Who's Minding the Store?*

Because the Marin County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk's Assessor/ Administrative Office Registry of Agencies does not include all of the information Suite 208 mandated by California Government Code section 53051, the Marin County Civic Center public and relevant government agencies are not able to 3501 Civic Center Drive completely track and verify the details of these agencies. The San Rafael, CA 94903 absence of this information makes it difficult for the public to make 415 473 7215 T informed decisions about how well those agencies are being run. 415 473 6542 F [email protected] Response: Partially Disagree Recorder Suite 232 415 473 6092 T The Marin County Clerk acknowledges the importance of the 415 473 7893 F issues outlined in this report. We share the commitment to [email protected] governmental transparency and agree with providing the public with the ability to access agency information. At the same time, it County Clerk is important to clarify the statutory responsibilities and legal Suite 234 limitations that govern the County Clerk's role with respect to the 415 473 6152 T Registry of Public Agencies. 415 473 7184 F [email protected] Pursuant to Government Code §53051, public agencies operating within Marin County are required to file a Statement of Facts with Business/Personal Property both the California Secretary of State and the Marin County Clerk Suite 208 within 70 days of commencing operations. These filings must 415 473 7208 T include the agency's legal name and mailing address, the names 415 473 2730 F and addresses of governing body members, and the name, title, [email protected] and address of each presiding officer. When changes occur within CRS Dial 711 agencies, they must submit amended filings within ten (10) days www.marincounty.org/arcc of any changes. L The County Clerk maintains a hard copy of the Registry of Public Agencies, available for public inspection during regular business hours. Additionally, our office provides an online index that includes the agency name, filing date, and type of filing. However, in accordance with Government Code §6254.21, personal identifying information of governing body members cannot be published online. It is also important to note that the Clerk's office does not have statutory authority to enforce filing compliance or impose penalties for noncompliance. Our role is limited to accepting and maintaining the filings as provided by law. While we remain committed to facilitating access and transparency, we must operate within the boundaries of our mandated functions and legal authority.