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Mono County Civil Grand Jury

2025-2026: from findings to follow-through

Overview

Explore the jury’s recommendations, read matching agency responses, and join the discussion. Everything in this cycle is connected to its original source.

Recommendations & responses

Every recommendation made by the jury, with matching agency responses alongside it.

Recommendations & responses

Showing 20 of 20 recommendations

Jump to recommendation

Compliance and Continuity Final Report

LAFCO Investigation Report

2 recommendations

Recommendation R1

Continue the annual LAFCO training and, as stated, include the Mono LAFCO Handbook training as part of the annual commissioner training.

No response recorded

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: Compliance and Continuity Final Report · PDF page 5

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Recommendation R2

Follow through with the stated intention to update the Sphere of Influence and Service Review policy, as necessary, and submit for adoption by the commission at a noticed public hearing and publish as required.

No response recorded

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: Compliance and Continuity Final Report · PDF page 6

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Compliance and Continuity Final Report

Mono County Cyber Security Report

1 recommendation

Recommendation R1

Follow through with the stated budget requests for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 to continue with updating staffing needs and program developments.

No response recorded

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: Compliance and Continuity Final Report · PDF page 9

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

The Mono County Pack Fire: Emergency Communication Issues

8 recommendations

Recommendation R1

Establish a set protocol for the first arriving fire unit to notify dispatch as to how many additional resources need to be dispatched immediately. This could be in the form of a 2nd alarm, 3rd alarm, 4th alarm, 5th alarm notification in the initial radio communication from fire unit to dispatch. With the known geographic location and the call for a 3rd alarm assignment, dispatch would have a call out list and could immediately dispatch the appropriate fire units and other designated resources.

No response recorded

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: The Mono County Pack Fire: Emergency Communication Issues · PDF page 12

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Recommendation R2

Establish a set protocol to notify all the fire departments and law enforcement agencies that there is a large working fire or other significant disaster in the County. This would be a notification, not a dispatch. This would give the Volunteer Fire Departments and law enforcement agencies advance notice of a possible dispatch.

No response recorded

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: The Mono County Pack Fire: Emergency Communication Issues · PDF page 12

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Recommendation R3

Establish a policy and procedure for dispatch to track and account for all departments and agencies that are on scene at the initial stages of an incident. Once the Unified Command is set up and running, this information could be relayed to them. Unified Command could then take over this function.

No response recorded

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: The Mono County Pack Fire: Emergency Communication Issues · PDF page 12

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Recommendation R4

Establish written situation-specific procedures including quick reference materials that dispatchers can utilize in their decision making process for critical incidents and emergency scenarios.

No response recorded

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: The Mono County Pack Fire: Emergency Communication Issues · PDF page 13

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Recommendation R5

Establish Dispatch as a stand alone professional function. The County could separate dispatch responsibilities from corrections duties to improve recruitment, retention, and performance. Consider lateral hiring of dispatchers from other agencies or those with prior training and experience.

No response recorded

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: The Mono County Pack Fire: Emergency Communication Issues · PDF page 13

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Recommendation R6

Evaluate relocation of the primary dispatch center. Even given the lack of continued participation of Inyo County, a feasibility study could be conducted regarding placement of a future primary dispatch center closer to population centers such as Bishop and Mammoth Lakes. Several potential advantages associated with the airport area include: • Proximity to the County's primary workforce population centers. • Immediate access from US Highway 395, including during winter conditions. • Potential coordination with future public safety infrastructure development in the area.

No response recorded

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: The Mono County Pack Fire: Emergency Communication Issues · PDF page 13

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Recommendation R7

In addition to sending current dispatch personnel to train at higher volume emergency communication centers, consideration could be given to combining this field training concept to the initial POST dispatch training in Riverside or San Bernardino.

No response recorded

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: The Mono County Pack Fire: Emergency Communication Issues · PDF page 13

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Recommendation R8

Even if Inyo County is not willing to participate with the regional dispatch approach, many of the concepts and procedures formulated in the Fire Engineering, 120-page, Regional Dispatch Feasibility Study and Implementation plan can be utilized in restructuring of the Mono County Dispatch Program.

No response recorded

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: The Mono County Pack Fire: Emergency Communication Issues · PDF page 13

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Mono County Election Procedures: Challenges and Opportunities

3 recommendations

Recommendation R-1

In accordance with the findings of the 2016-2017 Grand Jury, the Registrar of Voters should institute a program of outreach work and voter education to eliminate confusion during elections. Such program might include: • Expanding community partnerships, e.g. collaborating with County libraries and schools to host voter education workshops and voter registration drives • Increase Multilingual Engagement • Strengthen Youth Engagement • Ensuring that all voters are aware of locations of polling places and drop boxes, and options for returning ballots. Action: Chief Administrative Officer. Registrar of Voters Timeframe: 3 months

2 responses · Mono County Administrative Officer · Mono County Registrar of Voters

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: Mono County Election Procedures: Challenges and Opportunities · PDF pages 12–13

Permanent link
Official responses
Mono County Administrative Officer
Agency plans to implement

Says outreach and Spanish translation work are underway with the coordinator in place. The CAO will work to amend existing translation contracts within two months.

Read official response · PDF page 4
Mono County Registrar of Voters
Agency plans to implement

Says outreach and Spanish translation work are underway with the coordinator in place. Translation work is to be completed for the November 2026 General Election.

Read official response · PDF page 8

Recommendation R-2

Mono County should increase the staff of the elections office by a minimum of one full-time person to work on election management. This would enable outreach and voter education work proposed in Recommendation 1 to be carried out, ideally allowing one day per month for this work. The additional staff time would also ensure that the increasingly complex and evolving election laws and regulations are implemented in a timely manner; the more frequent and special elections can be efficiently managed; voter rolls are accurately maintained; written materials are produced that are accessible and accurate; and that all election procedures including the recruitment, training, and supervision of temporary staff is carried out. Action: Board of Supervisors. Chief Administrative Officer. Registrar of Voters. Timeframe: 3 months The Mono County Civil Grand Jury is pleased to note that the Board of Supervisors, on 04.21.2026, approved an increase in staffing for the Office of the Registrar of Voters.

2 responses · Mono County Administrative Officer · Mono County Registrar of Voters

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: Mono County Election Procedures: Challenges and Opportunities · PDF page 13

Permanent link
Official responses
Mono County Administrative Officer
Agency says implemented

Agrees and marks implementation complete, citing the Elections Program Coordinator role and its voter education responsibilities.

Read official response · PDF page 5
Mono County Registrar of Voters
Agency says implemented

Agrees and marks implementation complete, citing the Elections Program Coordinator role and its voter education responsibilities.

Read official response · PDF page 9

Recommendation R-3

Consideration should be given to increasing the number of polling places and/or the location of drop boxes to ensure that all communities are equally able to cast a vote or return their ballots in a nearby location. Action: Board of Supervisors. Timeframe: 3 months

2 responses · Mono County Administrative Officer · Mono County Registrar of Voters

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: Mono County Election Procedures: Challenges and Opportunities · PDF page 14

Permanent link
Official responses
Mono County Administrative Officer
Agency plans to implement

Plans Lee Vining and Benton boxes for November 2026 and further feasible locations by the 2028 General Election, following outreach and volunteer development.

Read official response · PDF page 5
Mono County Registrar of Voters
Agency plans to implement

Plans Lee Vining and Benton boxes for November 2026 and further feasible locations by the 2028 General Election, following outreach and volunteer development.

Read official response · PDF page 9

Mono County Annual Jail Inspection

Recommendations

6 recommendations

Recommendation 1

Continue to monitor construction of the new jail facility to prevent future maintenance and facility issues.

No response recorded

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: Mono County Annual Jail Inspection · PDF page 6

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Recommendation 2

Continue hardware repairs where feasible, ensuring security is not compromised.

No response recorded

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: Mono County Annual Jail Inspection · PDF page 6

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Recommendation 3

Consider adding a sergeant position to facilitate round the clock on-site supervision and support.

No response recorded

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: Mono County Annual Jail Inspection · PDF page 6

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Recommendation 4

Obtain Board approval to implement 24/7 on-site supervisory coverage, with staffing levels designed to maintain supervisor coverage during sick leave and holiday absences.

No response recorded

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: Mono County Annual Jail Inspection · PDF page 6

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Recommendation 5

Continue efforts to identify and implement solutions to support staff recruitment and retention.

No response recorded

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: Mono County Annual Jail Inspection · PDF page 6

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Recommendation 6

Prioritize planning and implementation of pre-arrival medical instruction (emergency medical dispatch) capabilities to ensure compliance, including protocol development, staff training, and resource allocation.

No response recorded

View recommendation and responses

Jury report: Mono County Annual Jail Inspection · PDF page 7

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Findings

The jury’s formal findings, with source citations and any recorded responses.

Findings & responses

Showing 34 of 34 findings

Jump to finding

Compliance and Continuity Final Report

LAFCO Investigation Report

2 findings

Finding F1

Regarding Commissioner training, Mono LAFCO staff provides annual high level training and encourages commissioners to attend annual CALAFCO conferences and workshops. When organizational decisions are required, targeted training is preferred to comprehensive training detailing the intricacies of state law and broad roles that Mono LAFCO commissioners will rarely, if ever, find useful.

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: Compliance and Continuity Final Report · PDF page 5

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Finding F2

Mono LAFCO was behind schedule with the required 5 year Sphere of Influence reviews and updates. The Board of Supervisors did follow through with their stated intention to do a Sphere of Influence comprehensive review at the June 12, 2025 LAFCO meeting. The LAFCO Commissioners continued the SOI reviews at their October 2, 2025 meeting. As a result, SOI reviews were completed, as necessary, by the end of 2025.

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: Compliance and Continuity Final Report · PDF page 5

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Compliance and Continuity Final Report

Mono County Cyber Security Report

7 findings

Finding F1

A new Chief Security Officer was hired in 2025. Under his direction, three new security trainings have been developed and are being rolled out. Full implementation is scheduled for July 2026 and is on schedule.

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: Compliance and Continuity Final Report · PDF page 8

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Finding F2

The immutable backup implementation required unallocated resources for 2024-2025. Resource allocation was included in the Fiscal Year 25-26 budget process. Contracts have been signed and full immutable backups will be stored and update procedures in place by the end of July 2026.

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: Compliance and Continuity Final Report · PDF page 8

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Finding F3

IT acknowledges that there are pieces of equipment that are past their End-Of-Life (EOL) still operating in the IT department. A significant amount of money was allocated in the 2025-2026 budget and is being spent to make good progress. This is an ongoing effort. A new process has been implemented and a spreadsheet identifying all equipment and its associated EOL. This allows improved monitoring and planning. The 2026-2027 budget allowance will need to include appropriate funding to maintain this status.

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: Compliance and Continuity Final Report · PDF page 8

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Finding F4

There is a lack of consistent external penetration testing and vulnerability scans. IT has submitted a grant request to fund this effort, but has not yet been granted the funds. If not received, additional funding will be required from the County. The first penetration test is scheduled for the fourth quarter 2026.

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: Compliance and Continuity Final Report · PDF page 8

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Finding F5

Important cybersecurity projects and initiatives have not begun or are lagging due to insufficient staffing. The 2025-2026 budget included funds for additional staffing. May 2026 saw two new IT hires. The security analyst position is in progress and a job description has been filed with Human Resources. This position will need to be approved for funding in the 2026-2027 budget.

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: Compliance and Continuity Final Report · PDF pages 8–9

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Finding F6

Quarterly cybersecurity training is taking place with noteworthy results; however, there is a lack of visibility to compliance measurements among County executives. The first report out to the Board of Supervisors was in February 2026 and included compliance training results. The Board of Supervisors requested this practice continue with quarterly reports.

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: Compliance and Continuity Final Report · PDF page 9

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Finding F7

There is a new Director of Finance who is overseeing the PCI compliance assessment and attestation process.

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: Compliance and Continuity Final Report · PDF page 9

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

The Mono County Pack Fire: Emergency Communication Issues

13 findings

Finding F1

The cause of the Pack Fire is still under investigation by the USFS. The previous night’s fire, the Magee Fire, and the Pack Fire are declared separate incidents by the USFS.

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: The Mono County Pack Fire: Emergency Communication Issues · PDF page 9

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Finding F2

There is no set protocol for the first Mono County arriving fire unit to notify dispatch of how many additional resources need to be dispatched immediately.

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: The Mono County Pack Fire: Emergency Communication Issues · PDF page 9

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Finding F3

There is no set protocol to notify all the fire departments and law enforcement agencies that there is a large working fire or other significant disaster in the County. This would be a notification call, not a dispatch.

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: The Mono County Pack Fire: Emergency Communication Issues · PDF page 9

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Finding F4

There is no set policy and procedure for dispatch to track and account for all departments and agencies that are on scene at the initial stages of an incident.

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: The Mono County Pack Fire: Emergency Communication Issues · PDF page 10

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Finding F5

Training and professional development are insufficient to support system demands. Limited training, dual role positions and limited exposure to higher volume dispatch environments contribute to variability in dispatch performance and system reliability. The lack of comprehensive situation specific procedures for quick reference materials may further limit operational consistency during critical incidents.

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: The Mono County Pack Fire: Emergency Communication Issues · PDF page 10

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Finding F6

The current dispatch structure is not optimized for effective emergency communication. The dual role requirement for dispatch personnel divides focus between corrections and dispatch responsibilities, reducing specialization and operational effectiveness. This may also contribute to recruitment difficulties by way of narrowing the applicant pool to only those persons interested in performing both functions.

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: The Mono County Pack Fire: Emergency Communication Issues · PDF page 10

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Finding F7

Geographic location contributes to persistent staffing challenges. The placement of the dispatch center in Bridgeport limits access to a broader workforce, particularly compared to population centers such as the Mammoth Lakes area.

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: The Mono County Pack Fire: Emergency Communication Issues · PDF page 10

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Finding F8

Dispatch deficiencies are part of a broader, under-resourced emergency response system. Evidence indicates that dispatch performance issues are intertwined with larger systemic limitations including staffing, communications, and interagency coordination.

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: The Mono County Pack Fire: Emergency Communication Issues · PDF page 10

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Finding F9

The Pack Fire response does not appear to be solely attributable to dispatch performance. While dispatch related concerns were identified, multiple factors - resource limitations, communication challenges, and operational decision making - contributed to the overall incident response.

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: The Mono County Pack Fire: Emergency Communication Issues · PDF pages 10–11

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Finding F10

While the County has a short-term, midterm, and long-term strategy for emergency communications and dispatch, the current structure and planning efforts are fragmented and do not reflect a comprehensive system design.

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: The Mono County Pack Fire: Emergency Communication Issues · PDF page 11

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Finding F11

The County contracted a private firm, Federal Engineering, to conduct a Regional Dispatch Feasibility Study and Implementation Plan. A 120-page detailed and comprehensive document was submitted in 2020. This document covered every aspect of establishing a state of the art professional Dispatch Center. The concept was initially well received by both Mono and Inyo Counties, however, COVID-19 issues stymied the project.

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: The Mono County Pack Fire: Emergency Communication Issues · PDF page 11

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Finding F12

The Dispatch Department has recently been under the leadership of new management. The new manager is progressive and proactive. New higher training standards are being implemented, including tactical dispatch, active shooter and emergency medical training (telephone CPR instructions). Also, dispatch personnel are being sent to agencies with higher call loads to observe, train, and shadow operations in higher volume emergency communication centers. Such exposure will improve familiarity with larger scale incident management, operational workflows, and standardized dispatch practices.

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: The Mono County Pack Fire: Emergency Communication Issues · PDF page 11

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Finding F13

The Pack Fire resulted in no fatalities or serious injuries to any residents. This, despite 30 structures completely destroyed and 6 others partially destroyed. On January 7th, 2025, the combined Palisades and Eaton Fires, even with the virtually unlimited resources of LA County, resulted in 28 fatalities.

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: The Mono County Pack Fire: Emergency Communication Issues · PDF page 11

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Mono County Election Procedures: Challenges and Opportunities

5 findings

Finding F-1

The 2025-2026 Mono County Civil Grand Jury commends the Board of Supervisors on their swift reaction to the Findings and Recommendations in the Report of the 2016-2017 Mono County Civil Grand Jury.

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: Mono County Election Procedures: Challenges and Opportunities · PDF page 11

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Finding F-2

The 2025-2026 Grand Jury found that, where still relevant, the Recommendations of the 2016-2017 Grand Jury had, for the most part, been implemented. The Grand Jury found the current Registrar of Voters to be experienced, competent, thorough, and more than capable of carrying out the job requirements. Clear and comprehensive procedures have been written for every aspect of the election process. Staff are trained in these procedures, and staff development and education is on-going. Regular staff meetings are held, with the number of such meetings increasing at critical times during the election period. All written material is currently proof-read by the Registrar and her Deputy and then further scrutinized by one or two additional staff members who provide fresh eyes and a final review. The elections page on the Mono County website has been updated and is kept current. However, despite the fact that the 2016-2017 Grand Jury Report found that the “Mono County’s Registrar of Voters Office needs to conduct additional voter education and outreach to eliminate confusion during elections”, the Election Procedures Committee received testimony that, at this time, zero staff hours are allocated to voter education and outreach.

2 responses · Mono County Administrative Officer · Mono County Registrar of Voters

View finding and responses

Jury report: Mono County Election Procedures: Challenges and Opportunities · PDF page 11

Permanent link
Official responses
Mono County Administrative Officer

Agrees, cites the April 21, 2026 position authorization and an internal promotion, and describes prior outreach and the new coordinator’s responsibilities.

Read official response · PDF page 2
Mono County Registrar of Voters

Agrees, cites the April 21, 2026 position authorization and an internal promotion, and describes prior outreach and the new coordinator’s responsibilities.

Read official response · PDF page 6

Finding F-3

The current Registrar of Voters is to be commended on her management of the election process, the production of comprehensive procedural manuals, the training of staff, the production of accurate written materials, and the resulting positive staff attitude within her department.

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: Mono County Election Procedures: Challenges and Opportunities · PDF page 12

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Finding F-4

Whilst the Registrar of Voters and her staff are to be commended on the quality of their work, the Elections Procedures Committee heard testimony reporting an inability to perform to the standard and timeliness desired because staffing levels have not increased to meet the current workload. The testimony stated that existing staff are operating at or beyond capacity, which increases the risk of errors and delays in the administration of elections.

2 responses · Mono County Administrative Officer · Mono County Registrar of Voters

View finding and responses

Jury report: Mono County Election Procedures: Challenges and Opportunities · PDF page 12

Permanent link
Official responses
Mono County Administrative Officer

Agrees that staffing had been inadequate and says the newly filled coordinator role substantially increases capacity.

Read official response · PDF page 3
Mono County Registrar of Voters

Agrees that staffing had been inadequate and says the newly filled coordinator role substantially increases capacity.

Read official response · PDF page 7

Finding F-5

The Grand Jury noted the observation made by election staff that ballots returned via the USPS are increasingly delayed, on occasions by a matter of weeks. This has a particular impact on voters in Benton, Swall Meadows and Lee Vining who must mail-in their ballots using the USPS or drive to a neighboring community to deliver their ballots, as their locations do not offer polling places or drop boxes. The Grand Jury found this to be unsatisfactory.

2 responses · Mono County Administrative Officer · Mono County Registrar of Voters

View finding and responses

Jury report: Mono County Election Procedures: Challenges and Opportunities · PDF page 12

Permanent link
Official responses
Mono County Administrative Officer

Agrees about postal delays; describes USPS and Secretary of State discussions, planned Lee Vining and Benton boxes, and staffing constraints on further locations. Proposes moving the election-day Board meeting to free staff.

Read official response · PDF page 3
Mono County Registrar of Voters

Agrees about postal delays; describes USPS and Secretary of State discussions, planned Lee Vining and Benton boxes, and staffing constraints on further locations. Plans early-mailing education before the November 2026 election.

Read official response · PDF page 7

Mono County Annual Jail Inspection

Observations and Findings — Facility Condition

1 finding

Finding Facility Condition

The current jail is outdated and deteriorating. The jail has been painted and cleaned extensively, with a focus on maintaining the best working and living conditions. The Sheriff’s team is working closely with the Department of Public Works to replace failing hardware by redistributing and “jerry-rigging” fixtures to maintain functionality.

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: Mono County Annual Jail Inspection · PDF page 3

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Mono County Annual Jail Inspection

Observations and Findings — Staffing

1 finding

Finding Staffing

Staffing levels are below standard and insufficient for optimal operation. There are 5 open positions with two in the hiring process. Current staffing includes 3 sergeants, allowing only partial on-site leadership coverage. Recruitment challenges stem from the region’s harsh winters, a lack of affordable housing, and the need for recruits to have the skills of both jailers and dispatch.

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: Mono County Annual Jail Inspection · PDF page 3

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Mono County Annual Jail Inspection

Observations and Findings — Inmate Management

1 finding

Finding Inmate Management

Inmate population has been managed conservatively to alleviate staffing constraints.

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: Mono County Annual Jail Inspection · PDF page 3

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Mono County Annual Jail Inspection

Observations and Findings — Emergency Preparedness

1 finding

Finding Emergency Preparedness

Fire safety protocols appear to be followed, including annual fire drills and proper maintenance of fire extinguishers.

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: Mono County Annual Jail Inspection · PDF page 4

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Mono County Annual Jail Inspection

Observations and Findings — Recreation and Education

1 finding

Finding Recreation and Education

A modest library and board games are available to inmates. Handheld devices have been added to allow communication and the ability to purchase movies/entertainment.

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: Mono County Annual Jail Inspection · PDF page 4

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Mono County Annual Jail Inspection

Observations and Findings — Procedures and Training

1 finding

Finding Procedures and Training

Documentation outlining jailer responsibilities, processes and procedures were well documented and comprehensive. Lieutenant Hernandez has focused on training and his staff’s understanding.

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: Mono County Annual Jail Inspection · PDF page 4

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Mono County Annual Jail Inspection

Observations and Findings — Medical support

1 finding

Finding Medical support

Efforts are made to set up appointments and transport inmates to the local clinic when needed. Sick inmates are isolated when an isolation cell is available; however if not available they are left in the general population with other individuals.

No response recorded

View finding and responses

Jury report: Mono County Annual Jail Inspection · PDF page 4

Permanent link
Official responses
No response recorded
A matching agency response has not been added to Grand Jury Hub. This does not establish whether a response was submitted or is overdue.

Questions

Editorial discussion prompts inspired by the reports. These are separate from the jury’s formal findings and recommendations.

Civic question

What record would show whether LAFCO has completed its promised policy review, adoption, and publication?

The continuity report recommends following through on the sphere and service-review policy and submitting it for adoption and publication as necessary. This question focuses on evidence of those steps.
Why this matters
A clear record helps residents distinguish ongoing review from an adopted policy.

Supporting report

Compliance and Continuity Final Report · LAFCO Investigation Report — Recommendation R2

Civic question

How should future updates distinguish completed cybersecurity work from plans that still depend on staffing or budget approval?

The report describes remaining staffing and program work and recommends following through on fiscal year 2026–2027 budget requests. The question invites discussion of progress reporting.
Why this matters
Showing dependencies alongside completed steps makes multi-year commitments easier to assess.

Supporting report

Compliance and Continuity Final Report · Mono County Cyber Security Report — Recommendation R1

Civic question

What should early-incident protocols specify about resource requests, agency notifications, and tracking responders?

Recommendations R1–R3 address the first arriving unit’s requests, notifications to other agencies, and accounting for units before Unified Command takes over. The question asks how those responsibilities should be coordinated.
Why this matters
Early shared information supports timely decisions across multiple responding agencies.

Supporting report

The Mono County Pack Fire: Emergency Communication Issues · Recommendations R1–R3

Civic question

How should the County evaluate separating dispatch from corrections duties and locating dispatch near a broader workforce?

Recommendations R5–R6 propose a standalone dispatch function and evaluation of relocation. The question invites comparison of staffing, access, and operating needs.
Why this matters
Workforce design affects recruitment, retention, and staff capacity during emergencies.

Supporting report

The Mono County Pack Fire: Emergency Communication Issues · Recommendations R5–R6

Civic question

How should the County combine quick-reference procedures, experience at larger dispatch centers, and prior feasibility work into an actionable plan?

Recommendations R4, R7, and R8 call for situation-specific procedures, outside training, and use of the earlier feasibility study. The question asks how these proposals could be put into practice together.
Why this matters
A shared plan can connect individual improvements with the broader emergency-response system.

Supporting report

The Mono County Pack Fire: Emergency Communication Issues · Recommendations R4, R7, and R8

Civic question

What outreach would best reach young voters, multilingual communities, and residents unsure how to return a ballot?

Recommendation R1 proposes partnerships, multilingual engagement, youth engagement, and information about ballot-return options. The question invites discussion of priorities and reach.
Why this matters
Useful information can help residents navigate voting options and deadlines.

Supporting report

Mono County Election Procedures: Challenges and Opportunities · Recommendation R1

Civic question

What workload measures would show whether additional staffing is meeting year-round election responsibilities?

Recommendation R2 calls for at least one additional full-time position and notes that the Board approved increased staffing on April 21, 2026. The question asks how the effect of that addition should be assessed.
Why this matters
Staffing must support routine administration as well as periods of peak election demand.

Supporting report

Mono County Election Procedures: Challenges and Opportunities · Recommendation R2

Civic question

How should the County weigh travel distance, postal delays, staffing, and security when considering additional ballot-return locations?

Recommendation R3 asks the County to consider more polling places or drop boxes so communities can return ballots nearby. The question invites discussion of the practical criteria for choosing locations.
Why this matters
Location choices influence convenience and the resources needed to operate voting services.

Supporting report

Mono County Election Procedures: Challenges and Opportunities · Recommendation R3

Civic question

What staffing plan would sustain on-site supervision through ordinary shifts, leave, and absences?

Recommendations 3–5 address another sergeant position, Board approval of 24/7 supervisory coverage, and recruitment and retention. The question asks how these steps should fit into a workable staffing plan.
Why this matters
Reliable supervision supports staff handling complex detention and dispatch responsibilities.

Supporting report

Mono County Annual Jail Inspection · Recommendations 3–5

Civic question

What milestones should track protocol development, training, and resources for pre-arrival medical instructions?

Recommendation 6 calls for planning and implementation of emergency medical dispatch capabilities. The question invites discussion of how readiness should be demonstrated.
Why this matters
A coordinated preparation process can make new responsibilities manageable for dispatch staff.

Supporting report

Mono County Annual Jail Inspection · Recommendation 6

Civic question

How should the County track current-jail repairs alongside replacement construction milestones?

Recommendations 1–2 call for monitoring the new facility and continuing feasible hardware repairs without compromising security. The question asks what information would make both responsibilities visible.
Why this matters
The existing facility must continue operating while the replacement is built.

Supporting report

Mono County Annual Jail Inspection · Recommendations 1–2

Sources

Original reports and response documents provide the evidence behind this cycle’s findings, recommendations, and discussions.

Report overview: Compliance and Continuity Final Report

Official report

Compliance and Continuity Final Report

Reviews responses and follow-through on the prior year’s LAFCO, detainment, and cybersecurity investigations. Includes current findings and recommendations concerning LAFCO and cybersecurity, and requests no responses.
Report overviewOfficial PDF
Report overview: The Mono County Pack Fire: Emergency Communication Issues

Official report

The Mono County Pack Fire: Emergency Communication Issues

Examines emergency dispatch and communications during the November 13, 2025 Pack Fire. Discusses staffing, dual dispatch/corrections duties, protocols, training, and regional planning; the jury does not attribute the incident response solely to dispatch performance.
Report overviewOfficial PDF
Report overview: Mono County Election Procedures: Challenges and Opportunities

Response available

Mono County Election Procedures: Challenges and Opportunities

Follows up on the 2016–2017 elections report and examines year-round workload, staffing, voter education, and ballot-return access. Commends procedural improvements while recommending expanded outreach, staffing, and consideration of additional voting locations.
Report overviewCounty response & auditOfficial PDF
Report overview: Mono County Annual Jail Inspection

Official report

Mono County Annual Jail Inspection

Reports on the March 5, 2026 jail visit, continuing infrastructure constraints, staffing and supervisory coverage, and emergency medical dispatch planning. Recommends maintaining the existing facility while monitoring replacement construction.
Report overviewOfficial PDF

Response documents

Agency responses to Mono County Election Procedures: Challenges and Opportunities · Mono County Administrative Officer; Mono County Registrar of Voters · PDF