Transparency Certificate of Excellence

 

Herlong Public Utility District has been awarded the Transparency Certificate of Excellence for a second time! It is now more important than ever for local governments (including special districts), to be open and accessible to the public. The Special District Leadership Foundation’s Transparency Certificate of Excellence showcases the many steps Herlong Public Utility District  has taken to show it is available and transparent to the constituents and customers we serve.

In a time where proper fiscal management and responsibility in public agencies is paramount and the task of governing these agencies has become even more complex, regulated and costly, and  it's  increasingly important to demonstrate to constituents that HPUD  has sound fiscal management policies and practices in place among other areas of importance in the district's operations.  All directors, trustees, general manager, and executive staff  have received training in governance as well as compliance with AB 1234 Ethics Training and AB 1825 Harassment Prevention Training.  

 

District of Distinction Accreditation

 

The Herlong Public Utility District (HPUD) received the “District of Distinction - GOLD”  (2025-2028) accreditation by the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF) for its sound fiscal management policies and practices in district operations. There are over 2200 Special Districts in California.

“SDLF provides an independent audit review of the last three years of the district’s operations to ensure prudent fiscal practices,” said Neil McCormick, SDLF Chief Executive Officer. The committee members who review the audits are volunteers from the special district community, including district controllers, directors of finance and certified general managers.

Furthermore, to receive the recognition, the district’s website must include posting of transparency requirements, including posted board meeting schedule and agendas, current district budget, most recent financial audit, and a list of compensation of board members and staff or a link to the State Controller’s webpage with the data.