August 15, 2023
The Honorable Maria Hernandez
Presiding Judge
Orange County Superior Court
700 Civic Center Drive West
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Subject: 2022-2023 Orange County Grand Jury Report, “Gimme Shelter and a Pound of Advice: The State of Animal Welfare Overseen by the County of Orange”
Honorable Judge Hernandez:
As City Manager of the City of Anaheim, I am pleased to respond on behalf of the City to the 2022-2023 Orange County Grand Jury Report, “Gimme Shelter and a Pound of Advice: The State of Animal Welfare Overseen by the County of Orange”. The response contained in this letter has been approved by the Anaheim City Council. The City’s response addresses the Orange County Grand Jury Report’s recommendations in accordance with the California Penal Code Sections 933 and 933.05.
Recommendation
“R6. By June 30, 2024, the Board of Supervisors should evaluate the strategic option of creating a Joint Powers Authority for the County and fourteen contract Cities to take ownership and shared responsibility for the financial and operating policies and practices of OCAC.”
City Response to Recommendation R.6: Anaheim respectfully declines the recommendation to establish a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) for Orange County Animal Care. The City of Anaheim evaluates its commitment to Orange County Animal Care Services annually and will continue to do so through the contracting process. We are satisfied with the services provided to our residents, and the County consistently meets the performance measures set in the contract.
Creating a JPA would involve complex negotiations and coordination among multiple stakeholders, including the County and the 14 contract Cities. Such a process could lead to significant delays in decision-making and implementation, further exacerbating the current challenges faced by the shelter. Additionally, the establishment of a JPA may dilute accountability and responsibility, making it difficult to allocate resources, establish clear policies, and ensure effective oversight. Bureaucratic inefficiencies and conflicts of interest could hinder the ability to address the pressing issues at hand.
Furthermore, the existing governance structure already enables collaboration and communication between the County and the contract Cities. It is crucial to consider the potential financial implications of establishing a JPA. Allocating resources to create and maintain a new governing body could strain budgets and divert funding from direct animal care and welfare initiatives.
Anaheim remains committed to working together with the County within the current structure, implementing necessary changes, and achieving the desired improvements in animal care while upholding accountability and efficiency.
I would like to express my appreciation for the efforts of the Orange County Grand Jury.
The City is committed to ensuring our citizens who own animals have the best care and service available. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Ted White, Planning and Building Director, at (714) 765-5209 or [email protected].
Respectfully submitted,
Jim Vanderpool
City Manager
Cc: Orange County Grand Jury
City Clerk, City of Anaheim