Mark Twain/St. Joseph’s Hospital

The Grand Jury submitted the results of this investigation, including documentation, to the California State Bar Association, in connection with allegations that the CCWD Chief Counsel engaged in self-dealing with public tax dollars in violation of the State Bar Code of Ethics.

The Board of Directors must insure that hiring practices are stringently followed.

Since this is an increased expense to the District, which will impact rate payers for many years, the Board of Directors must examine whether two years employment is an appropriate vesting period by doing a comparison study of retirement benefit packages in similar special districts in California.

Management must present complete and accurate pertinent data, including potential financial impact on the District, to the Board. The Board of Directors must be diligent in efforts to verify information presented by management and adhere to their mission statement, which reads in part, “The governing body is dedicated to protecting, enhancing, and developing our water resources to the highest beneficial use for Calaveras County, while maintaining cost-conscious, reliable service, and our quality of life, through responsible management.”

Board should audit financial practices regarding sewer operations.

Management and staff must not censor correspondence addressed to members of the Board of Directors. A policy should be established whereby correspondence can go directly to the Board rather than through staff and management. The original letter in question should be made available to the Board for review and consideration.

The Board of Directors should respond to all communications from the public and employees, and must encourage communication and complaints by constituents. 11