By Caryl Sheehan–
The Citrus Heights Water District is proud to be one of just 299 Special Districts honored nationally for our financial reporting for 2018.
The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) established its Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting program in 1945 to encourage and assist state and local governments to go beyond the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles to prepare transparent comprehensive annual financial reports with full disclosure and then to recognize those entities that succeed in achieving that goal.
Citrus Heights Water District (CHWD) received the award the first time we submitted our financial reports to GFOA in 2017. We look forward to the GFOA review of our 2019 submittal as well.
CHWD has executed a sound investment and savings strategy that includes maintaining appropriate reserves to meet our current and future needs. This means our debt remains relatively small, as compared to other agencies, and we have the funding available to adapt to changing conditions such as drought and amendments to state and federal regulations.
Our streamlined approach to management and leadership allows our team to do more with less. CHWD salaries account for an average of just 27% of our total annual budget. In addition, CHWD’s modest pension plan means our agency’s retirement obligations are substantially lower than neighboring agencies.
We are leading the way in regional cooperation by championing a meter replacement study that will unite us with our neighboring Districts in the Sacramento area to collaborate on the inspection and replacement of water meters, saving all of our customers a substantial amount of money.
The Board has never been prouder of the District’s administrative staff and those engaged in its field operations. Guided by thoughtful Strategic Planning efforts, we are extremely well positioned to continue to provide high-quality, reliable water service to our customers — a public asset that ensures the health and viability of the entire community.
Caryl is currently a Citrus Heights Water District Director and has served on the CHWD Board since 2014. She is currently the Chair of Sacramento Groundwater Authority.
