Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Grand Jury Response topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Ione council and staff pledge formal response after grand jury report as residents press for transparency
Summary
Residents criticized the grand jury findings and recent tax moves during public comment; the city attorney said staff were directed to prepare a formal response and the city manager acknowledged mistakes while pledging corrective steps.
Mayor Maida opened the July 7 meeting and the council reported that during closed session "direction was given to our city attorney, Josh Veritsky," who later told the council that on one matter staff had been directed "to begin preparing the city's response and responding within the required timeline."
During public comment multiple residents cited findings in the grand jury report and urged action. "The grand jury report cited many instances of violations, namely by the city manager," said Patricia Anjija, reading passages and asking council members to consider whether they are following the citys protocol manual. Ruthlla Turner said the city's lack of a recent budget and alleged fiscal mismanagement had eroded trust and demanded transparency: "Show where the money is going."
City Attorney Josh Veritsky told the council he and staff would prepare the formal response required by the grand jury process and that staff had cooperated throughout the investigation. Veritsky said, "we provided responses... the city was very cooperative" during the inquiry. City Manager George Lee acknowledged the report and told residents he would take its findings seriously. In remarks later in the meeting Lee said the administration would "review it" and that "we are taking it seriously" while urging residents to read the report and staffs forthcoming response.
Council members and staff emphasized that some policy and procedural gaps cited in the report are already being reviewed. Council member comments framed the report as a matter for corrective action and accountability: one council member said staff should be held first to account for following policies, while others stressed the work needed to catch up on long-delayed audits and records.
The council did not take immediate disciplinary action in public session; instead, the city attorney and staff will prepare the citys formal response and follow the statutory timeline for replies. The city encouraged residents with questions to contact staff directly and suggested follow-up at subsequent meetings where the council may consider implementation steps.
Ending: The council closed public comment on the grand jury items and slated the formal response to be prepared and transmitted by staff within the legally required timeframe.
