County contractor raises concerns about delayed payments and contract changes for CAPS program

Maria Luisa Gamboa, who identified herself as a county contractor for child protective services, told the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on June 10 that she has experienced repeated delays in payments under the county—APS contract and that recent contract changes have been unclear to providers.

"I've had difficulties with them, like not getting paid for 6 months," Gamboa said, adding that the most recent delay had been four months. She told the board she provides services in Spanish but is not compensated for bilingual service and that invoice timing can affect payment: "If we turn in our invoices late, we don't get paid. But if they take 4 months to pay us, nothing happens."

Gamboa said she has been a contractor with child protective services for about 15 years. County staff responded during the meeting and said they would have someone reach out to Gamboa to collect more information and follow up.

"I appreciate your comments today. We'll have someone reach out to you with a business card and to get further information," the clerk/manager said. The county did not provide specifics in the public record at the meeting about the cause of the payment delays, the number of affected contractors, or timeline for resolving individual claims.

Gamboa's remarks came during the consent-calendar portion of the meeting when members of the public were allowed three minutes for comment. She said she did not prepare formal remarks and asked how the county determines contract changes. The county manager's office indicated staff would follow up directly with Gamboa after the meeting.