County System Is Working, O.C. Grand Jury Says

A grand jury study begun last fall to see if government could function with a better system in the wake of the departure of Orange County’s controversial executive officer has been finished.

The jury’s conclusion on Thursday: The system works.

Juror Art Weaver said Jan Mittermeier’s retirement last summer provided the jury an opportunity to examine the condition of the county, and its bankruptcy recovery.

The jury recommended that the current county executive officer system remain, and encouraged strategic financial planning and off-site countywide management meetings.

While Wall Street has reacted positively to the county’s course with high bond ratings, the county still hasn’t dug itself out from an estimated debt of $1 billion, the report found.

Weaver and other jurors credited the use of business plans for all departments, a five-year financial plan, and changing the county’s top position from an administrative officer to a more powerful executive officer.

“We particularly liked using sound business practices, like these business plans, which have been rarely used in government. They saved the day,” he said.

During Mittermeier’s tenure, she received glowing reports for her handling of the county after the 1994 bankruptcy. But on El Toro airport planning, she was harshly criticized by airport supporters and opponents.

Investment expert William Popejoy, who served as the first executive officer, and other executives were singled out for praise by the grand jury.

Before the bankruptcy, the county administrative officer had limited authority. The board of supervisors was involved in the day-to-day decisions.

Current officer Michael Schumacher said the change has meant that departments can more frequently work together.