News Summary
Shari Freidenrich, the Orange County Treasurer-Tax Collector, faces serious allegations of mismanagement and workplace violence amid a troubling investigation. With no property auctions since 2021, delayed tax collections, and a toxic work environment, staff turnover has soared. The county supervisors have stripped her of investment authority on $17 billion in taxpayer funds. As the situation unfolds, professional coaching aims to mend her management style, raising concerns ahead of her reelection next year.
Orange County Treasurer Faces Troubles Amid Mismanagement Claims
In the sun-soaked city of Orange County, there’s a cloud hanging over the office of the Treasurer-Tax Collector, Shari Freidenrich, as an unsettling investigation unfolds. With allegations ranging from workplace violence to far-reaching mismanagement, the treasurer is feeling the heat, and it’s safe to say that things aren’t looking good.
No Property Auctions Since 2021
Can you believe it? Freidenrich hasn’t held a single property auction since 2021! This is particularly troubling given that previous auctions brought in substantial revenue. The last property auction could have netted the county as much as $4.4 million. While other offices are raking in the cash through auctions, Orange County has been left sitting on its hands.
Key Throwing Incident Raises Eyebrows
A bombshell report revealed a troubling incident back in September 2021, where Freidenrich allegedly threw office keys at a subordinate. This revelation likely violated workplace violence policies and led to the immediate resignation of a witness, which certainly raises a few eyebrows. It seems the office culture has taken a hit, and employees aren’t afraid to voice their concerns.
Employee Complaints and a Toxic Environment
But wait, there’s more! Employees have come forward alleging that Freidenrich’s leadership style is nothing short of a nightmare. Many describe her as an “extreme micromanager,” creating a workplace rife with tension. Complaints point to delays in cashing checks and missed deadlines for important filings, which has caused frustration among staff and supervisors alike. To top it off, previous executive resignations have further diminished morale.
Delayed Property Tax Collections
In addition to the chaos, Freidenrich has been criticized for her handling of $36 million in property taxes owed to the county. Supervisors recently unearthed this crucial information and expressed their concern during meetings, revealing that they were previously unaware of the troubling findings. The lack of action on these funds is alarming and raises questions about her ability to manage taxpayer money effectively.
Authority Stripped Away
Due to the grim results of the investigation, the county board of supervisors decided to strip Freidenrich of her authority over the investment of a whopping $17 billion in taxpayer dollars late last year. This move signifies the seriousness of the situation and reflects a growing lack of confidence in her ability to carry out her duties.
Mass Resignation and Turnover Rates
It’s no secret that Freidenrich’s management style has caused significant turnover within her department. Reports indicate that around one-third of her staff left in 2019 alone. It’s no wonder that the working environment has become characterized by words like “toxic,” “unhealthy,” and “fearful.” Imagine working in an office consumed by such negativity!
Professional Coaching in the Works
In an attempt to address these deep-rooted issues, the county’s CEO office has undertaken some damage control by hiring professional coaching for Freidenrich. Hopefully, this initiative will help her improve her management style and mend some rifts created by her past behavior. It’s a step in the right direction, but can it really turn around the current climate?
The Elephant in the Room
As if the situation wasn’t alarming enough, parallels are being drawn to past financial crises in Orange County, particularly regarding the actions of former treasurer Bob Citron, whose mishandling of funds led to significant bankruptcy issues. Freidenrich, now in her position since 2010, faces reelection next year, and the question on everyone’s mind is: “Is she fit for the role?”
Monitoring Conduct and Moving Forward
County supervisors have made it clear that they’ll be keeping a close eye on the conduct of elected officials, emphasizing their responsibility to ensure the welfare of county employees and the effective management of public funds. As this scandal unfolds, it remains to be seen how Freidenrich will respond to these investigations and if she can salvage her reputation before the election rolls around. Stay tuned!
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Additional Resources
- OC Register: County of Orange to Auction Tax-Delinquent Properties
- OC Register: OC Board of Supervisors Strip Elected Treasurer of Investment Duties
- LAist: Orange County Treasurer-Tax Collector Workplace Violence Investigation
- Orange Leader: Orange County Online Tax Sale Proceeding as Normal
- OC Register: San Diego County to Sell Off More Than 700 Properties for Past Taxes
- Google Search: Orange County Tax Collector news
