Stanislaus County Grand Jury
• 2016-2017
Independent Special Fire Districts Relics of the Past or Resources for the Future? Case #18-15gj
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 10 findings
F1
Few districts are in full compliance with state laws in transparency, accountability, and governance.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
All Stanislaus County fire districts boards should adhere to California law. All districts should have a written manual of generally accepted governance policies and procedures. The manual should include policies for nepotism, credit card control, and check signing. The manual should be completed by December 31, 2018 (see appendix).
F2
Many board members are not adequately prepared to assume office. Stanislaus County lacks a standardized governance training program.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
All fire districts should establish a training requirement for board members in addition to that required by law. The curriculum is to be established no later than December 31, 2018 and shall include at least good governance, parliamentary procedure, Brown Act, nepotism, and conflict of interest (see appendix).
F3
Most district board members are appointed by the SCBOS.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
Certificates of ethics training and Financial Disclosure Form 700 must be on file in each fire district office for five years and at the Stanislaus County Elections Office.
F4
The SCCGJ observed that some fire districts perceive that they are accountable to the SCBOS. Conversely the SCBOS has no responsibility beyond appointment of board members.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
Fire districts are to ensure that meeting times and locations are posted consistently and accurately on district websites and with LAFCO.
F5
Citizen participation is lacking at board meetings.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
The fire districts and the community at large would benefit if the SCBOS would exert oversight of governance training.
F6
Most board meetings are not welcoming to citizens.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6
The SCBOS should advise the forty-two specials districts in Stanislaus County to obtain a copy of this report from the SCCGJ website for informational purposes.
F7
Many of the district websites lack required information about governance and finances.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7
All fire district boards must comply immediately with the requirements for meeting notices, posting of meeting agendas, publishing of minutes, and financial statements as required by California law.
F8
No apparent effort exists to increase citizen participation and involvement. 8
Related Recommendations (1)
R8
Websites should be effectively maintained to abide by California law. The priority of websites should be to provide information and transparency about governance and finances. Current and prior agendas, minutes, financial statements, and audits should be posted (see appendix).
F9
The fire districts spend $26 million yearly with little public scrutiny.
Related Recommendations (1)
R9
Board meeting locations and times should be boldly identified. Signage visible from the street should announce meeting dates and times. Signage should be in place to direct citizens to the meeting room. Meeting rooms should be well-lighted, provide adequate seating, and free of exhaust fumes.
F10
While the SCCGJ focused its investigation on independent special fire districts, our findings and recommendations should be of interest to all special districts in Stanislaus County.
Related Recommendations (1)
R10
Board meeting structure should routinely reflect the basic elements of accepted rules of order while conducting the people’s business. They should start on time with a gavel or 9 announcement. Board members and officers should be identified by roll call. Names of board members should be visible. Topics and guest speakers should be clearly identified, and sidebars eliminated.
Additional Recommendations 1
These recommendations are not explicitly linked to specific findings.
-
R11The districts should utilize local print media to seek candidates for the boards of directors. For example, the Modesto Bee’s “Lend a Hand” section announces volunteer opportunities.
No Responses Found 1
Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.
Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors
Elected County Office