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May 16, 2008 9:27 pm US/Pacific
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Call Kurtis Investigates: Government Waste?
Facing $16 million shortfall, Sacramento County holds BBQ for Employees
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) ―
Just when Sacramento County is considering trimming services and raising fees, a Call Kurtis hidden camera investigation found one department partying tax dollars away.
Kurtis received an anonymous tip about this "employee appreciation barbecue" from someone concerned this was a waste of taxpayer dollars.
You be the judge
Our CBS 13 cameras spotted county vehicle after county vehicle, headed to a barbecue in the middle of the work day last month, at the Anatolia Water treatment plant.
Our undercover video shows dozens of workers lining up for lunch.
All at a time, when the County Board of Supervisors ordered every county department to cut back as it figures out how to slash $16-million from the budget.
"If we don't have the money, don't spend it," said Sacramento County Supervisor Jimmie Yee.
That was the directive in February.
Yet in early April, the Department of Water Resources sent out an interoffice memo about the barbecue with a flyer promising a raffle, games, food and prizes.
After the event, Kurtis requested the receipts for the event.
D.W.R. spent $15.95 a plate, 45-cents a cookie for 230-people at a total of $4064.
The tent, tables, white linen table cloths, and folding chairs cost $1808
The cleanup was $467.
A grand total of: $6340.56.
"That seems a bit excessive" Teresa Casazza, president of the California Taxpayers Association told Kurtis. "This is a very tough economic time. People are losing their jobs. Things are expensive. Vital programs are being cut, taxes are being raised."
Keith DeVore threw the party. He's the director of County Water Resources.
"This is a modest event to appreciate our employees for all the hard work they do all year long," He explained to Kurtis.
Kurtis asked, "Do you understand where people are coming from when they say this is excessive? We're in a budget crisis."
DeVore responded, "Yes i do, and it's a balance for us. We work really hard to try and make sure our employees know we know how hard they work, and we appreciate that hard work".
We took our findings to Sacramento County Supervisor Jimmie Yee.
He agrees with DeVore, calling the BBQ a morale builder; even during a budget crisis.
Yee told Kurtis, "Hey we should recognize employees doing a good job. A little luncheon doesn't hurt."
Yee says private companies hold similar employee recognition lunches and it should be no different for public employees.
If the luncheon cost tens of thousands of dollars, he'd have a problem with it.
Casazza argues it's our money and it should be better spent.
"Instead of talking bout cutting vital services and raising taxes", said Casazza. "Let's get away from this government spending".
Early predictions show Sacramento County could face a $40-$60 million deficit by July.
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