Contra Costa County Slush Fund Pays for
Executive Perks. Contra
Costa County supervisors and top executives are enjoying life at the taxpayers'
expense. Since 2007, the county has spent $750,000 out of a slush fund for
goodies for those in high places.
According to the Contra Costa Times, "Large digital
TV screens, a GPS navigation system, a digital camera and a laptop are among
the items Contra Costa elected leaders have purchased with the county's
'professional development' perk."
Former county
administrator John Cullen bought a new computer system one month before he
retired. All items purchased belong to the individual, not the county.
Kris Hunt, executive
director of the Contra Costa Taxpayers Association, said: "Clearly, this
is a well-intentioned policy that has run amok and needs more oversight. What is the criteria here? There may be some justification for
computers. But I am having trouble with the idea of a television as a
professional development tool."
All county
supervisors except Mary Piepho have purchased items
for themselves in the last 18 months.
Meanwhile, the
county, with a huge deficit, is cutting programs that serve its residents.
(Source: Contra Costa Time, June 21.)
Cal-Taxletter, June 26, 2009
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All Rights Reserved.