The Vallecitos Water District was honored in August for achieving re-accreditation with a Transparency Certificate of Excellence issued by the Special District Leadership Foundation, given to organizations for their outstanding efforts to promote a transparent, well-governed public agency.
“This award is a testament to Vallecitos’ commitment to open government,” Vallecitos Board of Directors President Tiffany Boyd-Hodgson said. “The Board of Directors along with District staff are to be commended for their contributions that empower the public with information and facilitate engagement and oversight.”
Special District Leadership Foundation Senior Public Affairs Field Coordinator Chris Palmer was on hand to recognize Vallecitos for completing the essential governance transparency requirements, including conducting ethics training for all board members, properly hosting open and public meetings, and filing financial transactions and compensation reports to the State Controller in a timely manner.
The district also fulfilled the 19 website requirements, granting the public easy access to important information such as board agendas, past minutes, current District budget and the most recent financial audit.
The last part of the certification process included demonstrated outreach that properly engaged the public in Vallecitos’ governance through regular distribution of newsletters as well as public budget hearings.
The Special District Leadership Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization formed to promote good governance and best practices among California’s special districts through certification, accreditation and other recognition programs.
To receive the recognition, Vallecitos’ website must include posting of transparency requirements, including election procedures and deadlines, posted board meeting schedules and agendas, current district budget, most recent financial audit, and a list of compensation of Board members and staff or a link to the State Controller’s webpage with the data.
Vallecitos’ Board of Directors and executive staff must also show proof of educational training in public governance as well as compliance with ethics and harassment prevention training.
More information on Vallecitos’ transparency efforts can be found at vwd.org/transparency.
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