Central Basin Recognized for Excellence in Transparency
Commerce, CA (PRWEB) October 08, 2015 -- The Central Basin Municipal Water District has received the Transparency Certificate of Excellence by the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF) in recognition of its efforts to promote transparency and good governance.
“This recognition is a testament to the District’s on-going commitment to transparency in our operations,” said Central Basin Board President Robert Apodaca. “We have worked towards improving the operations of the District, strengthening relationships with our purveyors and other partners in the water industry, as well as remained focus on securing water reliability for residents and businesses in Southeast Los Angeles County.”
Special Districts who receive this award must demonstrate their capacity to meet and exceed several requirements from categories such as governance, website and outreach. As part of governance, a special district must conduct ethics training for all board members, properly conduct open and public meetings, and file financial reports with the State Controller. Under the website requirement, a special district is required to provide access to items such as board agendas and minutes, budget reports and financial audits. Last, for the outreach requirement, a special district must demonstrate its effort to engage the public through a special community engagement project or public budget hearing.
“The Transparency Certificate of Excellence serves as an indication that Central Basin is moving forward in a positive direction,” said Central Basin General Manager Kevin Hunt. “The Board of Directors and our staff remain dedicated to providing the highest level of service to the more than 2 million residents in the Central Basin service area.”
Other actions that the District has taken to improve operations include:
• Adoption and implementation of a Reserves Policy
• The new Reserves Policy will promote transparency and accountability of the District’s finances
• Adoption and implementation of a Three-Year Strategic Plan
• The Three-Year Strategic Plan acts as a blueprint, guiding the District’s goals and activities
• Revision of the District’s Administrative Code
• The revised Administrative Code improves policies to ensures that the District’s policies are compliance with state and federal law and that policies reflect best practices
SDLF is an independent, non-profit organization formed to promote good governance and best practices among California’s special districts through certification, accreditation and other recognition programs.
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Central Basin is a public agency that wholesales imported water to cities, mutual water companies, investor-owned utilities and private companies in southeast Los Angeles County, serving a population of more than 2 million. In addition, Central Basin provides the region with recycled water for municipal, commercial and industrial uses. Formed in 1952, Central Basin is committed to ensuring a safe and reliable water supply for the region.
Priscilla Segura, Central Basin Municipal Water District, http://www.centralbasin.org, +1 (323) 201-5504, [email protected]
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