⚠️ Aviso de traducción: Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
⚠️ 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
Despite five years of rate increases, TUD is still falling short of establishing a system where revenue is equal to expenses, including capital improvements and replacements.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
The Grand Jury recommends an independent review of the success of the 2015 Rate Study and five-year rate plan by the end of the 2021 fiscal year. Any proposed increases to ratepayers should include analysis of capacity/connection fees to ensure that rates are equitably spread across various categories of users, to the extent permitted by law. (F1) 79
F2
TUD Directors voted on February 26, 2019, to approve the agreement for water supply with Mountain Springs Golf Course (Teleli Golf Club) which the Grand Jury and members of the public find confusing because: 4 TUD is allowing TEDA to receive raw water for the Teleli Golf Course under the same supplemental water conveyance as did Mountain Springs LLC, even though the property is under new ownership and is not eligible to be grandfathered in as a Supplemental Water User. The Agreement states that TEDA is to be treated as a Supplemental Water User, which is inconsistent with TUD Rules and Regulations in which no new Supplemental Water Users can be designated after January 1, 2016. TUD Water Rules and Regulations does not currently have an applicable classification for recreational use, or simultaneous use of either reclaimed or raw water.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
The Grand Jury recommends that the TUD Board reevaluate the decision made on February 26, 2019, to approve the Mountain Springs Golf Course Water Supply Agreement, and direct staff to present an agreement to the Board that is fully transparent about all fees, classifications of users, and is consistent with adopted rules and regulations, and to amend TUD Water Rules and Regulations with an applicable classification for recreational use, or simultaneous use of either reclaimed or raw water. (F2)
F3
Director B has significant real and/or perceived conflicts of interest between personal business and financial interests, and various actions taken as a TUD Director.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
The Grand Jury recommends TUD Directors with real and/or perceived conflicts of interest recuse themselves in the same manner as city councils and boards of supervisors by identifying the interest that creates the conflict, recusing themselves, and leaving the room before either the discussion or vote commences. The Grand Jury further recommends TUD obtain updated and formal assistance from the Fair Political Practices Commission to conclusively establish when Director B must disqualify themselves from matters before the TUD Board. (F3)
F4
TUD’s membership in the TCBC is of questionable value to ratepayers. TUD is the only public entity member of the TCBC which places TUD Directors in the position of attending meetings closed to the public with the potential to violate open public meeting rules and regulations. In the absence of community involvement, the mechanisms for public accountability are dulled and the value of public scrutiny is lost.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
The Grand Jury recommends the TUD Board thoroughly evaluate and update its policy regarding: 4 TUD representation at meetings of outside organizations to ensure it is essential to the benefit of TUD ratepayers and approved by the Board prior to attendance when reimbursements are paid. Consistently apply to all Directors the requirement to give written or oral reports after attendance at outside meetings and report to the public at the next board meeting following the business-related travel as required by AB 1234. Membership in and attendance at meetings of organizations which are not subject to California open meetings and open public records rules and regulations. (F4, F5)
F5
Director reimbursements for attending meetings on behalf of the TUD are not consistently verified prior to being paid out. TUD Director B claimed and received reimbursement for attending a meeting in which personal business was discussed, rather than TUD business.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
The Grand Jury recommends the TUD Board thoroughly evaluate and update its policy regarding: 4 TUD representation at meetings of outside organizations to ensure it is essential to the benefit of TUD ratepayers and approved by the Board prior to attendance when reimbursements are paid. Consistently apply to all Directors the requirement to give written or oral reports after attendance at outside meetings and report to the public at the next board meeting following the business-related travel as required by AB 1234. Membership in and attendance at meetings of organizations which are not subject to California open meetings and open public records rules and regulations. (F4, F5)