As a public agency, being open and transparent is a primary goal for the Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD). These goals were recently rewarded when OCSD was acknowledged for its 2018 transparency efforts and budgeting process by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).
For the 22nd consecutive year, OCSD has been awarded the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from GFOA. The award is granted to agencies that satisfy nationally recognized for effective budget presentation and demonstrate the document serves as a policy document, financiguidelines al plan, operations guide, and a communication device. GFOA also recognized Lina Hsiao, Accounting Supervisor as the individual primarily responsible for OCSD earning the award.
“As a government entity, we strive to be fully transparent and comprehensive in our reporting,” says Jim Herberg, OCSD general manager. “This recognition confirms our efforts to maintain these high standards.”
OCSD also received the District Transparency Certificate of Excellence by the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF) in recognition of its outstanding efforts to promote transparency and good governance.
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The award is granted to agencies that demonstrated the completion of eight essential governance transparency requirements, including conducting ethics training for all board members, properly conducting open and public meetings, and filing financial transactions and a compensation report to the State Controller in a timely manner. OCSD also 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. Finally, OCSD demonstrated outreach to its constituents that engages the public in its governance, through special community engagement projects and community transparency reviews.
“It’s great to see our staff recognized for their hard work as we continue to keep the cost of service delivery to our communities at a minimum. As the Board Chair, it makes me very proud to represent an agency that strives for excellence,” stated David Shawver, OCSD Board Chair.
OCSD is a public agency that provides wastewater collection, treatment, and recycling for approximately 2.6 million people in central and northwest Orange County. OCSD is a special district that is governed by a 25-member Board of Directors comprised of 20 cities, four special districts, and one representative from the Orange County Board of Supervisors. OCSD has two operating facilities that treat wastewater from residential, commercial and industrial sources.
For more information about the Orange County Sanitation District call (714) 962-2411 or visit ocsd.com. Follow OCSD at @OCSewers.
