COMMERCE, CA (PRWEB) NOVEMBER 12, 2015
Commerce, CA – The Central Basin Municipal Water District Board of Directors have approved a series of measures to strengthen the District’s Ethics Policy and create a fully independent process for reviewing ethical complaints. These actions will improve transparency and accountability with respect to the District’s governance.

“Central Basin is committed to operating in a transparent manner and increasing our accountability to the communities that we serve,” said Central Basin Board President Robert Apodaca. “The District’s action to implement a fully independent ethics process is a reflection of our dedication to open governance.”

The independent ethics process will include a confidential hotline where reports can be made and feedback can be received. The hotline will be supplemented with an independent investigative law firm that will review the complaints and determine if further investigation is needed and if the complaint should be taken to the committee or other legal opinion.

“Our ability to serve the more than 2 million residents in our service area is directly linked to the public’s trust,” said Central Basin General Manager Kevin Hunt. “The action to strengthen our Ethics Policy is an example our commitment to improving governance and operations here at the District.”

Central Basin’s current ethics process will also be strengthened by defining clearer penalties and disciplinary actions for violations made. Employee violations may include termination and filing of criminal charges; while Board Member violations may range from censure, loss of travel privileges, leadership positions, appointments to other board and the filing of criminal charges.

The District expects to have the revised Ethic process implemented by January 30, 2016. For more information on Central Basin’s policies, please visit http://www.centralbasin.org/en/about-us/.