Report 2015-102 Recommendation 24 Responses

Report 2015-102: Central Basin Municipal Water District: Its Board of Directors Has Failed to Provide the Leadership Necessary for It to Effectively Fulfill Its Responsibilities (Release Date: December 2015)

Recommendation #24 To: Central Basin Municipal Water District

To ensure it is efficiently using its resources, the district should periodically analyze and, beginning in June 2016, report to the board whether all elements of its board member compensation, including health and related benefits, are appropriate and reflect the common practices of special districts.

6-Month Agency Response

The District began review of Board Members' compensation and benefits on January 25, 2016 when the Board approved revisions to its automobile/transportation allowance and reduced their automobile allowance. At the April 25, 2016 staff presented a compensation survey for Board Members of 21 water agencies including 10 Metropolitan Water District of Southern California Member Agencies, 8 Wholesale Agencies; and 3 Retail Agencies in Southern California. Additionally, staff will include review of Directors compensation and benefits in the annual Budget process to ensure they are appropriate and reflect the common practices of special districts.

California State Auditor's Assessment of 6-Month Status: Fully Implemented

60-Day Agency Response

Staff will conduct a compensation and benefits survey for Board members. The survey methodology will include review the ACWA/JPIA database, Metropolitan Water District member agencies, and the Water Replenishment District. Staff will present the findings to the Board of Directors in April 2016. Additionally, staff will be developing a budget process policy which will include language to require an annual review of Board member compensation, including health and related benefits, to ensure they are appropriate and reflect the common practices of special districts.

California State Auditor's Assessment of 60-Day Status: Pending

All Recommendations in 2015-102

Agency responses received are posted verbatim.