Special Districts Resources | Inyo County California

Welcome to the home of resources for our local service districts!!

Legal Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date resources, we make no guarantees that the content is complete, correct, or applicable to your specific situation. Laws and regulations vary by jurisdiction and may change over time. You should consult with a qualified attorney or professional before making any decisions based on the information found here. Use of this website and its resources is at your own risk, and we disclaim all liability for any actions taken or not taken based on the content provided.

Our local service districts run on the dedication of citizens with a passion to provide local support. As an independent agency, there is no governing agency that oversees their compliance or to assist them when they need direction. We recognize districts may need support with maintaining correct rules, regulations, and requirements. As such, we have created this page of resources to help districts navigate their responsibilities.

If you have any suggestions for improvements, topics to add, or questions - please reach out to us!

RESOURCES:

Brown Act

The Brown Act covers members of virtually every type of local government body, elected or appointed, decision-making or advisory. Some types of private organizations are covered, as are newly elected members of a legislative body, even before they take office. This includes all local LAFCO districts. Meetings subject to the Brown Act are not limited to face-to-face gatherings.

Please see the embedded YouTube video Special Districts Resources Brown Act Presentation to Inyo County Board of Supervisors (1.6.25) at the bottom of this page.
https://www.calcities.org/resource/open-public-v-a-guide-to-the-ralph-m.-brown-act
GUIDE TO THE RALPH M. BROWN ACT: Open & Public VI, Revised 2024
Per SB 707, all elected and appointed officials need to be provided with a copy of the Brown Act. Please see the following link: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?division=2.&chapter=9.&par…

Agency Resources & Directories:

California Special District Association: https://www.csda.net/home
Inyo - Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) - https://www.inyocounty.us/services/planning-department/lafco
Inyo Clerk-Recorder - Roster of Public Agencies (click here to request a copy via email)

Political Reform Act of 1974

Government Code – GOV - TITLE 9. POLITICAL REFORM [81000 - 91014]

Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) Information

When to File Campaign Statements: State & Local Filing Schedules
All elected or appointed district board members must file an FPPC 700 Form with the Inyo County Clerk-Recorder’s Office, per Government Code 87300. A form must be filed within 30 days of assuming office, leaving office, and annually before April. This form can be filed online (https://netfile.com/Filer), and assistance is available from the Clerk-Recorder’s Office. Please call 760-878-2155, or email cnott@inyoucounty.us.

Conflict of Interest (COI) Codes

Government Codes §§ 87300 – 87314
Government Code Section 87306.5 requires every local agency's code reviewing body to, bi-annually on or before July 1st of every even-numbered year, direct every local government agency which has adopted a conflict of interest code to review its conflict of interest code and either amend the code or report to the respective code reviewing body that no amendment is necessary. Pursuant GC § 87306.5, the report must be submitted to the agency's code reviewing body no later than October 1st of each even-numbered year. The code reviewing body for Inyo County local agencies is the Inyo County Board of Supervisors.
In addition to this even-numbered year requirement, GC § 67306 requires each agency to amend its Conflict of Interest Code when change is necessitated by changed circumstances such as the change or creation of new positions which may alter the designations within the COI. Amendments or revisions shall be submitted to the code reviewing body within 90 days after the changed circumstances necessitating the amendments have become apparent. If after nine months following the occurrence of those changes the Conflict of Interest Code has not been amended or revised, the superior court may issue any appropriate order in an action brought under the procedures set forth in Section 87305.

How to Request District Boundary Changes

Questions and guidance regarding how to update the boundaries of a local district are supported by Inyo County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO).
LAFCO Website & Contact Information: https://www.inyocounty.us/services/planning-department/lafco

Steps to take when Board Members Change

There are specific required steps to take when a board member leaves. Please refer to this Reference Guide for How to Fill a Vacancy (published by Ventura County)
FPPC 700 filing Requirements: Leaving members must file a “Leaving Office” FPPC 700 form within 30 days of leaving, and new members must an “Assuming Office” FPPC 700 form within 30 days of being sworn in & signing their Oath. Each board is required to notify the Clerk-Recorder’s Office as soon as there is a change in any members’ status by email to cnott@inyocounty.us, and dsexton@inyocounty.us. See below section on Political Reform Act of 1974 for more information.

Local District Elections:

Inyo County Elections Office is here to help all candidates through the elections process. Contact us with any questions! elections@inyocounty.us 760-878-2155
Candidate & Incumbent Resources: https://elections.inyocounty.us/campaign-resources/ (election guide & calendars, filing requirements, district boundaries, recall and recount guidelines, How to Fill a Vacancy guide, and more!)
District Initiative Ballot Measures: https://elections.inyocounty.us/campaign-resources/adding-measures-to-the-ballot/

Records to be maintained by each special district Board

Under construction: A few are listed here, but we know there are more! We would like to request feedback from boards on the general records they maintain regarding their Board, and how long each item is retained for.