STOCKTON (CBS13) — A grand jury report examines the causes of Stockton's financial woes and recommends the city should be more cautious on how it comes to major financial decisions.

The San Joaquin County Grand Jury suggests city council members should take more time to research proposals on how tax money is spent.

That extra time could have revealed how a former city manager failed to provide critical financing information that would have painted a clearer picture of a multi-million dollar sports complex.

When the complex was being considered, few council members asked questions about the city's financial condition or the impacts of major expenditures they were being asked to approve.

The grand jury also recommends details about projects and programs should be provided at least a week and a half before a vote. Those details should also be made public so the public has a chance to examine them and weigh in.

"It's the city council's responsibility to do as much research as possible, and not to just take the recommendation of city attorney's and city staff," said Stockton Mayor Anthony Silva.

The report recommends also the city hire an outside auditor and hold a quarterly budget review.