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Public commenter alleges irregularities in employee referral bonus program; board members urge civility
Summary
A public commenter accused staff of irregularities in the employee referral bonus program and requested payroll and referral records; board members cautioned against making unverified personal accusations during public comment.
During general public comment at the Feb. 11 Jail Oversight Board meeting, a public commenter raised allegations about the jail's employee referral bonus program and requested public records for payroll and referral payments.
The commenter said a deputy warden "paid herself $5,000" from the referral program and described the program as having a "pick and choose" distribution. The commenter also said she would file right‑to‑know requests for referral names and payroll records and asked the board controller to publish spending details related to capital improvements and payroll.
A board member responded during public comment, urging speakers to present constructive remarks and warning that taking the public comment period to "take cheap shots" diminishes credibility. A separate county official clarified that payroll is processed through the county payroll department and audited, noting that departments do not "pay themselves" salaries.
The board did not take formal action on the allegations during the meeting; the controller later said the independent audits of the inmate welfare and trust funds will be posted for public review and suggested members could follow up with auditors for specific questions.
