RIVERSIDE, Calif. – “We have a strong commitment to transparency, and this award is a testament to our good governance,” noted General Manager John Rossi after Western Municipal Water District received the District Transparency Certificate of Excellence from the Special District Leadership Foundation.
Western received the award, which recognizes outstanding efforts to promote transparency and open governance, by demonstrating the completion of eight essential government transparency requirements, including conducting ethics training for all board members; properly conducting open and public meetings; and filing financial transactions and compensation reports to the State Controller in a timely manner.
Additionally, Western fulfilled 15 website requirements, including providing readily available information to the public, such as board agendas, past minutes, current District budget and the most-recent financial audit. The District also had to demonstrate outreach to its customers that engage the public in its governance through its quarterly On Tap newsletter and special community engagement events, like Earth Night in the Garden.
“Our customers can be assured that our staff operates in the spirt of accountability and open government,” added Rossi. “We will continue to look for ways to ensure public trust through transparency, participation and collaboration.”
Western’s transparency certificate is good for a two-year period. This time marks the second-consecutive certification for the District.
The Special District Leadership Foundation is an independent, nonprofit organization formed to promote good governance and best practices among California’s special districts through certification, accreditation and recognition programs.
Western Municipal Water District provides water supply, wastewater disposal and water resource management to the public in a safe, reliable, environmentally sensitive and financially responsible.
