DATE: May 7, 2002
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT: Mesa Valley Grove Senior Nutrition Program Audit

Summary:
The Mesa Valley Grove Senior Nutrition Program provides vitally important services to seniors throughout the areas of La Mesa, Lemon Grove and Spring Valley. Daily services include providing approximately 100 home delivered meals, 150 congregate meals and transportation services.

During the County's annual contract fiscal review process in late March, it was discovered that there were bookkeeping discrepancies and that several accounts were in arrears over 60 days. Given this information and the fact that this program was audited for fiscal mismanagement in 1997, I am requesting that a full programmatic and fiscal audit be conducted of the finances for the Mesa Valley Grove Senior Nutrition Program.

Recommendations:
Supervisor Dianne Jacob
1. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to conduct a full fiscal and programmatic audit of the Mesa Valley Grove Senior Nutrition Program and to work with the State of California and the La Mesa/Lemon Grove/Spring Valley Nutrition Board to audit the Adult Day Care program and Adult Day Social program and report back in 90 days.

2. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to closely monitor the daily operations of the Mesa Valley Grove Nutrition program and develop a contingency plan with an alternate provider.

Fiscal Impacts:
There is no new fiscal impact related to this request. Funds will come from existing contract contingencies.

Background:
The Mesa Valley Grove Senior Nutrition Program provides vitally important services to seniors throughout the areas of La Mesa, Lemon Grove and Spring Valley. Daily services include providing approximately 100 home delivered meals, 150 congregate meals and transportation services.

The County's Department of Aging and Independent Services current contract with the Mesa Valley Grove Senior Nutrition Program is approximately $251,000. During the County's annual contract fiscal review process in late
March, it was discovered that there were bookkeeping discrepancies and that several accounts were in arrears over 60 days.

Further, on May 1st, my office received a letter from Lemon Grove Councilwoman Mary England asking for an investigation because of her concern for the viability of the program. Her letter states that she has received
several reports that phone lines at the center were disconnected and seniors were becoming frustrated with trying to schedule needed transportation services.

Given this information and the fact that this program was audited for fiscal mismanagement in 1997, I am requesting that a full programmatic and fiscal audit be conducted of the finances for the Mesa Valley Grove Senior Nutrition Program. Other programs that may be affected are a Medi-Cal funded Adult Day Health Care program and a privately funded Adult Day Social program. Although these programs are not under the County's jurisdiction, the County should work with the State of California and the La Mesa/Lemon Grove/Spring Valley Nutrition Board to ensure full fiscal accountability.

Because the Mesa Valley Grove Senior Program provides vital services for seniors throughout the East County, it is critical that this issue receive immediate attention to ensure continued delivery of meals and services to seniors as well as accountability to taxpayers. I urge your support!

Respectfully Submitted,

DIANNE JACOB
Supervisor, Second District