children always tell which children received
with services ranging from child preschool."
development to health to safety.
Preschool children also receive
Head Start Preschool immunizations and medical screenings
for the County. The screenings detect
1,450 children attended the County's any developmental disability. This
half-day, nine month preschool helps ensure that any special needs
programs in 1993. While most of these are addressed as early as possible, so
three and four year olds come from low the child does not get behind in school.
income families, others are"at risk"due
to individual developmental problems or
family crisis. Parent involvement is a large part of
the Head Start program. Every
With only 15 to 20 children per Head classroom has parental oversight. The
Start classroom, staffed by one teacher Teacher Assistants are usually parents.
and two teacher's assistants, every This not only Increases parent
child gets the special attention he/or involvement with their children, but also
she needs. provides employment opportunities for
- low income parents. Many of the head
Preschool programs give children an teachers in the classrooms are former
educational boost. They loam not only parent Teacher Assistants who went,
basic knowledge, but also how to work back to school and received their
7
2,536 GROWTH OF HEAD START/CHILD CARE PROGRAMS
2,035
19636 0Famlly Child Care
■Pre-Schooi
■Head Start
19036 OChlld Development
535
35
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994
teaching credentials. 10,100 pregnant women and children
under age 3. All of the 2,000 enrollees
Child Care in the County's preschool and child
care programs were served nutritious
368 preschool meals.
children received full r
�i
day, year round Videos help older children learn the
subsidized child care need for good nutrition. The County
in 1993, while their produced "Nutricise with Melanie and
low income parents Buster"and"Energize with Nutricise ll."
were working or are Both videos were shown on community
in job training. 40 of these children television,with an estimated viewership
were in family day care centers,funded of over 25,000. . Furthermore, the
through a federal grant. The County videos are being distributed to fifth and
received one of 18 national grants to sixth grade teachers.
evaluate the impact of a home vs
Classroom setting for preschoolers. Alt+emalNes to Violence
Humper and Nutribon Violence is an every day occurrence on
TV. For some children it is also part of
Hungry children cannot loam. Many their daily lives.
children receive their only nutritious
meal of the day at school. In 1993, For elementary school children
30% of eligible children received experiencing violenoe-related trauma, in
summer food services, up from 1% in 1993 the County obtained grant funding
1992, through a grant to the County. In to train elementary school teachers
addition, the County provided food how to respond and 'help these
vouchers and nutrition counseling to children.
8
For middle and high school students,
the County's Violence Prevention
Program helps develop leadership skills
among students to explore alternatives
to violence. In 1993, more than 50
youth were trained as leaders and
spokespersons in violence prevention--
- reaching hundreds of their peers in
schools and at community events.
dditionally,nine West County ommunity
agencies received supplemental
funding for violence prevention
Through schools and youth
programs. organizations,the County's tobacco
HeaNh Services for Low Income prevention project helped develop
Children leadership skills among youth to
combat the effects of tobacco
The County provides many health advertising in 1993. Parents and
related services for low income pregnant women were also
children. The following are a few educated on the dangers of
examples: exposing children to second hand
smoke.
Screenina Clinics - Well-baby
exams, school entrance exams
and other age-appropriate tests
and services. 61,000 infants and Bicycle Safety
children served in 1993.
The 1993 bicycle safety helmet law
• Hiah Risk Infants - Home-based resulted from a
services to families with children collaborative
up to age 3 "at risk" of effort led by
developmental delay or Contra Costa
disability. County. In
addition, the
•
Disabled - Educational and C o u n t y
therapeutical services to children distributed more
up to age 3 at the George Miller than 5,000 new helmets to low income
Centers. youth and repaired or checked for
safety more than 1,000 bicycles at
• Immunizations - Immunizations public health fairs (grant funding).
to 25,000 children in 1993.
Child Safety Seats
• Dental - 21,500 low income
children, preschool through sixth 145 child passenger restraint seats
grade, served at their schools in have been distributed free-of charge to
1993. low income expectant mothers who
9
completed the County's prenatal
requirements. This program not only
increased the availability of safety
seats, but also reduced the attrition rate
of prenatal program enrollees, from
42.4% to 20.5%.
Abused or Neglected Chiklmn
Sadly, not all children are safe in their
own homes. Some are neglected.
Others are abused, sexually or
physically.
t
In 1993, the County made 3,718 initial
home visits on reports of child abuse. # p
In some cases children were 1
immediately removed from the abusive
or neglectful situation. in others,
parental oversight and education
allowed the children to either stay with t
or return to their families under
improved conditions. (See Family
Preservation section under
"Strengthening Families.)
In 1993,1,105 children were placed with
relatives in foster care. 915 children
were placed in foster care with
non-relatives.Another 101 were placed
with legal guardians, some of whom
were relatives. 87 were adopted by COUNTY SERVICES HELP PROTECT
caring families. CHILDREN FROM ABUSE AND
NEGLECT.
In all cases, children are removed from
their parents only when necessary for
the child's welfare. About 60% of
children removed are able to return
home, usually within 6 to 12 months,
after County intervention services result
in an Improved home environment for
the child:
10
AFFORDABLE
HOUSING -
�J
The need for affordable housing affects Constructina Affordable Housing
all income strata. In a groundbreaking
effort, the County brought together 17 of In 1993, the County qualified for $2.6
the cities to develop a comprehensive million from the Federal HOME program
housing affordability strategy plan in for thirteen housing projects ......nearly
1993. 400 affordable housing units. Another 17
housing units for seniors were financed
First Time Homebuyers in 1993 in East County through the
brokering efforts of the County with the
In 1993, the County issued about 200 Pittsburg Preschool Council and Satellite
Mortgage Credit Certificates for low and Senior Homes.
moderate first time
homebuyers. The
MCC program Over $100 million of bond financed
provides qualified 20% projects were refinanced in 1993 to
first time home extend periods of affordability or to assist
buyers with a the projects in achieving financial
federal income tax stability, affecting 312 units. Project
credit, reducing an individual's tax locations included Antioch, Bay Point,
payment(s) by an amount equal to the San Ramon, Pleasant Hill and Walnut
Credit. The maximum tax credit Creek.
available is equal to 20% of the annual
interest paid on the borrower's mortgage. Rental Assistance
By reducing the borrower's federal tax
liability,the tax credit essentially provides 100 homeless persons will receive rental
additional income which can be used for housing assistance through a$4.8 million
mortgage payments. federal grant obtained by Contra Costa
County in 1993.
Contra Costa veterans can also receive
"loan assistance. Since 1945, $3.7 billion Another 40 families will be helped
of VA loans have been issued to County through the new federal Family
veterans through the assistance of the Unification Program. This program
County's Veterans Services Office. targets families with children at risk of
neglect due to homelessness or
11
inadequate housing. The County's award By linking a variety of county, state,
of 40 certificates was double that of any federal and private funds, the County
other county including Los Angeles provides shelter for homeless men,
County. women and families not only in the
winter, but throughout the year. In 1993,
On an ongoing basis, the County's the budget for the two emergency
Housing Authority operates and shelters was$875,000; and$230,000 for
maintains rental housing for 1,140 the two transitional shelters.
families in Contra Costa County. In
1993, HUD designated the County's
Housing Authority as a "high performer"
with a 96% rating.
Maintaining Neighborhoods
Everyone wants to live in a nice
neighborhood with well maintained
homes. The County Building Inspection
Department helps with investigations of
complaints on zoning and building code =4
violations. In 1993, 829 cases were
investigated and resolved. Another 36
neighborhood preservation loans were
approved.
In 1993, 25 houses of low income
families were rehabilitated for energy County programs provided 172
related improvement. 56 homes in the beds for homeless men,
low income neighborhoods of Bay Point women and children in Contra
and North Richmond were cleaned of Costa in 1993.
debris and waste.
Homeless Shelters
The County cares for the poorest
members of society in its four shelters
operated through the homeless program.
North Concord (60 beds), North
Richmond (56 beds), Mt. View House in
Martinez(40 beds for families and single
women), and San Joaquin Shelter in
Richmond (16 beds) are examples of
meeting a need and extending a hand
when other agencies have ignored the
problem.
12
SUPPORTING
FAMILIES
Secure,supportive, self sufficient families Family Preservation
are everyone's ideal. Some families
need help in reaching that goal. In some cases, dysfunction in a family is
so extreme that a child is "at risk" or
Deadbeat Parents actually experiencing neglect or abuse.
The County's District Attorney collected The County's Family Preservation
over $27 million in delinquent family Program is a short-term, intensive
support payments in 1993. These are intervention with families to prevent the
payments from parents who fled from need for out-of-home placement or to
their responsibilities to their children and allow a child to return home to an
did not pay court-ordered support, in improved environment. Working with
some cases leaving their children to each family individually, service needs
survive on welfare. are identified and provided --
accompanied by dose family oversight.
The District Attorney's new automated Following Family Preservation, most
procedures increase the efficiency of this families are transitioned to Family
program. For example, the new online Maintenance services. In 1993, 167
data base on employers of noncustodial families benefitted from Family
parents streamlines the system of Preservation services.
locating and collecting from delinquent
parents. This new system coupled with For children with delinquency problems,
the highly publicized "Deadbeat Parent" a special program has been initiated to
list has dramatically increased collection provide intensive oversight as an
of delinquent support payments. alternative to juvenile institutions. Begun
in mid-1993, the program is now serving
approximately 30 children.
13
lnteoratincx Family Services PATHS is an excellent example of
cooperation between community-based
Families can receive numerous services organizations, community activists,
from the County, ranging from mental churches and the County, working
health, probation, income maintenance, together to improve the lives of families.
child welfare, substance abuse
prevention and Others. Currently, Family Management Skills
program requirements, funding
restrictions and confidentiality laws The County provides a variety of
restrict full coordination between each of practical lifestyle skills for low income
the service providers in addressing the families. Financial management is
full range of family problems. particularly important in preventing family
homelessness. Good nutritional practice
The County believes that families would is the other area of concern, especially
be more effectively and more efficiently for pregnant women and families with
served if workers from all disciplines small children.
worked together through a common case
management plan approach for families In 1993, 2,845 low income families
within each of their program disciplines. received intensive 6- 12 hour classes on
This will require extensive waivers of financial management and/or nutrition.
federal and state regulations as well as Another 425 received quarterly
the consent of the involved families. newsletters on financial management.
Approximately 10,500 people watched
Beginning in 1994, the County plans to videos on nutrition and health in the
offer integrated family services in North Social Service Department waiting
Richmond and Bay Point, two rooms.
communities with high concentrations of
families receiving at least three services Family Friendly Emnlows
from County programs.
Interested in an employer who has on-
Tamping info Community Resources site job care? Job sharing? Flex work
schedules? Telecommuting or other
Families experiencing difficulties often family friendly
don't realize the range of services employment
available to them through their practices? In
community. The County's PATHS 1993 , the =
(Pittsburg Alliance of Technology and C o u n t y
Homeless Services for Families) project received a
is developing an automated referral g r a n t t o
system that catalogues existing services develop a
and gives families easy access and c o m p u t e r
referral. PATHS Is being initiated in system to track
Pittsburg and will be expanded initially this information among Contra Costa
throughout East Contra Costa County. employers. Watch for notices of data
availability in 19941
14
QUALIFY OF
LIFE
Open Space. Clean air. Unpolluted Transportation - Linkincx Businesses 8
water. Waste management/recycling. Homes
Storm drainage systems, not flooding.
Walking and biking trails. Well In 1993, the County
maintained, uncongested roads and i n v e s t e d
highways. The County plays an integral approximately $25
role in ensuring that many of these million to maintain
quality of life items are enhanced and/or and improve our
protected. transportation _
infrastructure.
Household Hazardous Waste M a i n t e n a n c e
highlights included:
Used motor oil, old paint and unused
pesticides should not be put in the ► 1 million square yards of asphalt
garbage or down the drain. These surface seal coats on county
household hazardous wastes can pollute roads.
the groundwater as well as waterways.
3,000 damaged/missing pave-
In 1993, the County initiated the mobile ment markers replaced.
collection program for household
hazardous waste. Eleven collection • 200 guardrail sections repaired or
events allowed over 7,000 households to replaced.
properly dispose of their household
hazardous waste. 6600 culverts and catch basins
cleaned of debris.
Look for notices on 1994 collection
events in the newspaper and in garbage ► County bridges maintained and
bills. repaired.
15
The County is working with the Contra Self check out
Costa Transportation Authority and is now available ..
CalTrans on the lowering of the Willow at the main
Pass grade. With Public Works library in
assistance, the project is both on time Pleasant Hill.
and under budget!
• Fax machines
Rail can be an alternative to freeway now network all the libraries for
congestion. In 1993, the County signed more complete reference
a joint powers agreement that will allow assistance.
regional rail planning in Alameda, Contra
Costa and Solano counties. Despite reductions in hours, the library
circulated 3.9 million books, videos,
tapes, records, periodicals and other
Doing its part, the County materials to the citizens and businesses
was designated as a "Top 100 of Contra Costa in 1993.
Employer" for Bay Area Rains Without Fkiodina
commuters by RIDES IN 1993.
This year Southern California rains
turned into mudslides, with millions of
dollars of damage to homes and
businesses. The County's flood control
Libraries - A New Vision program is designed to prevent that type
of catastrophe.
1993 was a difficult year for the library
system, forced to make massive budget 1n 1993, the County completed
cuts due to state actions. At the same construction of three regional storm
time, libraries are facing the need to drainage basins in East County as well
transition from used book depositories to as channel improvements to Marsh
sources of access to all types of Creek, Deer Creek and West Antioch
information. The day is not distant when Creek. These projects represented over
we will be able to call up library $4 million of new or improved drainage
catalogues and data from our own infrastructure.
computers.
The Walnut Creek Flood Control Project
To minimize service disruptions to its was also completed. Started in the early
library patrons, the library initiated 1960's, the project represents over$200
several new services in 1993: million of drainage infrastructure (current
dollars).
• Toll free 800/984-INFO (4636)
can be called for references For individual help on flood related
assistance six days a week (9:00 matters, call 510/646-4848 or the
a.m. - 9:00 p.m., Monday through Federal Emergency Management Agency
Thursday and 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 at 1-800/333-1363. -
p.m., Friday and Saturday).
16
Safe Use of Pesticides The County contributes to recycling by
averaging 12 tons each week of
Farms in East County and wholesale recovered/diverted materials from its own
growers in West County are increasingly operation.
surrounded by residential development.
This means it is even more important to
assure that pesticides are used property.
Gardening - America's #1 Hobbv
The County conducts field monitoring of
pesticide use to ensure that conditions Gardening is the most popular hobby in
and practices are proper and safe. On America today. Gardening provides
average,the County inspects 200%more respite from our stressful lives, beautifies
pesticide applications than the statewide the environment and is fun!
average. The County ranked second in
inspections among comparable counties The County's urban horticulture advisor
in 1993. helped 1,754 gardening hobbyists and
professionals in 1993. Another 2,655
The County also provides backyard gardeners were helped through
advise to home gardeners the volunteer "Master Gardener
and professionals on Program."
" integrated pest
management;" i.e., The 300 Master
alternatives to the use of Gardener volunteers
pesticides. provide technical
information on
Recycling - Yes! selection and
maintenance of
Recycling preserves non-renewable landscape plants,trees
resources and extends the life of our and vegetable gardens
landfills. Contra Costa County was the as well as alternatives
first county in the State of California to to pesticides through integrated pest
receive approval for its Integrated Waste management and composting (which
Management Plan, including its Source helps protect our environment).
Reduction and
R e c y c 11 n g Enforcing Air Pollution Controls
Element. The
plan was The Bay Area Air Quality Management
approved by District establishes regulations for
the State and protecting Contra Costa's air quality. To
all 18 cities in ensure compliance with all pollution
the County. control laws and regulations, the District
T h e Attorney's office has a established
environmental enforcement protocol with district. This
impact report was completed without protocol increases the effectiveness of
any legal challenges. the enforcement effort. -
17
CONTROLLING
COMMUNICABLE
DISEASE
AIDS has highlighted public awareness
of communicable disease and its
potential impact on our lives. But AIDS Education - The Key
is only one of 52 communicable diseases
which, by law, must be reported to the Prevention is key to
County. controlling communicable
disease. The County
The County investigates all reportable provides consultation free
communicable diseases from to: ■,
laboratories, physicians and other health
care providers. Investigation includes ■ Health Care Facilities
testing, education, treatment and • Extended Care Facilities
quarantine/ isolation as appropriate. • Board and Care Homes
Immunization Outreach efforts educate patients in the
areas of immunizations, TB, STD and
Approximately 25,000 children and adults HIV/AIDS
were immunized in 1993 at nominal or no
cost by the County. Immunization clinics Tuberculosis Is Back!
are conducted in Head Start Programs,
Pre-schools, churches and community In 1993, 110 cases of TS were reported
centers, as well as County Health Clinics in Contra Costa County, up from 60
cases in 1985.
Brochures on immunization are free to
medical providers for use in their offices. The County tracks all diagnosed cases of
TB. All contacts with diagnosed cases
To ensure compliance with the"no shot- are tested as well. The County provides
no school" law, the County randomly medical consultation to assist care
audits 40 - 50 schools each year. providers with case management,
treatment and follow-up.
18
The County places all patients who do
not adhere to the treatment regime on
directly observed
therapy. Currently,
15% of all TB
patients are visited
twice a week to
directly observe that
the patient takes the
proper medication.
TB testing is available in all County
immunization clinics, special clinics and
In people's homes. All inmates entering
the County jail receive TB testing.
AIDS
AIDS services are free, confidential and
available in Spanish
and English, including:
► HIV testing and
counseling
► Information and
referral to care
and service
agencies
Short term assistance with
housing, food and transportation
► In-home attendant care,nutritional
needs and supportive care
► Coverage for prescription drugs
for treatment
19
AFFORDABLE
QUALITY
HEALTH CARE
The County provides comprehensive CCHP has a history of innovation in
health care through an integrated system expanding the availability of health care.
that includes Merrithew Memorial
Hospital, 5 ambulatory care clinics, 3 ./ 1973 - First county sponsored
geriatric centers(for seniors),emergency HMO to sign a prepaid Med-Cal
medical services and public health, contract.
mental health, environmental health and
substance abuse programs. ol 1991 - First county HMO to
participate in California' s major
Contra Costa Health Plan XCHP) risk medical insurance program to
give health coverage to the
The County's Contra Costa Health Plan medically uninsurable.
(CCHP) is a federally, qualified Knox-
Keene licensed health maintenance 1992 - First county HMO to
organization (HMO) with over 23,000 participate in California's access
members throughout the County. to infants and mothers program to
give minimal health cost coverage
Who belongs? Small businesses, to pregnant women and their
County employees, MediCal patients, babies.
Medicare patients,low income individuals
and others interested in quality, 1993 - First county sponsored
affordable health care. HMO to participate in California's
Small Business Purchasing Pool
Vice President Al Gore and Insurance so that small business owners can
Commissioner John Garamendi have purchase affordable health care
called CCHP a model for health care coverage for their employees.
reform and a proven example of how
managed care can work for all. CCHP uses its resources to augment
patient services, not administration.
Similar size HMO's nationwide have a
20
75% higher ratio of administrative to Funding fnr New Clinics
health care expenses than CCHP.
CCHP is also a prudent buyer of out-of- In 1993, the County secured.$2 million to
plan services. It paid 31% less for an expand and remodel the Pittsburg Health
out-of-plan hospital day in 1993 than in Center.
1986.
Funding was also secured for the
Patient Centered Quality Care construction of a health center in North
Richmond as well as a West County
The Merrithew hospital system prides mobile health van to provide public
itself on its excellence of care It health and education services. The
consistently meets and exceeds JACHO funding is part of a $1.18 million historic
industry standards which includes settlement with General Chemical in
annual reinvestigations by independent conjunction with the July 26, 1993
professionals. release of oleum, a toxic chemical. The
agreement is unique in that it provides
The County's hospital/clinic system permanent health benefits to the
emphasizes family practice physicians - community affected by the accident.
keeping people well and intervening early
in illness. Complex surgical procedures Dial 911 Medical EmergencIt
are also available. For example, the
County's neurosurgical team provides The County is the lead agency for Contra
surgical relief to patients with Costa's Emergency Medical Service
Parkinson's Disease whose seizures System, including
cannot be contained by medication fire, ambulance
alone. and related 911
m e d i c a l
The Merrithew hospital system was the emergency
only public hospital in California, and one services.
of seven
nationally, In 1993, the Emergency Medical System:
selected to
participate in responded to 40,000 911 medical
the multi-year emergencies with about 30,000
p a t 1 e n t 46 resulting in transport of a patient
centered care to a hospital emergency room.
program
Initiative. The provided about 1,200 seriously
hospital also injured patients with advanced
received grant funding for ,its six year trauma center care.
patient quality/continuous quality
improvement program. provided rapid defibrillation to
about 140 heart attack victims.
The recent Bill Moyer's documentary
"Healing in the Mind"featured the benefit
of the patient centered care program.
21
• certified/accredited over 500 pre- Keening People in their Homes
hospital personnel, such as
paramedics, mobile intensive care Over 4,000 seniors and disabled people
nurses and emergency medical in Contra Costa County are able to live in
technicians. their homes because the County
provides in-home supportive services,
• developed a message ranging from basic housekeeping to
transmission network to give nursing care. In 1993, the County was
digital linkage to all public safety able to qualify 2,963 cases for 50%
and ambulance dispatch centers matching federal funds.
countywide.
Appropriate Care for the Menially 111
implemented the First Responder
paramedic program in Byron/ The County is committed to providing
Discovery Bay, enhancing care for mentally ill patients in the least
paramedic response in rural restrictive setting possible. In 1993, the
areas. State granted the County flexibility in its
use of Napa State Hospital beds.
Delivering Healthy Babies Instead of a "use it or lose it" contract,
the County was granted the right to divert
1,462 babies were delivered in 1993 by patients and financial resources to lower
County family practitioners. level care facilities. The result is a
Approximately 350 babies were delivered savings of $2 million per year to County
by the practitioners at Brookside Hospital taxpayers and more appropriate care for
as part of a joint venture that provides the patients.
prenatal and postpartum care at the
County's clinic and delivery at Brookside
Hospital. Other prenatal care joint
ventures include the Planned Parenthood Mo More Seconal Hand Smoke
program which delivered approximately
120 babies last year. Notice the increase of "No
Smoking" signs in restaurants,
Begun in 1993, an innovative multi- offices and public buildings? In
disciplinary program, Comprehensive 1993, the County adopted a
Perinatal Outreach Project focuses on model anti-smoking ordinance
Improving infant health in conjunction which has since been adopted
with the broader context of parent by most of the cities.
lifestyles. The program currently
concentrates on the Richmond and
Pittsburg areas, hot spots for low birth
weight, Infant mortality and an
unprecedented 36% tobacco prevalence
among African American women at time
of delivery.
22
The County operates the Aid for Families The County also operates training
with Dependent Children (AFDC) and programs for General Assistance
Food Stamps Programs on behalf of the recipients, giving certificates in grounds
Federal and State governments. The maintenance, painting and recycling
County also has responsibility for operations.
General Assistance, welfare to indigent
persons who do not qualify for other aid For AFDC recipients, the County
programs. operates the Greater Avenues Towards
Independence (GAIN) program under
The County is strongly committed to federal and state regulatory guidelines.
promoting self sufficiency. It operates GAIN helps AFDC recipients become self
both work experience and substance sufficient through training and work
abuse treatment programs and experience programs.
prosecutes welfare fraud.
Traininn and Work Fxnenence
Worts Payst
The General Assistance Workfare
Program gives work experience to To help welfare recipients transition
employable General Assistance to financial self sufficiency, the
recipients. Work experience is provided County implemented a new AFDC
through the County's General Services and General Assistance Income
Department, 18 nonprofit agencies and a Disregard program in 1993. This
number of cities and public agencies provides incentives for people to
throughout Contra Costa County. The move toward financial self
General Services Workfare Program sufficiency. -
Includes working in the County's
Recycling Center, roadside litter pick-up
crews, and grounds maintenance.
23
In 1993, 1,730 AFDC recipients County employs low income parents as
participated in GAIN, an increase of 20% teachers assistants. This not only
over 1992. provides for employment opportunities,
but encourages the teacher assistants to
The County was able to serve more recognize the children's needs.
AFDC recipients due to a $1.6 million
increase in GAIN funding as well as the in 1993, the County's Health Services
County action to administer the GAIN Department received :198,000 in grant
child care payment program in-house. funds to augment vocational job
This allowed the County to increase its development and placement services for
child care services by $107,800/year, severely and persistently mentally ill
thus enabling more AFDC parents to adults. 160 were served in 1993.
attend the GAIN program.
Preventing Weflare Fraud
More Training and Employment
Assistance In 1993, the County implemented a new
early fraud investigation program to
The County also operates programs to prevent fraud in the AFDC, Food Stamps
help people avoid welfare in the first and General Assistance .
place. These programs are targeted at
low income individuals as well as To discourage "double dipping," the
convicts and ex-offenders. County implemented a fingerprint
program matches prints against all
In 1993, the County, through its Private persons receiving General Assistance in
Industry Council, assisted 548 low Contra Costa, San Francisco and
income adults and youth in obtaining Alameda Counties.
employment. The employment rate was
72.5% for youth and 61.6% for adults. Substance Abuse Treatment
Average weekly earnings were $260.00
for youth and $296.00 for adults. Substance abuse is a major barrier to
employment. All General Assistance
The County Shertft's Department recipients . are now screened for
operates employment training programs substance abuse. People with substance
to provide alternatives to crime. abuse problems are required to attend
drug counselling and treatment services
In addition, in 1993,the County arranged for continued eligibility in General
for the Byron Boys' Ranch to Assistance.
manufacture slant boards for County
departments(used to minimize neck and In partnership with the County office of
shoulder injuries of desk bound Education, the Sheriff's DEUCE Program
employees). The County reduced the assists substance addicted inmates to
cost of slant boards by 50% and the become dean and sober. In 1993, 557
Boys' Ranch gained a woodworking inmates participated in the program, with
project which teaches marketable skills. 167 successful.completions.
In the County's Head Start Program, the
24
GENERAL ASSISTANCE EXPENDITURES
an millions) $17.7
$17.5
$15.0 $14.2 $13.8
$12.5 $11.8
$10.0
$7.5
$5.0
$2.5
$0.0
1939-90 1990-91 1991-92 1992-93 1993-94 sst.
Required Workfare, Job search, substance abuse treatment, welfare
fraud prevention, legistattve limits on grants and requirements that
General Assistance recipients adhere to program rules substantially
reduced taxpayers expenditures for this welfare program In 1993.
25
GOVERNMENT
AS
BUSINESS
111 :111 H
Like any successful business, the
County leverages its resources and A-1 rating. These high ratings save
exercises tight fiscal management millions of dollars on interest borrowing
practices. costs.
Maintaining Fiscal trite gnty The County's high ratings reflect the
respect of the credit raters for the fiscal
The State's seizure of nearly $100 million management of the County, the
of the County's revenue in the past two credibility of which has been established
years forced the County to make some over years of proven experience.
difficult choices on program reductions.
Choices were made only after public Leasing Airport Property
hearings and discussions with advisory
commissions and advocacy groups. In Long term leases for non-aviation
1993, the Contra Costa Taxpayers property at Buchanan Airport have
Association described the County's converted unused property to commercial
actions as "...a remarkable second time uses and generated new sources of
in a row that annual spending has income for the County.
decreased at the County (government)
level..." Contra Costa County is a leader Ground lease payments support airport
In setting the standard for fiscal austerity maintenance and development,including
among governments. the development of the new $20 million
Byron Airport in East County, scheduled
Highest Credit Rating for dedication in late 1994. The
County's share of sales tax from the
The County has the highest credit rating highly successful Sports Mart and the
available to any public agency in new Sam's Club go into the general fund
California by Moody's and Standard and which helps support the County's criminal
Poors for its short term note borrowing justice system.
(for cash flow purposes between receipt
of tax installments). For its long term The Airport Center golf course, hotel,
lease borrowing,the County maintains an auto dealership and retail stores project
26
IN- HOUSE ADMINISTRATION RESULTS "
Exposure Area Number of Claims Filed Results
Malpractice 200 20% no payment to claimant
General Liability 2280 54% no payment to claimant
Auto Liability 598 70% no payment to claimant
• 1989- 1993
symbolizes the County's efforts to both Prudent Banking Practices
maximize County resources and produce
new income streams for airport In 1993 the County changed its banking
development with no new taxes.. service agreement from a compensating
balance to a fee-for-service agreement.
Risk Management This provided the same level of banking
services and the same level of charges,
The County's self insured, in-house risk but allows the County to increase its
management program saves$8.3 million earnings on money encumbered for bank
each year. This is the,conclusion of the charges. Since the new arrangement
independent counseling actuarial firm of was instituted, the earnings. rate has
Milliman and Robertson following an been at least 2% higher.
evaluation of the County's self-funded
auto, general liability, medical In 1993, the County also brought its bank
malpractice and workers compensation wiring and interbank account transfer
exposure programs. functions in-house. This generated a
savings of over 40%.
Serving Other Public Agencies
The County operates its own collection
agency for parking citations and other
payments due to the County. The
installation of new parking citation system
in 1993 allowed the County to act as a
service bureau for Contra Costa's cities
and other agencies. All but Walnut
Creek and BART now contract with the
County. The increased volumes of
parking citations processed from
contracting agencies has increased the
cost effectiveness of the County's
operation. It has also reduced the cost
for those other public entities.
27
CONSOLIDATING/
INTEGRATING
FUNCTIONS
The County has a long history of embarked on a course of cutting
consolidating operations and integrating administration costs by reducing the
functions to increase efficiency and number of chief officer positions in five
effectiveness. merit districts from eleven to four, saving
taxpayers $1.4 million annually....$1.4
Fire District Mercers million of administrative savings in
The Board of Supervisors is responsible Fire Districts in 1993.
for managing a regional network of 10 Administration reductions eliminated
County fire districts in East, Central and costly duplication of services. This action
West County. This helped ensure that County fire stations
network has been so remained open, with no cuts in
s u c c e s s f u l firefighting personnel or equipment.
operationally that Administrative savings contributed to the
some city councils first fire equipment major r a
have eliminated city-run operations for q pment upgrading in
four years.
the County network. The City of
Martinez annexed to the Contra Costa Court Coordination
Fire District while the cities of Pittsburg
and Antioch have dropped their service Initiated in January 1993, the court
in favor of the County's Riverside District coordination effort has dramatically
to save taxpayer dollars and avoid costly increased the number of court _
duplication of effort. dispositions as well as decreased the
In 1993, due to State legislative action in amount of time to process a case.
seizing local property tax, the Board
28
Court coordination allows for the between departments.
assignment of the equivalent of 2% full
time Municipal Court judges to assist in Library Fax Network
Superior Court cases. Superior Court
judges also work on Municipal Court In the fall. 1993, the library installed a
felony cases in an effort to dispose of network of fax machines which connect
them and all trailing misdemeanor cases all library locations.
prior to preliminary examination. The faxes are used to
expand the availability
Court coordination is made possible due of central library _ }=
to cooperation between the two courts, resources and to assure
t h e timely delivery of
Distr information and library materials.
i c t Information and resources can also be
Attor faxed directly to library patrons' homes
n e y and businesses.
and
the
Public Defender. Its implementation
required the writing and/or modification of Administrative Consolidations
over 100 computer programs.
In 1993, the accounting functions of the
For more data on the efficacy of court Building Inspection Department and
coordination see the section Community Development Department
"Strengthening Public Protection." were transferred to the Public Works
Department. This takes advantage of the
Tracking Subdivisions and Use Permits sophisticated accounting skills of Public
Works while reducing accounting costs
Development applications for for the other two departments.
subdivisions and use permits require
processing not only in the Community Similarly, the Community Development
Development Department but also Public Department is now providing all
Works and Building Inspection. administrative services for the Building
Inspection Department.
The systems of the three departments
were functionally integrated in 1993
through a new
computerized
tracking system.
This allows each
department, as well __.
as the applicant, to
identify where the
project is in the
system. This system also eliminates any
delays due to transmittal of information
7A
1
ECONOMIC
VITALITY =
Strong businesses create jobs. Jobs and moderate income residents in
create more jobs. County support to establishing and operating small
Contra Costa's economic vitality helps businesses. Together with existing
small and large businesses as well as programs,24 small business/prospective
our agricultural industry. business people were assisted in 1993
with business plans,marketing plans and
SuanoiOng Smaff Businesses needed technical assistance.
Small business creates more jobs than Naming Your Business
any other industry in the United States.
In 1993, the County received grant A business name establishes the identity
funding for "New Ventures" to assist low of the business. To keep it unique,
Contra Costa County registers fictitious
business names for all businesses
except corporations. In 1993, the County
Helping Small Business protected 7,892 fictitious business
names.
Through its Private Industry Council,
the County helped low and moderate Buying and Selling Emmriy
income entrepreneurs start small
businesses. Examples: Daily, about 1,500 grant deeds, deeds of
trust, powers of attorney and other
► Printer documents related to the ownership of
► Gift Basket Company . real property are filed with the County.
► Bookstore Documents are recorded the day they
► Cookie Manufacturer are received with verification within one
► Word Processing Business day (upon verification, the document is
► Graphic Artist - part of the General Index and available
► Delivery as a certified record according to law).
► Jewelry Design/Manufacture
► Children's Consignment Shop The Recorder's quick service is
► Bakery
30
Economic Summit
In 1993, the County sponsored Contra
Bringing Federal and State Costa' s first Economic Summit, bringing
Resources to Contra Costa together industry, labor and government
to pursue new strategies to improve
The County brings minions of dollars Contra Costa's economy; to create new
to Contra Costa County's economy job opportunities; and to maintain our
each year by successfully competing quality of life. Over 200 leaders attended
for grants and tapping into other the Summit.
federaUstate programs. These
resources bring both services and
jobs to Contra Costa. Some 1993
examples are:
■ $13 million in funds for road k
and public works projects,
such as: Armstrong Road
(Byrn); Southern Pacific
Blvd. (Pleasant Hill); and
Diamond Blvd. (Concord).
■ $66 million in veterans
J` � '
benefits.
■ $11.9 million for the hospital Economic Summit - Public and
and medical programs private sectors working together to
(MediCal disproportionate improve Contra Costa's economy.
share hospital funding).
■ $1 million for administrative
case management of federal
MediCal.
Community Alert Network
■ $1.6 million for In Home
Supportive Care for people Working closely with major industry, the
with medical needs. County developed the Community Alert
Network (CAN) to help notify
communities in case of emergencies.
CAN is an automated dialing system with
the ability to handle 100 phone calls at
any one time. Notification zones ensure
particularly admirable considering the that the residents in closest proximity of
38% growth in the volume of records an accident are notified first.
processed in the-past two years.
CAN has been used to alert communities
of hazardous materials acciderits. For
example, CAN was activated on July 26,
Z1
1993 in three zones to alert residents of In 1993, the County stepped in to protect
the General Chemical release of Oleum. the apple industry in Contra Costa. State
See "Industrial Hazardous Materials budget cuts in its detection and exclusion
Handling"for information on the County's programs would have left apple fruit
program to increase the safe handling of ineligible for export to some countries.,
toxic materials. Working with the growers, the County
Board of Supervisors passed an
Processing Development App/icafions ordinance which replaced the protection
lost by the State (fee-supported).
The development process is complex,
requiring review and/or inspection by Airport Access
many agencies, including Building
Inspection, Community Development, Buchanan Field currently is home to over
Public Works, and, often, the Fire 600 planes. - It served about 286,000
District. The County established a new landings/take offs
system to integrate this process in 1993 in 1993. Many
with the development of computerized businesses use
permit tracking. In addition, standardized Buchanan as a
time parameters were adopted for permit close, convenient
processing. alternative to Oakland or San Francisco.
In 1993, the County made $2 million of
Ac
iricultura/Production improvements to the airport.
Contra Costa County hosts agricultural The County made a major investment to
industry not only in East County, but also meet future airport needs in 1993 with
West County with an extensive the final acquisition of 1,276 acres for
commercial greenhouse industry. The Byron Airport, slated to open in late
County's farm advisors program not only 1994. Land acquisition was funded
directly assists the agricultural through an FAA grant, while construction
community, but indirectly affects all food is 90% FAA grant funding with a 10%
consumers through improved varieties, local match(Airport Enterprise accounts-
lower production costs and improved user fees).
food safety and quality.
According to an independent study in
The County led a study in the techniques 1990, Buchanan Field directly and
in promotion of organic apple production, indirectly provides over 850 jobs in
Contra Costa's most important tree crop. Contra costa and contributes $40 million
Since apples are to the local economy. Byron Airport is
frequently planted in expected to boost the economy in East
close proximity to County as well.
residential areas,organic
production techniques Industrial Hazardous Materials Handling
are especially valuable.
Other crop research included sweet corn, Industry that handles hazardous
cherries, tomatoes, roses and walnuts - materials also employs thousands of
all important Contra Costa crops.
32
people in Contra Costa County. The
County works with these industries to
ensure that hazardous materials are
properly stored, handled and disposed.
1993 activities included:
• Ensured that businesses
developed/maintained pians for
safe use of hazardous materials.
• Inspected 711 facilities that
generate hazardous waste.
• Responded to 843 reports of
unexpected releases of hazardous
materials; 501 reports resulted in
dispatch of the County's Incident
Response Team to the scene of
the event.
13
33
InIII�'h��ih
x��il,p��ll�i�,i�i(I('Ii�11 glltx
ili iy 1, ixi�it
AUTOMATION
;irlitlll'!i V,i!dl ',
Remember the days of carbon paper?
Of lining up forms in the typewriter and Online Tiime Reporting System and other
never getting it quite right? As a payroll processing modifications reduced
manager, were you ever frustrated when the costs of payroll production by
it took your staff two weeks to compile $93,117 in 1993.
data on service demand or per unit cost?
Better Service
Like private businesses, the County uses
automation as a tool to increase the SeKservke flbrary check out was piloted
efficiency and the effectiveness of its at the central library in November 1993.
operation. The following highlights just a In January, 10,234 books were self-
few examples of recent applications, checked, 17% of the total.
many developed and installed by the
County's in-house data processing. Court coorcirtation ...which speeds up
processing of criminal felony cases ...
ControNina and Reducina Costs was made possible in 1993 through the
modification/creation of over 100
Ekctronk bansmlasion fbr banking computer programs in the District
operations streamlined the bank's Attorney's Office, Public Defender's
reconciliation process(involving both the Office, Municipal Court and Superior
treasurer's office and the auditor's office) Court.
as well as providing protection against
forgeries. Countywide name index system installed
in 1993, which provides common data
Welfare payment system fine tuning base for all law enforcement agencies on
reduced system resource usage. The individuals known to one or more
result was online cost lower in 1993 then agencies....increasing law enforcement's
in 1991, while processing 4 million more ability to identify criminal suspects.
transactions per year.
34
R
Reducing Staff Time the Auditor and County Administrator and
which provides powerful forecasting and
An optica/system of sP"Wm retrieval modeling functions and automatically
for elections reduced staff time from 6 - brings in relevant data from the County's
7 minutes to 14 - 15 seconds per payroll, personnel and finance systems
retrieval. as needed.
Onihe comparable sales status system
made the appraisal of property sales Improved Billing/Reimbursement
Online system of supplemental pr wry Capacity
assessments was implemented to speed
the processing and to simplify the Expanded the himBy support data base
notification system. to collect the information on employers of
non-custodial parents to improve the
A bar code reader system was ability to collect child support payments
developed to log in returned business and to locate absent parents.
propertystatenw^thus eliminating the
need to transport statements between Installed a parfrirtg citation system which
divisions as well as manually entering the allows the County to act as service
data. bureau for processing citations. All but
two city/agencies use the County system.
Online timekeeping was implemented for
all County departments eliminating the Implemented electronic submission of all
manual batch process system that home health agency Medicare billing
required costly data entry operations. resulting in accelerated cash flow to the
County.
Increasing Communication and
Inte_tinci Data
Developed now olsctronkm land oflkke Automation Benefits
aursorn dm system for use by all County Controlling and Reducing
departments. This system will be used Costs
to transmit adult probation reports to the
Superior Court, District Attorney and Better Service
others.
Established a enact computer Mak to the Reducing Staff Time
DMV for many purposes, including Increasing Communication
processing of boat ownership changes, and Integrating Data
investigation of welfare fraud cases,court
update of driver histories and inquiries I m p r o v i n
Into driver and vehicle records. g
Billing/Reimbursement _
Installed new fl once system for budget Capacity
preparation and oversoN has been
installed which links all departments to
i
CONSUMER �
PROTECTION
Yes, a pound is really
16 ounces in Contra ficial Events - Safe and Sanitary
Costal In 1993, the '• ••
County inspected Special events can be fun and help raise
73,708 weighing money for very worthwhile community
/measuring devices, causes; however, booth operators are
package commodities, often volunteers, inexperienced with
and gasoline pumps. handling large quantities of potentially
hazardous foods.
Eating Out Safehr
In 1993, the County began meeting with
In Contra Costa you can eat out secure special events sponsors to provide early
in the knowledge that information to educate them on safety
every one of the 3,800 and sanitation requirements.
inventoried food !iii;
establishments were Small Claims Court
inspected by the County
in 1993. Only 43 1 Small Claims Court allows individuals to
required closing. obtain legal redress without an attorney
for claims up to$5,000. During the 1992-
A new computerized complaint system 93 fiscal year, 13,400 small claims cases
has increased the County's oversight were heard in the County's Municipal
ability. The computer tracks the number, Court.
type and frequency of complaints against
each facility. In addition,approximately 10,000 citizens
received advise from County Counsel on
Small Claims Court lawsuits. Call 372-
0292 (toll free) for small claims advice.