LOS ANGELES : Supervisor Seeks Probe of Health Dept. Consultant
Los Angeles County Supervisors reacted angrily Tuesday to reports that a private consulting firm spent thousands of public health dollars on office furnishings, while crowded county hospitals are scrounging for money to buy pillows and other basic supplies.
Supervisor Michael Antonovich called for an investigation of the firm, Romigh, Roger & Rusk, and its no-bid contract with the Department of Health Services. A majority of supervisors voiced support, and passage is expected on April 14.
The firm was hired to oversee a proposed $2.3-billion public hospital construction program that involves 33 building projects. But county officials acknowledge that chances for voter approval of the necessary bond issues are slim.
In the meantime, RRR has been paid more than $1 million, including $73,000 for furniture. Among the items purchased were a $6,332 granite conference table, five leather chairs costing between $1,500 and $2,822 apiece, and 11 custom-framed paintings totaling $4,718. The Times detailed these expenditures in a story on Tuesday.
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