HomeMy WebLinkAboutSan Rafael Joint Powers Finance Authority 2016-06-06 Staff Report
____________________________________________________________________________________
FOR CITY CLERK ONLY
File No.: _______________________________
Council Meeting: _______________________
Disposition: ___________________________
Agenda Item No: 1.a
Meeting Date: June 6, 2016
TOPIC: RESPONSE TO GRAND JURY REPORT ON WEB TRANSPARENCY
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE
CHAIR TO EXECUTE THE SAN RAFAEL JOINT POWERS FINANCING AUTHORITY
RESPONSE TO THE MARCH 10, 2016 MARIN COUNTY GRAND JURY REPORT
ENTITLED "2015-16 WEB TRANSPARENCY REPORT CARD: BRINGING MARIN
COUNTY’S LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO LIGHT”
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
This staff report provides information about the Grand Jury Report entitled
“2015-16 Web Transparency Report Card: Bringing Marin County’s Local
Governments to Light” and staff’s proposed response. The Report requests a
response from the San Rafael Joint Powers Financing Authority, of which the City
of San Rafael is the principal member. The City of San Rafael values open,
inclusive and transparent government and engages in a variety of measures to
enhance transparency through its website as well as other means.
BACKGROUND:
The 2015-2016 Marin County Grand Jury has issued its report, dated
March 10, 2016 and made public on March 17, 2016, entitled “2015-16 Web
Transparency Report Card: Bringing Marin County’s Local Governments to Light.”
In this report, the Grand Jury audits local government agencies’ websites in Marin
County to evaluate the quality of online information. The Grand Jury’s report
includes a web transparency checklist of criteria used in the audit and provides
each jurisdiction with a score. The San Rafael Joint Powers Authority (“SRJPFA”
or “Authority”) received an “F” grade, primarily due to the lack of a dedicated
webpage. See the full Grand Jury report in Attachment A.
SAN RAFAEL JOINT POWERS FINANCING AUTHORITY
AGENDA REPORT
Department: Finance
Prepared by: Mark Moses, Finance Director
Rebecca Woodbury,
Senior Management Analyst
City Manager Approval: ____________
Grand Jury Report
Card
SAN RAFAEL JOINT POWERS FINANCING AUTHORITY AGENDA REPORT / Page: 2
The City of San Rafael’s website is a vital form of communication and is the face of the City online.
Staff uses the website to convey the City’s messages and provide the public with relevant, current, and
accurate information and services. However, until this year, the City’s website did not contain a page
providing information about the SRJPFA, and it is this absence that generated the Grand Jury’s grade
of F.
ANALYSIS:
In early 2016, in response to a Grand Jury request made in anticipation of issuance of the subject
formal report, Staff created a webpage on the City of San Rafael’s website to include information about
the Authority: http://www.cityofsanrafael.org/finance-SRJPFA. Unfortunately, the Grand Jury did not
receive confirmation of the creation of this webpage until after the official report was finalized; therefore
the Grand Jury’s report did not reflect the existence of the new webpage, and marked the SRJPFA as
missing information in all criteria due to its lack of a web presence.
Staff believes that the SRJPFA webpage on the City website complies with the criteria called out by the
Grand Jury. The following table shows the details included in each Grand Jury criterion and a staff
response about what is and is not on either the SRJPFA webpage or the City website.
Criterion / Feature Staff response
Overview
Mission Statement
Description of services/functions
Boundary of service area
Since early 2016, the City has maintained a
webpage that provides an overview of the
SRJPFA.
Budget
Budget (including three-year history)
Financial reserves policy
SRJPFA does not have distinct operating or
financial activities. Therefore, it does not prepare a
budget.
Meetings
Board meeting schedule
Archive of Board meeting agenda
and minutes for at least the last 6 months.
The SRJPFA meets very infrequently. Since early
2016, the City has maintained a webpage that
provides links to SRJPFA meetings.
Elected & Appointed Officials
Board members
Election procedure and deadlines
Reimbursement & compensation
The City Council serves as the SRJPFA Board.
They receive no additional compensation or
reimbursements pursuant to their role on the
SRJPFA Board. This information is available on
the City’s website and linked to on the SRJPFA
webpage.
Administrative Officials
Management & Key staff
The City’s Finance Department provides nominal
staffing for the SRJPFA, which itself employs no
SAN RAFAEL JOINT POWERS FINANCING AUTHORITY AGENDA REPORT / Page: 3
staff. The SRJPFA webpage includes key staff
and contact information for the City’s Finance
Department.
Audits
Current financial audit
Financial audits for the past three years
SRJPFA is a component unit of the City of San
Rafael. Separate financial statements are not
issued for the Authority.
Contracts
Current requests for proposals and
bidding opportunities (more than $25,000
in value)
SRJPFA is highly unlikely to engage in such
proposals.
Instructions on how to submit a bid or
proposal
SRJPFA is highly unlikely to engage in such
proposals.
Approved vendor contracts (more than
$25,000 in value)
SRJPFA is highly unlikely to engage in such
contracts.
Public Records
Online Public Records Act Form
Since early 2016, a form has been available on
the SRJPFA webpage.
Revenue Sources
Summary of fees received and summary
of revenue sources
SRJPFA has no unpledged sources of revenue.
JPA Agreement
A copy of the Joint Powers Agreement
Since early 2016, the SRJPFA originating
documents have been available on the SRJPFA
webpage.
Staff refers the Council to Attachment B, which contains the proposed response to the Grand Jury
report. The Grand Jury Report specifically requested the SRJPFA to respond to the following
recommendations:
R1. The agency should improve its web transparency score to “B-” (or better), by updating its website
and submitting the appropriate self-audit form. The proposed response indicates that this
recommendation has been implemented.
R2. The agency should file and keep updated its Statement of Facts with the California Secretary of
State and the Marin County Clerk as required by California Code §53051. The proposed response
indicates that this recommendation has been implemented.
SAN RAFAEL JOINT POWERS FINANCING AUTHORITY AGENDA REPORT / Page: 4
R3. The agency should update its website to include information of the annual compensation of its
elected officials, officers and employees; and this information should also be submitted to the
Controller, as required by Sections 12463 and 53909 of the California Government Code. The
proposed response indicates that this recommendation will not be implemented because the Authority
has no employees, and pays no compensation to elected officials.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no direct fiscal impact to the recommended action of this report.
ACTION REQUIRED:
The SRJPFA is required to respond to the Grand Jury Report. Penal Code section 933(c) states in
part:
“No later than 90 days after the Grand Jury submits a final report…the governing body of the
public agency shall comment to the presiding Judge of the Superior Court on the findings and
recommendations…[contained in the report].”
To comply with this statute, the SRJPFA’s response to the Grand Jury report is required to be approved
by Resolution of the SRJPFA Board and submitted to the Presiding Judge of the Marin County Superior
Court and the Foreperson of the Grand Jury on or before June 17, 2016. A proposed Resolution is
included that would approve staff’s recommendation for the Board’s response (Attachment D).
OPTIONS:
The SRFPFA is required to respond, however, the Board has the following options to consider on this
matter:
1. Adopt Resolution approving the proposed response;
2. Adopt Resolution with modifications to the proposed response;
3. Direct staff to return with more information.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Board of the San Rafael Joint Powers Financing Authority adopt the
attached Resolution approving the proposed response to the Grand Jury report and authorizing the
Board Chair to execute the response.
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Grand Jury Report “2015-16 Web Transparency Report Card: Bringing Marin County’s Local
Governments to Light” dated March 10, 2016.
B. Proposed Response
C. Resolution
2015/2016 MARIN COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY
2015-16 Web Transparency Report Card
Bringing Marin County’s Local Governments to Light
Report Date: March 10, 2016
Public Release Date: March 17, 2016
ATTACHMENT A
Marin County Civil Grand Jury
2015-16 Web Transparency Report Card
Bringing Marin County’s Local Governments to Light
SUMMARY
How important are government websites? In April 2015, the Pew Research Center reported 1 that “65%
of Americans in the prior 12 months have used the internet to find data or information pertaining to
government”. Between October 2015 and January 2016, the Marin County Civil Grand Jury audited
local government agencies’ websites to evaluate the quality of online information such as budgets,
audits and board member information. We found serious deficiencies. The Grand Jury provided each
agency with our preliminary audits and described our approach. All agencies were offered the
opportunity to improve their websites for a final audit. Many websites significantly improved, while
others remained deficient. This audit report provides transparency improvement recommendations for
Marin local agency websites.
126
local agencies were audited: 12 municipalities, 19 school districts, 64 special districts,
30 joint powers authorities (JPAs), and 1 rail district.
59 local agencies improved their websites, and 34 received a grade of B- or better.
27 local agencies have no website: 19 special districts and 8 joint powers authorities (JPAs).
Web Transparency Grade Distributions (F to A)
1 http://pewinternet.org/files/2014/10/PI_OpenData_072815.pdf
ATTACHMENT A
2015-16 Marin Web Transparency Report Card
March 10, 2016 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 2 of 43
BACKGROUND
"A lack of transparency results in distrust and a deep sense of insecurity."
― Dalai Lama
Marin residents are likely unaware of all the various agencies that serve them. Their property tax bills
list2 the charges assessed by these local agencies3: county, city, school, joint powers authorities, rail
districts, special districts, and assessment districts. Appendix A illustrates a sample Marin property tax
bill.
Increasing transparency for a local agency makes it easier to understand where tax dollars go. Residents
should be able to easily find the description of services provided, the names and contact information of
board members and management, the budget, agendas and minutes of meetings, and other information.
Today, the most common source of information is the Internet. Compared with other information
sources (i.e., phone calls or emails), online searching is often faster, more detailed, always accessible
and anonymous.
An effective website presence can also benefit an agency. In the study, Smarter eGovernment: The
Economics of Online Services in Utah (sponsored by the National Information Consortium4), the Center
for Public Policy and Administration at the University of Utah found that Utah was able to save a total
of $46 million in the period of 2007-2011 by making traditionally “offline” (in-office) services available
online.
State law requires transparency: The Ralph M. Brown Act (public meetings), The California Public
Records Act (record keeping), California Fair Political Practices Reporting Requirements (economic
interests), and financial reporting. While there is currently no requirement for an agency to have a
website, there has been a growing movement to make governmental information available online (the
“Open Data” movement). In 2013, President Obama signed an executive order “...that made open and
machine-readable data the new default for government information”5, which launched Project Open
Data. In 2014, Governor Brown signed Assembly Bill (AB) 20406 requiring all local agencies that
maintain websites to conspicuously post the annual compensation of its elected officials, officers, and
employees. And in 2015, Governor Brown signed Assembly Bill (AB) 1697 and Senate Bill (SB) 2728
2 The paper tax bill lists a subset of, while an online viewable bill on the County of Marin’s Assessor’s webpage
(http://www.marincounty.org/depts/ar/divisions/assessor/search-assessor-records) details all the legal charges.
3 See glossary for definitions of agency types.
4 egov.com
5 https://www.whitehouse.gov/open
6 http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201320140AB2040
7 https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160AB169
8 http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160SB272
ATTACHMENT A
2015-16 Marin Web Transparency Report Card
March 10, 2016 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 3 of 43
requiring all local agencies that maintain websites (except for school districts9) to make more of their
information publicly available and searchable online.
Around the United States, several well-respected organizations have developed web transparency
checklists for public agencies10. When the Grand Jury examined these checklists, we found items that
either did not apply to California agencies or only applied to a specific type of agency. We decided to
combine the best of each of these lists to create a single list of nine criteria that could apply to all Marin
agencies, and added a tenth agency-specific criterion:
Web Transparency Checklist Criteria
1. Overview
○ Mission Statement: What is the agency’s reason for existing?
○ Description of services/functions: What actions does the agency undertake and what
services does the agency provide?
○ Boundary of service area: What specific area does the agency serve?
2. Budget
○ Budget for current fiscal year
○ Budget for the three years prior to the current year
○ Financial reserves policy: What is the agency’s policy for designated reserves and
reserve funds? (The policy should be in the agency policy manual but also may be
restated and found in the budget or audit reports)
3. Meetings
○ Board meeting schedule: When specifically does the agency meet?
○ Archive of Board meeting agendas & minutes for at least the last 6 months: Both
approved minutes and past agendas
4. Elected & Appointed Officials
○ Board members (names, contact info, terms of office, compensation, and biography):
Who specifically represents the public on the Board? How can the public contact
them? When were they elected (or appointed)? How much do they earn in this role (as
required by Assembly Bill 2040 – in effect since January 1, 2015)? What background
about the members illustrates their expertise for serving on the Board?
○ Election procedure and deadlines: If the public wishes to apply to be on the Board, how
and when can they do so?
○ Reimbursement and compensation policy: Which (if any) expenses incurred by the
Board are reimbursed?
9 While these bills excluded school districts, the Grand Jury recognizes schools spend a large amount of tax dollars fulfilling
their mission, and parents research their enrollment options using public information.
10 Sunshine Review (now Ballotpedia) (http://ballotpedia.org/Transparency_checklist), Illinois Policy
(https://www.illinoispolicy.org/10-point-transparency-checklist/), Institute for Local Government (http://www.ca-
ilg.org/post/local-agency-website-transparency-opportunities), and the Special District Leadership Foundation
(http://www.sdlf.org/#!transparency/cl0u)
ATTACHMENT A
2015-16 Marin Web Transparency Report Card
March 10, 2016 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 4 of 43
5. Administrative Officials
○ General manager and key staff (names, contact info, compensation, and benefits): Who
specifically runs the agency on a day-to-day basis? How can the public contact them?
How much do they earn in this role (as required by Assembly Bill 2040 in effect since
January 1, 2015)? What specific benefits are they eligible for (healthcare, retirement
plan, educational benefits, etc.)?
6. Audits
○ Current financial audit
○ Financial audits for the three years prior to the current year
7. Contracts
○ Current requests for proposals and bidding opportunities (over $25,000 in value)
○ Instructions on how to submit a bid or proposal
○ Approved in force vendor contracts (over $25,000 in value)
8. Public Records
○ Online/downloadable Public Records Act (or FOIA) request form: What is the best way
for the public to request public records?
9. Revenue Sources
○ Summary of fees received: fees-for-services (if any)?
○ Summary of revenue sources: bonds, taxes, and/or grants?
10. Other (Agency Specific Criterion)
○ Municipalities: Total number of lobbyists employed and total spent on lobbying,
downloadable permit applications, and zoning ordinances
○ School Districts:
i. For K-12: School Accountability Report Card (SARC), California Assessment
of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP), and the California Healthy
Kids Survey (CHKS)
ii. For College: California Community Colleges Student Success Scorecard
○ Special Districts: Authorizing statute/enabling act (Principal Act or Special Act) and
board member ethics training certificates
○ Rail Districts: A copy of the Governing Documentation: As enacted by Congress
○ JPAs: A copy of the Joint Powers Agreement: As filed and adopted
ATTACHMENT A
2015-16 Marin Web Transparency Report Card
March 10, 2016 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 5 of 43
METHODOLOGY
Each agency’s website was visited and each checklist item was validated for ease of access.
However, the first problem the Grand Jury encountered was that there was no single comprehensive list
of agencies in Marin County. The Grand Jury found the following lists:
■ Special Districts In Marin 2015 (Marin County Department of Finance)11
■ Index of Boards and Commissions (Marin County Board of Supervisors)12
■ Marin School District Websites (Marin County of Education)13
■ Directory of Local Marin County Governments (Marin LAFCO)14
■ What Are Special Districts and Why Do They Matter? (Marin County Civil Grand Jury)15
■ Roster of Public Agencies (Marin County Clerk)16
These lists were inconsistent, incomplete and/or out-of-date. The Grand Jury worked with the Marin
County Department of Finance to create an up-to-date comprehensive list of agencies17 and their contact
information (see Appendix B). Specifically not included in the list of Marin-based agencies are a
number of regional agencies that are funded in part by Marin taxpayers, including:
■ Association of Bay Area Governments
■ Bay Area Air Quality Management District
■ Golden Gate Bridge, Highway & Transportation District
■ Local Agency Formation Commission
■ Metropolitan Transportation Commission
■ National Association of Counties
■ North Bay Watershed Association
■ North Coast Railroad Authority
For transparency and ease of use, detailed information about each agency should be found with a few
“clicks.” Information that is buried in an agency’s board minutes or on other websites not available in-a-
click from the agency’s website is not in the spirit of transparency. Long and complex PDF (Portable
Document Format) documents, such as a budget or an audit report, must be text-searchable, and not
simply a picture of a page of text, to easily find specific details.
11 http:// marincounty.org/depts/df/special-districts
12 http://apps.marincounty.org/bosboardsandcomm/default.aspx
13 http:// marinschools.org/MCOE/District-Sites/Pages/default.aspx
14 http://lafco.marin.org/index.php/directory-list
15 http://.marincounty.org/~/media/files/departments/gj/reports-responses/2013/spd_master_list_report.pdf
16 California Government Code §53051 requires public agencies to file a Statement of Facts within 70 days after the
commencement of its legal existence. See Appendix C for the current State of California Statement of Facts.
17 It is quite likely that our search for Marin public agencies will still not uncover all of the agencies, due to inconsistent self-
reporting to the California State Controller.
ATTACHMENT A
2015-16 Marin Web Transparency Report Card
March 10, 2016 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 6 of 43
Using the agency-specific checklist, the Grand Jury assigned a minimum of two auditors to
independently review each website to ensure audit correctness:
■ Appendix D: Web Transparency Checklist for Marin Cities, Towns, and County
■ Appendix E: Web Transparency Checklist for Marin School Districts
■ Appendix F: Web Transparency Checklist for Marin Special Districts
■ Appendix G: Web Transparency Checklist for Rail Districts
■ Appendix H: Web Transparency Checklist for Marin Joint Powers Authorities (JPAs)
After completing the preliminary audit, the Grand Jury then shared with each
agency a description of the audit process and the agency’s audit results. Agencies
that chose to improve their website could complete an online self-audit form18,
which the Grand Jury utilized in our final follow-up audit. Based on these
findings, we then assigned a grade to each agency according to the Sunshine
Review’s rubric19 to produce a report card (see example at right).
The scoring rubric grade was determined based on the number of points on the
checklist for which the criteria was completely met. If an agency partially met
the criteria, no points were awarded (but partially meeting the checklist was
denoted with an “incomplete”). A point scale determined the letter grade
awarded:
Points 0-2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Grade F D- D C- C B- B A- A+
In 2013, Sunshine Review20 calculated average web transparency grades for
California counties (B), California cities (B+) and California schools (B). The
Grand Jury believes that Marin should be as good as the California averages, and
therefore selected B- as the minimum acceptable web transparency grade.
Example Agency
GRADE: B
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
Agency Specific
The final scorecards21 are listed in appendices:
■ Appendix I: Marin Cities, Towns, and County Web Transparency Scorecards
■ Appendix J: Marin School District Web Transparency Scorecards
■ Appendix K: Marin Special District Web Transparency Scorecards
■ Appendix L: Marin Rail District Web Transparency Scorecard
■ Appendix M: Marin Joint Powers Authority Web Transparency Scorecards
18 We provided a minimum of one month’s time as well as technical support for the self-audit process.
19 http://ballotpedia.org/Transparency_report_card_%282013%29
20 Ibid.
21 Scorecards were tabulated after the October 2015 - January 2016 audits were concluded.
ATTACHMENT A
2015-16 Marin Web Transparency Report Card
March 10, 2016 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 7 of 43
DISCUSSION
Website Creation
Although most Marin agencies have web sites, there is still a perception that not every agency has the
resources to easily create and maintain a website. But, modern website creation software has made it
possible for a non-tech-savvy person to manage website content easily (see Appendix N). For small
agencies, it is not necessary to make a large investment to create a website. A simple website
highlighting what the agency does, key agency contacts, board agendas, and audited budgets can
encourage citizen participation and improve staff efficiency (answering frequently asked questions
online). For larger agencies, it is an opportunity to showcase achievements and build trust with local
citizenry.
Self-Auditing Feedback
After sharing the results of the preliminary web transparency audit with Marin County agencies, the
Grand Jury received feedback, much of it agreeing with our preliminary audit’s goals and results:
■ “The best practices transparency checklist you provided was very helpful and I believe we have
indeed improved the quality of our website, making key information more easily accessible.
Based on this experience we plan to make additional changes to our website in a continuous
effort to be as transparent as possible”
■ “We have made substantive changes to our web site. Additional items will be added in the same
spirit and intent as they become available. Thank you for your evaluation and the opportunity for
response.”
■ “We believe that your recommendations regarding providing online/downloadable Public
Records Act (or FOIA) request forms is an important topic for our Board to review and consider
as a potential exhibit item...”
■ “...We are always trying to improve our website and online resources. I find this report card very
helpful and have already started to make some improvements… We are starting the process to
procure a new website and I think this will help us greatly as we put together the design and
specifications …”
■ “We are in the midst of a website redevelopment project, and have noted the need to make these
important items easier to find. We are taking this opportunity to create a "Transparency"
webpage where any user can find all items on your list in one easy to find location.”
■ “Thank you for the opportunity to demonstrate our agency’s commitment to transparency on its
website. The web transparency checklist was very helpful in two ways. First, to make sure our
website contains all of the information on the checklist, but also going through the review
process showed that we can (and will) reorganize some of the information to make it even easier
to find. We also plan to supplement the information in a few areas.”
■ “We have spent the last month working with our web developer and the best practices
transparency list you sent. We developed a page that follows the identical format listed in this
best practice guide, with links to the information required. We are very excited about this
addition to our site and look forward to augmenting beyond what the Grand Jury has listed.”
ATTACHMENT A
2015-16 Marin Web Transparency Report Card
March 10, 2016 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 8 of 43
Some of the feedback the Grand Jury received expressed a difference of opinion with the web
transparency audit criteria:
■ “One of the items of transparency listed is a biography of each elected board member. We have
intentionally not posted this.”
■ “Our agency’s staff relies on the public to tell us specifically what items are missing from our
website that the public would like posted. We make every effort to then post the material in a
timely manner.”
■ “The agency does not have a website. Public information is made available in accordance with
the Public Records Act.”
■ “[Budget] available upon request … and was advised not to post by legal counsel.”
The Grand Jury granted an extension to any agency that needed more time to update their website and to
complete their self-audit. Some agencies stated they had insufficient resources to complete work within
the given timeframe.
The County of Marin
The County of Marin is responsible for at least 28 special districts22 and 4 JPAs23. The Grand Jury
questions why 20 of these agencies do not have websites. After sharing the results of our preliminary
audits of these 32 agencies with the County, we received correspondence24 from the County indicating
that while some of the transparency criteria will be implemented in the future (contracts and municipal-
specific), the notion of “...providing and maintaining duplicative information regarding each distinct
special district, community (sic) service area, flood control zone, permanent road division, joint powers
agreement/agency (JPA’s), etc. does not appear to be the best way to provide straightforward
information to our residents. Most of these are better described as financing mechanisms rather than
municipal agencies. We believe that a single source of information is easier for residents to review and
understand.” and “...we should also note that the Marin Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO)
includes descriptive information regarding special districts and JPAs on its website, as well as
information regarding other entities independent of the County of Marin.”
While the Grand Jury supports the desire of the County to provide straightforward information, we
disagree with the County’s approach. Marin LAFCO’s digital directory is provided as a service to the
community, but there is no requirement that the directory be accurate or up-to-date. Since not all of the
County Service Areas (CSAs) have websites, a citizen cannot easily understand a CSAs’ purpose,
decision-making, and budgetary actions. It is unreasonable to ask citizens to become experts in sleuthing
to find information. As a service to the citizens, the County could create a single web page (for each of
22 Dependent Special Districts: Bolinas Highlands Permanent Road Division, CSA #1 through CSA #33, Inverness
Subdivision No. 2 Permanent Road Division, Marin County Fire Department, Marin County Flood Control and Water
Conservation District, Marin County Lighting District, Marin County Open Space District, Monte Cristo Permanent Road
Division, Mt View Ave-Lagunitas Permanent Road Division, Murray Park Sewer Maintenance District, Paradise Estate
Permanent Road Division, Rush Creek Lighting and Landscape, and San Quentin Village Sewer Maintenance District.
23 JPAs: Gateway Improvement Authority, Gateway Refinancing Authority, Marin County Capital Improvements Financing
Authority, and Marin County Open Space Financing Authority.
24 Dated December 8, 2015
ATTACHMENT A
2015-16 Marin Web Transparency Report Card
March 10, 2016 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 9 of 43
the dependent special districts and JPAs), that describes the role of the local agency with links to all the
transparency criteria that can be found elsewhere on the County’s website, and create its own digital
directory of these local agencies.
Common Web Transparency Deficiencies
In reviewing all the Marin County agency websites and self-audits, we found a number of transparency
criteria that were commonly missed:
1. Overview: Agencies often mistakenly considered a departmental list the same as a description
of the public benefits of their services/functions. A boundary of service area can be easily
understood with a map.
2. Budget: Finding key information in these long and complex documents often requires a text
search, which is impossible if the budgets are in a non-text-searchable document format.
3. Meetings: Keep the meeting schedule and archive up-to-date.
4. Elected & Appointed Officials: While most agencies listed the names of the Board members,
complete information about the Board members (contact info, terms of office, compensation,
and biography) was often missing. Agencies were sometimes confused about where election
procedures and deadlines can be found, often suggesting this information can be found at Marin
County’s Elections/Registrar of Voters. While this website has a wealth of general information,
specific information about the procedures and deadlines should be clearly described on the
agency’s website.
5. Administrative Officials: Instead of showing actual salaries and benefits (as required by
Assembly Bill (AB) 2040), we often found salary schedules instead. This was most commonly
seen with school districts. We recommend putting a link to the agency’s Government
Compensation in California page (http://publicpay.ca.gov/)
6. Audits: Finding key financial information in these long and complex documents often requires
a text search, which is impossible if the audits are in a non-text-searchable document format.
7. Contracts: Agencies often did not show their approved vendor contracts.
8. Public Records: If an agency does not have an online/downloadable Public Records Act (or
FOIA) request form, specify how the public can contact the agency for more information (an
email address or phone number, for example).
9. Revenue Sources: Agencies generally understood this criterion.
10. Other (Agency Specific): Agencies also generally understood this criterion.
It is the hope of the Grand Jury that all local government agencies’ websites will continue to improve the
accessibility, accuracy, completeness and usefulness of available online information for the public’s
benefit. Having seen web transparency grades improve from F to A+ during the audit process, we know
it is possible.
"A democracy requires accountability and accountability requires transparency."
― President Barack Obama
ATTACHMENT A
2015-16 Marin Web Transparency Report Card
March 10, 2016 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 10 of 43
FINDINGS
F1. As of January 4, 2016, 27 Marin local agencies lacked public websites (and of the 99 agencies
that have web sites, 65 did not satisfy the Grand Jury's web transparency criteria as of that date).
F2. Inspecting the Marin County Clerk’s Roster of Public Agencies, the Grand Jury discovered a
majority of local agencies out of compliance per California Government Code §53051 (no filings
or outdated filings).
F3. Effective January 1, 2015, Assembly Bill (AB) 2040 requires that if a public agency “maintains
an Internet Web site, it shall post, in a conspicuous location on its Internet Web site, information
on the annual compensation of its elected officials, officers, and employees that is submitted to
the Controller under §53891.” The Grand Jury discovered a majority of the agencies were out of
compliance (and potentially at-risk for fines and/or audit), per California Government Code
sections 53895, 53895.7, and 53896).
F4. The County of Marin does not currently publish a definitive list of all its dependent special
districts and JPAs.
F5. Marin County’s Roster of Public Agencies is available for viewing only as hard copy at the office
of the Marin County Clerk.
RECOMMENDATIONS
R1. The agency should improve its web transparency score to “B-” (or better), by updating its
website and submitting the appropriate self-audit form. The form may be obtained by emailing:
grandjury-audit@marincounty.org
R2. The agency should file and keep updated its Statement of Facts with the California Secretary of
State and the Marin County Clerk as required by California Code §53051.
R3. The agency should update its website to include information of the annual compensation of its
elected officials, officers and employees; and this information should also be submitted to the
Controller, as required by Sections 12463 and 53909 of the California Government Code.
R4. The Marin County Board of Supervisors should create a comprehensive online “digital
directory” with links to all County of Marin’s dependent special districts and JPAs.
R5. To further improve web transparency, the County Clerk of Marin County should allow public
remote Internet access to its Roster of Public Agencies.
ATTACHMENT A
2015-16 Marin Web Transparency Report Card
March 10, 2016 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 11 of 43
REQUEST FOR RESPONSES
Pursuant to Penal Code section 933.05, the Grand Jury requests responses as follows:
From the following governing bodies:
■ Almonte Sanitary District (R1, R2, R3)
■ Alto Sanitary District (R1, R2, R3)
■ Bel Marin Keys CSD (R1, R2, R3)
■ Belvedere-Tiburon Joint Recreation Committee District (R1, R2)
■ Belvedere-Tiburon Library Agency (R2, R3)
■ Bolinas Community Public Utility District (R2)
■ Bolinas Fire Protection District (R1, R2, R3)
■ Bolinas Highlands Permanent Road Division (R1, R2, R3)
■ Bolinas-Stinson Union District (R1, R3)
■ Central Marin Police Authority (R1, R3)
■ Central Marin Sanitation Agency (R2)
■ City Of Belvedere (R2)
■ City Of Larkspur (R2)
■ City Of Mill Valley (R2)
■ City Of Novato (R2, R3)
■ City Of San Rafael (R2)
■ City Of Sausalito (R2)
■ Corte Madera Sanitary District No 2 (R1, R2, R3)
■ County Of Marin (R1, R4, R5)
■ CSA #1 (Loma Verde) (R1, R2, R3)
■ CSA #6 (Gallinas Creek) (R1, R2, R3)
■ CSA #9 (Northbridge) (R1, R2, R3)
■ CSA #13 (Lucas Valley) (R1, R2, R3)
■ CSA #14 (Homestead Valley) (R1, R2, R3)
■ CSA #16 (Greenbrae) (R1, R2, R3)
■ CSA #17 (Kentfield) (R1, R2, R3)
■ CSA #18 (Las Gallinas) (R1, R2, R3)
■ CSA #19 (San Rafael) (R1, R2, R3)
■ CSA #20 (Indian Valley, Dominga Canyon) (R1, R2, R3)
■ CSA #23 (Terra Linda) (R1, R2, R3)
■ CSA #25 (Unincorporated Novato) (R1, R2, R3)
■ CSA #27 (Ross Valley Paramedic) (R1, R2, R3)
■ CSA #28 (West Marin Paramedic) (R1, R2, R3)
■ CSA #29 (Paradise Cay) (R1, R2, R3)
■ CSA #31 (County Fire) (R1, R2, R3)
■ CSA #33 (Stinson Beach) (R1, R2, R3)
ATTACHMENT A
2015-16 Marin Web Transparency Report Card
March 10, 2016 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 12 of 43
■ Dixie School District (R1, R3)
■ Fairfax Financing Authority (R1, R2, R3)
■ Firehouse Community Park Agency (R1, R2, R3)
■ Gateway Improvement Authority (R2, R3)
■ Gateway Refinancing Authority (R2, R3)
■ Homestead Valley Sanitary District (R1, R2, R3)
■ Inverness Public Utility District (R1, R2, R3)
■ Inverness Subdivision No. 2 Permanent Road Division (R1, R2, R3)
■ Kentfield Fire Protection District (R1)
■ Kentfield School District (R1, R3)
■ Laguna Joint School District (R1, R3)
■ Lagunitas School District (R1, R3)
■ Larkspur Marina Financing Authority (R1, R2, R3)
■ Larkspur-Corte Madera School District (R3)
■ Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District (R2)
■ Lincoln School District (R1, R3)
■ Marin City CSD (R1, R2, R3)
■ Marin Clean Energy (R1, R2, R3)
■ Marin Community College District (R1, R3)
■ Marin County Capital Improvements Financing Authority (R1, R2, R3)
■ Marin County Fire Department (R1, R2, R3)
■ Marin County Flood Control And Water Conservation District (R1, R2, R3)
■ Marin County Hazardous And Solid Waste Joint Powers Authority (R2, R3)
■ Marin County Lighting District (R1, R2, R3)
■ Marin County Major Crimes Task Force (R1, R2, R3)
■ Marin County Open Space District (R1, R3)
■ Marin County Open Space Financing Authority (R1, R2, R3)
■ Marin County Transit District (R3)
■ Marin General Services Authority (R1, R2, R3)
■ Marin Healthcare District (R1, R2, R3)
■ Marin Municipal Water District (R3)
■ Marin Municipal Water District Financing Corporation (R1, R3)
■ Marin Pupil Transportation Agency (R1, R2, R3)
■ Marin Resource Conservation District (R2)
■ Marin Schools Insurance Authority (R1, R2)
■ Marin Telecommunications Agency (R2, R3)
■ Marin/Sonoma Mosquito & Vector Control District (R2)
■ Marinet Consortium Joint Powers Authority (R1, R2, R3)
■ Marinwood Community Service District (R1, R2, R3)
■ Mill Valley Financing Authority (R1, R2, R3)
■ Mill Valley School District (R1, R3)
ATTACHMENT A
2015-16 Marin Web Transparency Report Card
March 10, 2016 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 13 of 43
■ Monte Cristo Permanent Road Division (R1, R2, R3)
■ Mt View Ave-Lagunitas Permanent Road Division (R1, R2, R3)
■ Muir Beach Community Services District (R1, R2, R3)
■ Murray Park Sewer Maintenance District (R1, R2, R3)
■ Nicasio School District (R1, R3)
■ North Marin Water District (R2)
■ Northern CA Community Colleges Self Insurance Authority (R1, R2, R3)
■ Novato - Kendon Lane Improvement (R1, R2, R3)
■ Novato Fire Protection District (R2)
■ Novato Public Finance Authority (R1, R2, R3)
■ Paradise Estate Permanent Road Division (R1, R2, R3)
■ Reed Union School District (R1, R3)
■ Richardson Bay Regional Agency (R1, R2, R3)
■ Richardson Bay Sanitary District (R1, R2, R3)
■ Ross School District (R1, R3)
■ Ross Valley Fire Department (R1, R2)
■ Ross Valley Paramedic Authority (R2)
■ Ross Valley Sanitary District (R1, R2, R3)
■ Ross Valley School District (R3)
■ Rush Creek Lighting And Landscape (R1, R2, R3)
■ San Quentin Village Sewer Maintenance District (R1, R2, R3)
■ San Rafael City Schools (R1, R3)
■ San Rafael Joint Powers Financing Authority (R1, R2, R3)
■ San Rafael Sanitation District (R1, R3)
■ Sausalito - Marin City Sanitary District (R2)
■ Sausalito Marin City School District (R1, R3)
■ Sewerage Agency Of Southern Marin (R1, R3)
■ Shoreline Unified School District (R1, R3)
■ Sleepy Hollow Fire Protection District (R1, R2, R3)
■ Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (R1, R2, R3)
■ Southern Marin Emergency Medical-Paramedic System (R2)
■ Southern Marin Fire Protection District (R2, R3)
■ Stinson Beach County Water District (R1, R2, R3)
■ Stinson Beach Fire Protection District (R1, R2, R3)
■ Strawberry Recreation District (R1, R2)
■ Tamalpais Community Services District (R2)
■ Tamalpais Union High School District (R1, R3)
■ Tiburon Fire Protection District (R1, R2, R3)
■ Tiburon Sanitary District #5 (R1, R2, R3)
■ Tomales Village Community Services District (R1, R2, R3)
■ Town Of Corte Madera (R2)
ATTACHMENT A
2015-16 Marin Web Transparency Report Card
March 10, 2016 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 14 of 43
■ Town Of Fairfax (R2)
■ Town Of Ross (R1, R2, R3)
■ Town Of San Anselmo (R2)
■ Town Of Tiburon (R2)
■ Union Joint School District (R1, R3)
The governing bodies indicated above should be aware that the comment or response of the governing
body must be conducted in accordance with Penal Code section 933 (c) and subject to the notice, agenda
and open meeting requirements of the Brown Act.
INVITED TO RESPOND
Since the following agencies have satisfied all applicable recommendations, the governing bodies are
invited to respond to this report but are not required to do so:
■ Marin Emergency Radio Authority
■ Novato Sanitary District
■ Novato Unified School District
Note: At the time this report was prepared, website transparency information was available at the sites listed.
Reports issued by the Civil Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code Section 929 requires that reports of
the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to
the Civil Grand Jury. The California State Legislature has stated that it intends the provisions of Penal Code Section 929
prohibiting disclosure of witness identities to encourage full candor in testimony in Grand Jury investigations by protecting the
privacy and confidentiality of those who participate in any Civil Grand Jury investigation.
ATTACHMENT A
2015-16 Marin Web Transparency Report Card
March 10, 2016 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 15 of 43
APPENDIX A: Sample Marin Assessor Bill for Tax Year 2015
ATTACHMENT A
2015-16 Marin Web Transparency Report Card
March 10, 2016 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 16 of 43
APPENDIX B: Marin County Agency List
Agency Name Type Agency Web Address (URL)
Almonte Sanitary District SPD almontesd.org
Alto Sanitary District SPD altosanitarydistrict.org
Bel Marin Keys CSD SPD bmkcsd.us
Belvedere, City Of MUNI cityofbelvedere.org
Belvedere-Tiburon Joint Recreation
Committee District JPA cityofbelvedere.org/index.aspx?NID=211
Belvedere-Tiburon Library Agency JPA beltiblibrary.org
Bolinas Community Public Utility District SPD bcpud.org
Bolinas Fire Protection District SPD bolinasfire.org
Bolinas Highlands Permanent Road Division SPD -
Bolinas-Stinson Union District SCH bolinas-stinson.org
Central Marin Police Authority JPA centralmarinpolice.org
Central Marin Sanitation Agency JPA cmsa.us
Corte Madera, Town Of MUNI townofcortemadera.org
Corte Madera Sanitary District No 2 SPD townofcortemadera.org/391/Sanitary-District-No-2
CSA #1 (Loma Verde) SPD -
CSA #6 (Gallinas Creek) SPD apps.marincounty.org/bosboardsandcomm/boardpage.aspx?BrdID=
27&return=default.aspx
CSA #9 (Northbridge) SPD -
CSA #13 (Lucas Valley) SPD -
CSA #14 (Homestead Valley) SPD -
CSA #16 (Greenbrae) SPD marincountyparks.org/depts/pk/about-us/main/board-meeting-
archives/csa-16
CSA #17 (Kentfield) SPD -
CSA #18 (Las Gallinas) SPD apps.marincounty.org/bosboardsandcomm/boardpage.aspx?BrdID=
20&return=default.aspx
CSA #19 (San Rafael) SPD -
CSA #20 (Indian Valley, Dominga Canyon) SPD apps.marincounty.org/bosboardsandcomm/boardpage.aspx?BrdID=
100&return=default.aspx
CSA #23 (Terra Linda) SPD -
CSA #25 (Unincorporated Novato) SPD -
Agency Type: JPA = Joint Powers Authority / MUNI = Municipality / RAIL = Rail / SCH = School / SPD = Special District
ATTACHMENT A
2015-16 Marin Web Transparency Report Card
March 10, 2016 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 17 of 43
APPENDIX B: Marin County Agency List (cont’d)
Agency Name Type Agency Web Address (URL)
CSA #27 (Ross Valley Paramedic) SPD -
CSA #28 (West Marin Paramedic) SPD -
CSA #29 (Paradise Cay) SPD apps.marincounty.org/bosboardsandcomm/boardpage.aspx?BrdID=2
6&return=default.aspx
CSA #31 (County Fire) SPD -
CSA #33 (Stinson Beach) SPD apps.marincounty.org/bosboardsandcomm/boardpage.aspx?BrdID=9
2&return=default.aspx
Dixie School District SCH dixieschooldistrict.org
Fairfax, Town Of MUNI town-of-fairfax.org
Fairfax Financing Authority JPA town-of-fairfax.org/html/council.html
Firehouse Community Park Agency JPA -
Gateway Improvement Authority JPA marincounty.org/depts/cd/divisions/planning/gateway-improvement-
authority
Gateway Refinancing Authority JPA marincounty.org/depts/cd/divisions/planning/gateway-refinancing-
authority
Homestead Valley Sanitary District SPD homesteadvalleysd.org
Inverness Public Utility District SPD invernesspud.org
Inverness Subdivision No. 2 Permanent Road
Division SPD -
Kentfield Fire Protection District SPD kentfieldfire.org
Kentfield School District SCH kentfieldschools.org
Laguna Joint School District SCH lagunaschool.org
Lagunitas School District SCH lagunitas.org
Larkspur, City Of MUNI larkspurcityhall.org
Larkspur Marina Financing Authority JPA -
Larkspur-Corte Madera School District SCH lcmschools.org
Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District SPD lgvsd.org
Lincoln School District SCH districts.marinschools.org/sites/lincoln/SitePages/Home.aspx
Marin City CSD SPD marincitygov.org
Marin Clean Energy JPA mcecleanenergy.org
Marin Community College District SCH marin.edu
Agency Type: JPA = Joint Powers Authority / MUNI = Municipality / RAIL = Rail / SCH = School / SPD = Special District
ATTACHMENT A
2015-16 Marin Web Transparency Report Card
March 10, 2016 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 18 of 43
APPENDIX B: Marin County Agency List (cont’d)
Agency Name Type Agency Web Address (URL)
Marin County MUNI marincounty.org
Marin County Capital Improvements
Financing Authority JPA -
Marin County Fire Department SPD marincountyfire.org
Marin County Flood Control And Water
Conservation District SPD marinwatersheds.org/flood_control_zones.html
Marin County Hazardous And Solid Waste
Joint Powers Authority JPA zerowastemarin.org
Marin County Law Library25 SPD marincountylawlibrary.org
Marin County Lighting District SPD -
Marin County Major Crimes Task Force JPA marinsheriff.org/about.aspx?gi_id=95
Marin County Open Space District SPD marincountyparks.org/depts/pk/divisions/open-space
Marin County Open Space Financing
Authority JPA -
Marin County Transit District SPD marintransit.org
Marin Emergency Radio Authority JPA meraonline.org/index.cfm
Marin General Services Authority JPA maringsa.org
Marin Healthcare District SPD marinhealthcare.org
Marin Municipal Water District SPD marinwater.org
Marin Municipal Water District Financing
Corporation JPA -
Marin Pupil Transportation Agency JPA -
Marin Resource Conservation District SPD marinrcd.org
Marin Schools Insurance Authority JPA msiajpa.org
Marin Telecommunications Agency JPA mtamarin.org
Marin/Sonoma Mosquito & Vector Control
District SPD msmosquito.com
Marinet Consortium Joint Powers Authority JPA marinet.lib.ca.us/screens/help_marinet.html
Marinwood Community Service District SPD marinwood.org
Mill Valley, City Of MUNI cityofmillvalley.org
Agency Type: JPA = Joint Powers Authority / MUNI = Municipality / RAIL = Rail / SCH = School / SPD = Special District
25 Found too late for inclusion in web transparency audit
ATTACHMENT A
2015-16 Marin Web Transparency Report Card
March 10, 2016 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 19 of 43
APPENDIX B: Marin County Agency List (cont’d)
Agency Name Type Agency Web Address (URL)
Mill Valley Financing Authority JPA cityofmillvalley.org/Index.aspx?page=1694
Mill Valley School District SCH mvschools.org
Monte Cristo Permanent Road Division SPD -
Mt View Ave-Lagunitas Permanent Road
Division SPD -
Muir Beach Community Services District SPD muirbeachcsd.com
Murray Park Sewer Maintenance District SPD marincounty.org/depts/pw/divisions/capital-projects/sewer-districts
Nicasio School District SCH nicasioschool.org
North Marin Water District SPD nmwd.com
Northern CA Community Colleges Self
Insurance Authority JPA -
Novato, City Of MUNI novato.org
Novato - Kendon Lane Improvement SPD -
Novato Fire Protection District SPD novatofire.org
Novato Public Finance Authority JPA novato.org/government/boards-commissions-committees/novato-
public-finance-authority
Novato Sanitary District SPD novatosan.com
Novato Unified School District SCH nusd.org
Paradise Estate Permanent Road Division SPD -
Reed Union School District SCH reedschools.org
Richardson Bay Regional Agency JPA rbra.ca.gov
Richardson Bay Sanitary District SPD richardsonbaysd.org
Ross, Town Of MUNI townofross.org
Ross School District SCH rossbears.org
Ross Valley Fire Department JPA rossvalleyfire.org
Ross Valley Paramedic Authority JPA rossvalleypa.org
Ross Valley Sanitary District SPD rvsd.org
Ross Valley School District SCH rossvalleyschools.org
Rush Creek Lighting And Landscape SPD -
San Anselmo, Town Of MUNI townofsananselmo.org
Agency Type: JPA = Joint Powers Authority / MUNI = Municipality / RAIL = Rail / SCH = School / SPD = Special District
ATTACHMENT A
2015-16 Marin Web Transparency Report Card
March 10, 2016 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 20 of 43
APPENDIX B: Marin County Agency List (cont’d)
Agency Name Type Agency Web Address (URL)
San Quentin Village Sewer Maintenance
District SPD marincounty.org/depts/pw/divisions/capital-projects/sewer-districts
San Rafael, City Of MUNI cityofsanrafael.org
San Rafael City Schools SCH srcs.org
San Rafael Joint Powers Financing Authority JPA -
San Rafael Sanitation District SPD cityofsanrafael.org/pubworks-home
Sausalito, City Of MUNI ci.sausalito.ca.us
Sausalito - Marin City Sanitary District SPD sausalitomarincitysanitarydistrict.com
Sausalito Financing Authority26 JPA -
Sausalito Marin City School District SCH smcsd.org
Sewerage Agency Of Southern Marin JPA cityofmillvalley.org/Index.aspx?page=49
Shoreline Unified School District SCH shorelineunified.org
Sleepy Hollow Fire Protection District SPD shfpd.org
Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit RAIL sonomamarintrain.org
Southern Marin Emergency Medical-
Paramedic System JPA smemps.org
Southern Marin Fire Protection District SPD southernmarinfire.org
Stinson Beach County Water District SPD stinson-beach-cwd.dst.ca.us
Stinson Beach Fire Protection District SPD stinsonbeachfire.com
Strawberry Recreation District SPD strawberry.marin.org
Tamalpais Community Services District SPD tcsd.us
Tamalpais Union High School District SCH tamdistrict.org
Tiburon, Town Of MUNI townoftiburon.org
Tiburon Fire Protection District SPD tiburonfire.org
Tiburon Sanitary District #5 SPD sani5.org
Tomales Village Community Services
District SPD tomalescsd.ca.gov
Transportation Authority of Marin27 JPA tam.ca.gov
Union Joint School District SCH districts.marinschools.org/sites/Union/SitePages/Home.aspx
Agency Type: JPA = Joint Powers Authority / MUNI = Municipality / RAIL = Rail / SCH = School / SPD = Special District
26 Found too late for inclusion in web transparency audit
27 Found too late for inclusion in web transparency audit
ATTACHMENT A
2015-16 Marin Web Transparency Report Card
March 10, 2016 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 21 of 43
APPENDIX C: State of California Statement of Facts
From: http://www.sos.ca.gov/business-programs/special-filings/forms
ATTACHMENT A
2015-16 Marin Web Transparency Report Card
March 10, 2016 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 22 of 43
APPENDIX D: Web Transparency Checklist for Marin Cities, Towns, and County
Criteria Features
Overview ● Mission Statement (“What we do”)
● Description of services/functions
● Boundary of service area
Budget ● Budget for current fiscal year,
● Budget for the past three years
● Financial reserves policy
Meetings ● Board meeting schedule
● Archive of Board meeting agendas & minutes for at least the last 6 months
Elected &
Appointed Officials
● Board members (names, contact info, terms of office, compensation, and
biography)
● Election procedure and deadlines,
● Reimbursement and compensation policy
Administrative
Officials
● General manager and key staff (names, contact info, compensation, and
benefits)
Audits ● Current financial audit
● Financial audits for the past three years
Contracts ● Current requests for proposals and bidding opportunities (more than
$25,000 in value)
● Instructions on how to submit a bid or proposal
● Approved vendor contracts (more than $25,000 in value)
Public Records ● Online/downloadable Public Records Act (or FOIA) request form
Revenue Sources ● Summary of fees received and summary of revenue sources
Municipal Specific ● Total number of lobbyists employed and total spent on lobbying
● Downloadable permit applications
● Zoning ordinances
ATTACHMENT A
2015-16 Marin Web Transparency Report Card
March 10, 2016 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 23 of 43
APPENDIX E: Web Transparency Checklist for Marin School Districts
Criteria Features
Overview ● Mission Statement (“What we do”)
● Description of services/functions
● Boundary of service area
Budget ● Budget for current fiscal year,
● Budget for the past three years
● Financial reserves policy
Meetings ● Board meeting schedule
● Archive of Board meeting agendas & minutes for at least the last 6 months
Elected Officials ● Board members (names, contact info, terms of office, compensation, and
biography)
● Election procedure and deadlines,
● Reimbursement and compensation policy
Administrative
Officials
● General manager and key staff (names, contact info, compensation, and
benefits)
Audits ● Current financial audit
● Financial audits for the previous three years
Contracts ● Current requests for proposals and bidding opportunities (more than
$25,000 in value)
● Instructions on how to submit a bid or proposal
● Approved vendor contracts (more than $25,000 in value)
Public Records ● Online/downloadable Public Records Act (or FOIA) request form
Revenue Sources ● Summary of fees received and summary of revenue sources
Reports For K-12:
● School Accountability Report Card (SARC)
● California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP)
● The California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS).
For College:
● California Community Colleges Student Success Scorecard
ATTACHMENT A
2015-16 Marin Web Transparency Report Card
March 10, 2016 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 24 of 43
APPENDIX F: Web Transparency Checklist for Marin Special Districts
Criteria Features
Overview ● Mission Statement (“What we do”)
● Description of services/functions
● Boundary of service area
Budget ● Budget for current fiscal year,
● Budget for the past three years
● Financial reserves policy
Meetings ● Board meeting schedule
● Archive of Board meeting agendas & minutes for at least the last 6 months
Elected Officials ● Board members (names, contact info, terms of office, compensation, and
biography)
● Election procedure and deadlines,
● Reimbursement and compensation policy
Administrative
Officials
● General manager and key staff (names, contact info, compensation, and
benefits)
Audits ● Current financial audit
● Financial audits for the past three years
Contracts ● Current requests for proposals and bidding opportunities (more than
$25,000 in value)
● Instructions on how to submit a bid or proposal
● Approved vendor contracts (more than $25,000 in value)
Public Records ● Online/downloadable Public Records Act (or FOIA) request form
Revenue Sources ● Summary of fees received and summary of revenue sources
District Specific ● Authorizing statute/enabling act (Principal Act or Special Act)
● Board member ethics training certificates
ATTACHMENT A
2015-16 Marin Web Transparency Report Card
March 10, 2016 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 25 of 43
APPENDIX G: Web Transparency Checklist for Rail Districts
Criteria Features
Overview ● Mission Statement (“What we do”)
● Description of services/functions
● Boundary of service area
Budget ● Budget for current fiscal year,
● Budget for the past three years
● Financial reserves policy
Meetings ● Board meeting schedule
● Archive of Board meeting agendas & minutes for at least the last 6 months
Elected &
Appointed Officials
● Board members (names, contact info, terms of office, compensation, and
biography)
● Election procedure and deadlines,
● Reimbursement and compensation policy
Administrative
Officials
● General manager and key staff (names, contact info, compensation, and
benefits)
Audits ● Current financial audit
● Financial audits for the past three years
Contracts ● Current requests for proposals and bidding opportunities (more than
$25,000 in value)
● Instructions on how to submit a bid or proposal
● Approved vendor contracts (more than $25,000 in value)
Public Records ● Online/downloadable Public Records Act (or FOIA) request form
Revenue Sources ● Summary of fees received and summary of revenue sources
Governing
Document
● As established by California State Assembly
ATTACHMENT A
2015-16 Marin Web Transparency Report Card
March 10, 2016 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 26 of 43
APPENDIX H: Web Transparency Checklist for Marin Joint Powers Authority (JPAs)
Criteria Features
Overview ● Mission Statement (“What we do”)
● Description of services/functions
● Boundary of service area
Budget ● Budget for current fiscal year,
● Budget for the past three years
● Financial reserves policy
Meetings ● Board meeting schedule
● Archive of Board meeting agendas & minutes for at least the last 6 months
Elected &
Appointed Officials
● Board members (names, contact info, terms of office, compensation, and
biography)
● Election procedure and deadlines,
● Reimbursement and compensation policy
Administrative
Officials
● General manager and key staff (names, contact info, compensation, and
benefits)
Audits ● Current financial audit
● Financial audits for the past three years
Contracts ● Current requests for proposals and bidding opportunities (more than
$25,000 in value)
● Instructions on how to submit a bid or proposal
● Approved vendor contracts (more than $25,000 in value)
Public Records ● Online/downloadable Public Records Act (or FOIA) request form
Revenue Sources ● Summary of fees received and summary of revenue sources
JPA Agreement ● A copy of the Joint Powers Agreement (as filed and adopted by member
agencies)
ATTACHMENT A
2015-16 Marin Web Transparency Report Card
March 10, 2016 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 27 of 43
APPENDIX I: Marin Cities, Towns, and County Web Transparency Scorecards
(see Appendix D for details of the Marin Cities, Towns, and County Web Transparency Checklist)
City of
Belvedere
GRADE: B-
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
Municipal
Specific
City of
Novato
GRADE: B-
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
Municipal
Specific
Town of
Corte Madera
GRADE: A+
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
Municipal
Specific
Town of
Ross
GRADE: C
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
Municipal
Specific
Town of
Fairfax
GRADE: B-
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
Municipal
Specific
Town of
San Anselmo
GRADE: B-
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
Municipal
Specific
City of
Larkspur
GRADE: A-
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
Municipal
Specific
City of
San Rafael
GRADE: B
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
Municipal
Specific
City of
Mill Valley
GRADE: A-
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
Municipal
Specific
City of
Sausalito
GRADE: A+
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
Municipal
Specific
ATTACHMENT A
2015-16 Marin Web Transparency Report Card
March 10, 2016 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 28 of 43
APPENDIX I: Marin Cities, Towns, and County Web Transparency Scorecards (cont’d)
Town of
Tiburon
GRADE: A-
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
Municipal
Specific
County of
Marin
GRADE: C-
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
Municipal
Specific
ATTACHMENT A
2015-16 Marin Web Transparency Report Card
March 10, 2016 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 29 of 43
APPENDIX J: Marin School District Web Transparency Scorecards
(see Appendix E for details of the Marin School District Web Transparency Checklist)
Bolinas-Stinson
Union District
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
Reports
Larkspur-Corte
Madera School
District
GRADE: B-
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
Reports
Dixie School
District
GRADE: C
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
Reports
Lincoln School
District
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
Reports
Kentfield School
District
GRADE: C-
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
Reports
Mill Valley School
District
GRADE: C
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
Reports
Laguna Joint
School District
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
Reports
Nicasio School
District
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
Reports
Lagunitas School
District
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
Reports
Novato Unified
School District
GRADE: A-
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
Reports
ATTACHMENT A
2015-16 Marin Web Transparency Report Card
March 10, 2016 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 30 of 43
APPENDIX J: Marin School District Web Transparency Scorecards (cont’d)
Reed Union
School District
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
Reports
Shoreline Unified
School District
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
Reports
Ross School
District
GRADE: D-
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
Reports
Tamalpais Union
High School
District
GRADE: D-
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
Reports
Ross Valley
School District
GRADE: B-
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
Reports
Union Joint
School District
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
Reports
San Rafael
City Schools
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
Reports
Sausalito Marin
City School
District
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
Reports
Marin Community
College District
GRADE: C-
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
Reports
ATTACHMENT A
2015-16 Marin Web Transparency Report Card
March 10, 2016 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 31 of 43
APPENDIX K: Marin Special District Web Transparency Scorecards
(see Appendix F for details of the Marin Special District Web Transparency Checklist)
Almonte
Sanitary District
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
Bolinas Highlands
Permanent Road
Division
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
Alto
Sanitary District
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
Corte Madera
Sanitary District
No. 2
GRADE: D
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
Bel Marin Keys
CSD
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
CSA #1
(Loma Verde)
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
Bolinas
Community Public
Utility District
GRADE: A+
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
CSA #6
(Gallinas Creek)
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
Bolinas
Fire Protection
District
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
CSA #9
(Northbridge)
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
ATTACHMENT A
2015-16 Marin Web Transparency Report Card
March 10, 2016 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 32 of 43
APPENDIX K: Marin Special District Web Transparency Scorecards (cont’d)
CSA #13
(Lucas Valley)
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
CSA #19
(San Rafael)
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
CSA #14
(Homestead Valley)
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
CSA #20
(Indian Valley,
Dominga Canyon)
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
CSA #16
(Greenbrae)
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
CSA #23
(Terra Linda)
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
CSA #17
(Kentfield)
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
CSA #25
(Unincorporated
Novato)
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
CSA #18
(Las Gallinas)
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
CSA #27
(Ross Valley
Paramedic)
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
ATTACHMENT A
2015-16 Marin Web Transparency Report Card
March 10, 2016 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 33 of 43
APPENDIX K: Marin Special District Web Transparency Scorecards (cont’d)
CSA #28
(West Marin
Paramedic)
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
Inverness
Public Utility
District
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
CSA #29
(Paradise Cay)
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
Inverness
Subdivision No. 2
Permanent Road
Division
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
CSA #31
(County Fire)
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
Kentfield Fire
Protection District
GRADE: C-
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
CSA #33
(Stinson Beach)
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
Las Gallinas
Valley
Sanitary District
GRADE: A-
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
Homestead Valley
Sanitary District
GRADE: D-
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
Marin City CSD
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
ATTACHMENT A
2015-16 Marin Web Transparency Report Card
March 10, 2016 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 34 of 43
APPENDIX K: Marin Special District Web Transparency Scorecards (cont’d)
Marin County
Fire Department
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
Marin Healthcare
District
GRADE: D-
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
Marin County
Flood Control and
Water
Conservation
District
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
Marin Municipal
Water District
GRADE: B-
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
Marin County
Lighting District
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
Marin Resource
Conservation
District
GRADE: A-
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
Marin County
Open Space
District
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
Marin/Sonoma
Mosquito & Vector
Control District
GRADE: A+
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
Marin County
Transit District
GRADE: B
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
Marinwood
Community
Service District
GRADE: D-
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
ATTACHMENT A
2015-16 Marin Web Transparency Report Card
March 10, 2016 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 35 of 43
APPENDIX K: Marin Special District Web Transparency Scorecards (cont’d)
Monte Cristo
Permanent Road
Division
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
Novato -
Kendon Lane
Improvement
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
Mt. View Ave-
Lagunitas
Permanent Road
Division
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
Novato Fire
Protection District
GRADE: A+
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
Muir Beach
Community
Service District
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
Novato
Sanitary District
GRADE: A+
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
Murray Park
Sewer
Maintenance
Division
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
Paradise Estate
Permanent Road
Division
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
North Marin
Water District
GRADE: B
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
Richardson Bay
Sanitary District
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
ATTACHMENT A
2015-16 Marin Web Transparency Report Card
March 10, 2016 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 36 of 43
APPENDIX K: Marin Special District Web Transparency Scorecards (cont’d)
Ross Valley
Sanitary District
GRADE: C-
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
Sleepy Hollow
Fire Protection
District
GRADE: D
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
Rush Creek
Lighting and
Landscaping
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
Southern Marin
Fire Protection
District
GRADE: B
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
San Quentin
Village Sewer
Maintenance
Division
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
Stinson Beach
County Water
District
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
San Rafael
Sanitation District
GRADE: D
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
Stinson Beach
Fire Protection
District
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
Sausalito -
Marin City
Sanitary District
GRADE: A-
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
Strawberry
Recreation District
GRADE: D-
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
ATTACHMENT A
2015-16 Marin Web Transparency Report Card
March 10, 2016 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 37 of 43
APPENDIX K: Marin Special District Web Transparency Scorecards (cont’d)
Tamalpais
Community
Services District
GRADE: A-
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
Tiburon
Fire Protection
District
GRADE: D-
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
Tiburon
Sanitary District
#5
GRADE: D
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
Tomales Village
Community
Services District
GRADE: D
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
District Specific
ATTACHMENT A
2015-16 Marin Web Transparency Report Card
March 10, 2016 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 38 of 43
APPENDIX L: Marin Rail District Web Transparency Scorecard
(see Appendix G for details of the Marin Rail District Web Transparency Checklist)
Sonoma-Marin
Area Rail Transit
GRADE: C-
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
Governing Docs
ATTACHMENT A
2015-16 Marin Web Transparency Report Card
March 10, 2016 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 39 of 43
APPENDIX M: Marin Joint Powers Authority Web Transparency Scorecards
(see Appendix H for details of the Joint Powers Authority Web Transparency Checklist)
Belvedere-Tiburon
Joint Recreation
Committee District
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
JPA Agreement
Firehouse
Community Park
Agency
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
JPA Agreement
Belvedere-Tiburon
Library Agency
GRADE: B-
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
JPA Agreement
Gateway
Improvement
Authority
GRADE: B-
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
JPA Agreement
Central Marin
Police Authority
GRADE: C-
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
JPA Agreement
Gateway
Refinancing
Authority
GRADE: B-
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
JPA Agreement
Central Marin
Sanitation Agency
GRADE: B
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
JPA Agreement
Larkspur Marina
Financing
Authority
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
JPA Agreement
Fairfax Financing
Authority
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
JPA Agreement
Marin Clean
Energy
GRADE: C-
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
JPA Agreement
ATTACHMENT A
2015-16 Marin Web Transparency Report Card
March 10, 2016 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 40 of 43
APPENDIX M: Marin Joint Powers Authority Web Transparency Scorecards (cont’d)
Marin County
Capital
Improvements
Financing
Authority
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
JPA Agreement
Marin General
Services Authority
GRADE: D
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
JPA Agreement
Marin County
Hazardous and
Solid Waste Joint
Powers Authority
GRADE: B-
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
JPA Agreement
Marin Municipal
Water District
Financing
Corporation
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
JPA Agreement
Marin County
Major Crimes Task
Force
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
JPA Agreement
Marin Pupil
Transportation
Agency
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
JPA Agreement
Marin County
Open Space
Financing
Authority
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
JPA Agreement
Marin Schools
Insurance
Authority
GRADE: C-
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
JPA Agreement
Marin Emergency
Radio Authority
GRADE: B
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
JPA Agreement
Marin
Telecommunications
Agency
GRADE: B-
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
JPA Agreement
ATTACHMENT A
2015-16 Marin Web Transparency Report Card
March 10, 2016 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 41 of 43
APPENDIX M: Marin Joint Powers Authority Web Transparency Scorecards (cont’d)
Marinet
Consortium Joint
Powers Authority
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
JPA Agreement
Ross Valley Fire
Department
GRADE: C-
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
JPA Agreement
Mill Valley
Financing
Authority
GRADE: D
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
JPA Agreement
Ross Valley
Paramedic
Authority
GRADE: B
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
JPA Agreement
Northern CA
Comm. Colleges
Self Insurance
Authority
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
JPA Agreement
San Rafael Joint
Powers Financing
Authority
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
JPA Agreement
Novato Public
Finance Authority
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
JPA Agreement
Sewerage Agency
of Southern Marin
GRADE: C
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
JPA Agreement
Richardson Bay
Regional Agency
GRADE: F
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
JPA Agreement
Southern Marin
Emergency
Medical-
Paramedic System
GRADE: B
Overview
Budget
Meetings
Elected Officials
Administrative
Officials
Audits
Contracts
Public Records
Revenue
Sources
JPA Agreement
ATTACHMENT A
2015-16 Marin Web Transparency Report Card
March 10, 2016 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 42 of 43
APPENDIX N: Website Creation Software Tools
While the Grand Jury did not conduct a comprehensive evaluation of website creation software tools
(and do not endorse any particular tool) we wanted to highlight the range of tools currently available to
local agencies.
At the low-end of the cost spectrum there are a number of free tools to create a website (e.g.,
Weebly.com or Wordpress.com). These tools can create a basic functional website with little effort.
However, using these tools to create “professional looking” results requires additional graphical and
technical skills.
Digital Deployment’s Streamline (GetStreamline.com) website creation software is designed specifically
for California’s special districts. Special District Leadership Foundation’s web transparency checklist is
integrated into the software, making it easy for the user to ensure their agency follows best practices. A
district can create a (or migrate an existing) website in a matter of hours. The resulting website’s
appearance is Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant28 and it is a responsive design adapting
to the website visitor’s device (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, etc.). Current annual pricing for
Streamline ranges from $600-$6,000 including unlimited technical support, based on the agency’s
annual budget and California Special District Association (CSDA) membership status. While the
transparency dashboard is designed for special districts, Streamline could be used by other types of local
agencies.
CivicPlus (CivicPlus.com) offers website creation software for municipalities. Currently used by over
2000 agencies throughout the United States, the software promotes ease of use by making an agency’s
information accessible within two clicks. CivicPlus has over 25 modules that efficiently support an
agency’s functions, including, Community Connection, Bid Postings, and Citizen Request Tracker™.
CivicPlus’ strength is working with agency departments to create a consistent, attractive, and efficient
visitor experience. Like Streamline’s software, the resulting website is both ADA-compliant and has a
responsive design. Pricing for CivicPlus varies based on the number of modules needed, agency size,
and scope of work needed, with a one-time upfront payment, and recurring annual pricing ranging from
$1,000-$100,000.
At the upper-end of the cost spectrum are customized solutions. Creating a modern website that meets
government regulations is a specialized skill that requires either hiring a consultant or using an in-house
IT department. Since IT departments are often busy with a myriad of technical challenges, and
consultant fees can be high, it is not unusual for an agency’s website content to be out-of-date.
28 While federal government organizations must follow web accessibility guidelines under Section 508 of the Workforce
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, there is not yet an ADA-compliant requirement for local agency websites.
ATTACHMENT A
2015-16 Marin Web Transparency Report Card
March 10, 2016 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 43 of 43
GLOSSARY
■ Assessment District: A method for financing public improvements.
■ County Service Area: As defined by California Government Code §25210, allows for residents
and property owners in unincorporated areas to finance and provide needed public facilities and
services.
■ Dependent Special District: A special district governed by an existing legislative body (e.g., a
city council or board of supervisors).
■ Independent Special District: A special district governed by an independent board of directors
(either elected or appointed by another legislative body).
■ Joint Powers Agreement: As defined by California Government Code §6503, a legal
description of the purpose of the Joint Powers Authority, the power to be exercised, and the
method and manner by which it will be accomplished.
■ Joint Powers Authority: As defined by California Government Code §6500-6537, two or more
public authorities that create a new legal entity to jointly work on a common problem (e.g.,
financing or regional wastewater treatment).
■ JPA: see Joint Powers Authority. Alternately known as a Joint Powers Agency.
■ Local Agency: California Government Code §6252 defines a local agency as including “...a
county; city, whether general law or chartered; city and county; school district; municipal
corporation; district; political subdivision; or any board, commission or agency thereof...”
■ Municipality: A city or town government.
■ Principal Act: A generic state law that applies statewide to all special districts of specific type.
■ Rail District: A special district that provides rail service.
■ School District: As defined by the United State Census Bureau, “a geographic entity within
which state, county, local officials, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, or the U.S. Department of
Defense provide public educational services for the area’s residents”
■ Special Act: A law specific to the unique needs of an area.
■ Special District: As defined by California Government Code §56036, a separate local
government with its own governing body that delivers public services to a particular area (e.g.,
fire protection or sewer maintenance). Special districts can either be independent or dependent.
■ Transparency: As defined by OpenGovData.org, data that is: complete, primary, timely,
accessible, machine processable, non-discriminatory, non-proprietary, and license-free.
■ Web Transparency: The presentation of transparency information on an agency’s website.
ATTACHMENT A
ATTACHMENT B
FORM FOR RESPONDING TO GRAND JURY REPORT
Report Title: 2015-16 Web Transparency Report Card: Bringing Marin County’s Local
Governments to Light”
Report Date: March 10, 2016
Public Release Date: March 17, 2016
Response by: San Rafael Joint Powers Financing Authority
FINDINGS
I (we) agree with the findings numbered: R1, R2
I (we) disagree wholly or partially with the findings numbered: R3
RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendations numbered R1, R2 have been implemented.
Recommendations numbered n/a have not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in
the future.
Recommendations numbered n/a require further analysis.
Recommendations numbered R3 will not be implemented because they are not warranted or
are not reasonable. See Exhibit 1.
Date:___________ Signed:_____________________________________
Number of pages attached: 3
2
EXHIBIT 1
RESPONSE OF THE
SAN RAFAEL JOINT POWERS FINANCING AUTHORITY
TO THE GRAND JURY REPORT
“2015-16 WEB TRANSPARENCY REPORT CARD:
BRINGING MARIN COUNTY’S LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO LIGHT”
EXPLANATION REGARDING RECOMMENDATION
Recommendations that have been implemented
R1. The agency should improve its web transparency score to “B-” (or better), by updating its
website and submitting the appropriate self-audit form. The form may be obtained by emailing:
grandjury-audit@marincounty.org
Staff has updated the City of San Rafael’s website to include a web page for the San Rafael Joint
Powers Financing Authority to comply with this recommendation, and completed and submitted the
self-audit form on Friday, May 20, 2016 for further Grand Jury review.
R2. The agency should file and keep updated its Statement of Facts with the California Secretary of
State and the Marin County Clerk as required by California Code §53051.
An updated Statement of Facts was submitted for filing with the California Secretary of State and
the Marin County Clerk on May 17, 2016. The last preceding Statement of Facts was filed on June
18, 2014. (Exhibit 2)
Recommendations that will not be implemented because they are not warranted or are not
reasonable.
R3. The agency should update its website to include information of the annual compensation of its
elected officials, officers and employees; and this information should also be submitted to the
Controller, as required by Sections 12463 and 53909 of the California Government Code.
The San Rafael Joint Powers Financing Authority does not compensate any of the elected officials
who serve on the Authority’s board. However, those elected officials are also members of the San
Rafael City Council, and the City of San Rafael’s website includes information about annual
compensation paid to these elected officials for their service on the City Council.
The San Rafael Joint Powers Financing Authority does not have any employees, but rather is
staffed by City of San Rafael employees as City expense. The City’s website includes information
about annual compensation of its employees.
RESOLUTION NO. _____
A RESOLUTION OF THE SAN RAFAEL JOINT POWERS FINANCING
AUTHORITY APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE CHAIR TO EXECUTE THE
BOARD’S RESPONSE TO THE MARCH 10, 2016 MARIN COUNTY GRAND
JURY REPORT ENTITLED "2015-16 WEB TRANSPARENCY REPORT CARD:
BRINGING MARIN COUNTY’S LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO LIGHT”
WHEREAS, pursuant to Penal Code section 933, a public agency which receives a Grand
Jury Report addressing aspects of the public agency’s operations must, within ninety (90) days,
provide a written response to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court with a copy to the
Foreperson of the Grand Jury, responding to the Report’s findings and recommendations; and
WHEREAS, Penal Code section 933 specifically requires that the “governing body” of the
public agency provide said response and, in order to lawfully comply, the governing body must
consider and adopt the response at a noticed public meeting pursuant to the Brown Act; and
WHEREAS, the San Rafael Joint Powers Financing Authority has received and reviewed
the Marin County Grand Jury Report, dated March 10, 2016, entitled “2015-16 Web Transparency
Report Card: Bringing Marin County’s Local Governments to Light,” and has agendized it at this
meeting for a response.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of the San Rafael Joint Powers
Financing Authority (Authority) hereby:
1. Approves and authorizes the Board Chair to execute the Authority’s response to
the Marin County Grand Jury’s March 10, 2016 report, entitled “2015-16 Web Transparency
Report Card: Bringing Marin County’s Local Governments to Light,” a copy of which response is
attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
2. Directs the Secretary to forward the Board’s response forthwith to the Presiding
Judge of the Marin County Superior Court and to the Foreperson of the Marin County Grand Jury.
I, Esther Beirne, Secretary of the Authority, hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution
was duly and regularly introduced and adopted at a regular meeting of the Authority held on the
6th day of June 2016, by the following vote to wit:
AYES: Boardmembers:
NOES: Boardmembers:
ABSENT: Boardmembers:
____________________________________
ESTHER C. BEIRNE, Secretary