The San Lorenzo Valley Water District has received the District Transparency Certificate of Excellence by the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF) of California in recognition of its outstanding efforts to promote transparency and good governance.
“This award is a testament to San Lorenzo Valley Water District’s commitment to open government,” said Brian C. Lee, District Manager. “The entire district staff is to be commended for their contributions that empower the public with information and facilitate engagement and oversight.”
In order to receive the award, a special district must demonstrate the completion of eight essential governance transparency requirements. The requirements include conducting ethics training for all board members, properly conducting open and public meetings, and filing financial transactions and compensation reports to the State Controller in a timely manner.
The San Lorenzo Valley Water District also fulfilled 15 website requirements including providing readily available information to the public such as board agendas, past minutes, current district budget and the most recent financial audit.
Finally, the district had to demonstrate outreach to its constituents that engages the public in its governance through special community engagement projects and community transparency reviews.
Special districts are independent public agencies that deliver core local services to communities, such as water, fire protection, parks and recreation, healthcare, sanitation, mosquito abatement, ports, libraries, public cemeteries and more. Districts are established by voters and funding is approved by voters in order to meet specific needs through focused service. Districts can be specially molded to serve large regions or small neighborhoods depending on need.
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. Learn more at www.sdlf.org.
ABOUT THE SAN LORENZO VALLEY WATER DISTRICT
The San Lorenzo Valley Water District is located in the mountains of northern Santa Cruz County. The district serves more than 7,800 metered connections. Established in 1941, the district supplies water to the communities of Boulder Creek, Brookdale, Ben Lomond, Zayante, Scotts Valley, Mañana Woods and Felton. For more information, visit www.slvwd.com or www.facebook.com/slvwaterdistrict.