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Extracted from Consolidated Report
This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.
⚠️ 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 12 findings
F1
Page 203
For the last several years there have been three members on the Board. WCWD By-laws require five members.
F2
Page 204
WCWD By-laws require monthly Board meetings. The WCWD meeting schedules are not kept.
F3
Page 204
Citizens filing complaints, and requesting to be placed on the agenda, are not given proper attention as required by law. They may or may not receive a hearing on their complaint.
F4
Page 204
The Billing Clerk, a volunteer, executes water shut-offs for delinquent customers, without consulting the Board.
F5
Page 204
The Grand Jury heard testimony that the rate schedule is unfair.
F6
Page 204
Meters are read once a month and recorded by the WCWD Manager. Even though there are meters in place, the customers of the district are now charged on a flat rate basis.
F7
Page 204
One large lot, which is divided into seven parcels, has five RVs,(cid:31) all hooked up to one water and sewer line and paying a single rate of $76.50 per month.
F8
Page 205
Monthly billings are not mailed out to customers on a specified date.
F9
Page 205
Citizens are threatened with penalties and shut-offs without first receiving a monthly statement.
F10
Page 205
Waste Water Capital Reserve Fund is currently in arrears. This Fund is mandated by the California State Water Resources Control Board to be paid annually.
F11
Page 205
A Board member failed to disclose all property holdings on Statement of Economic Interests Report Form (California Fair Political Practices Form 700) dated March 10, 1999.
F12
Page 205
The Grand Jury's interviews and review of letter responses to a concerned citizen's inquiry, indicated a great dissatisfaction in the manner in which the affairs of the WCWD are being handled by the current Board. Concerned citizens feel that they are not treated fairly.(cid:31) 1999-2000 Mendocino County Grand Jury Final Report 205
Recommendations 7
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R2Page 203WCWD By-laws require monthly Board meetings. The WCWD meeting schedules are not kept. Recommendation Board meetings should be conducted on a regular monthly schedule.
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R3Page 203Citizens filing complaints, and requesting to be placed on the agenda, are not given proper attention as required by law. They may or may not receive a hearing on their complaint. Recommendation The Board must conduct hearings on all complaints in accordance with WCWD Regulations.
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R4Page 203The Billing Clerk, a volunteer, executes water shut-offs for delinquent customers, without consulting the Board. Recommendation The WCWD Board should review and approve all water shut-offs prior to execution as required by WCWD Regulations.
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R7Page 203One large lot, which is divided into seven parcels, has five RVs,(cid:31) all hooked up to one water and sewer line and paying a single rate of $76.50 per month. Recommendation 204 1999-2000 Mendocino County Grand Jury Final Report A complete review of all properties within the district, both occupied and vacant, be made to determine if the district is receiving all revenues due.
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R10Page 203Waste Water Capital Reserve Fund is currently in arrears. This Fund is mandated by the California State Water Resources Control Board to be paid annually. Recommendation Delinquent payments into the Fund should be brought up to date.
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R11Page 203A Board member failed to disclose all property holdings on Statement of Economic Interests Report Form (California Fair Political Practices Form 700) dated March 10, 1999. Recommendation The Grand Jury recommends that the Mendocino County District Attorney determine if any action is indicated. Response (District Attorney): At the request of the Grand Jury, all documentation was referred to the Fair Political Practices for its consideration of any action they deem appropriate. That agency has primary enforcement jurisdiction under the Fair Political Practices Act.
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R12Page 203The Grand Jury's interviews and review of letter responses to a concerned citizen's inquiry, indicated a great dissatisfaction in the manner in which the affairs of the WCWD are being handled by the current Board. Concerned citizens feel that they are not treated fairly.(cid:31) 1999-2000 Mendocino County Grand Jury Final Report 205 Recommendation The Board should consider hiring a general manager to conduct the affairs of the District and that the Board act as a policy making body only. Response (Westport County Water District Board of Directors): No response received. Response Required Mendocino County District Attorney Westport County Water District Board of Directors 206 1999-2000 Mendocino County Grand Jury Final Report