Nevada County Grand Jury
• 2018-2019
Special Districts What the Public Should Know
⚠️ 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 5 findings
F1
When grouped by budget size, the special districts surveyed tended to have similar characteristics that help the public have relevant expectations of their districts.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
Nevada County residents should know what special districts serve their residences and businesses.
F2
Special districts generally perform better with public awareness, involvement, and oversight. Performing additional public outreach could encourage more public participation.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
Nevada County residents should participate in their special districts by: reviewing special district websites, being aware of meeting agendas, attending meetings, reading meeting minutes, participating in electing new board members, serving on the board, volunteering for their special districts, reading and discussing articles in local papers about their special districts, and filing complaints if there are problems.
F3
Legal requirements for special districts ensure public access and effective and responsible operation. Not all surveyed Nevada County special districts were fully complying with special district laws. Because special districts are entrusted with public funds it is especially important to keep current with legally required audit filings and other laws.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
Special districts and the public should read the Jury’s reports Special Districts’ Compliance with Brown Act and Ethics Laws and A Path to Transparency for Special Districts, and the 2015-2016 Nevada County Grand Jury report Being A Better Board Member.
F4
Best practice recommendations allow special districts to serve the public more effectively. Adopting best practices provides consistency the public can use in evaluating districts. Not all Nevada County special districts were complying with recognized best practices.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
Special districts should comply with all applicable legal requirements.
F5
There are numerous organizations, reports, and programs that can be used by special districts as resources to improve their service to the public.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
Special districts should seek and employ best practices.
Additional Recommendations 3
These recommendations are not explicitly linked to specific findings.
-
R6Special districts should consider establishing citizen oversight committees.
-
R7Special districts should review and explore expanding their public outreach programs.
-
R8Special districts should pursue certifications and accreditations such as the Special District Leadership Foundation’s District Transparency Certificate of Excellence.