Report 2013-126 Recommendation 4 Responses

Report 2013-126: Antelope Valley Water Rates: Various Factors Contribute to Differences Among Water Utilities (Release Date: July 2014)

Recommendation #4 To: Quartz Hill Water District

To ensure that Quartz Hill Water District can demonstrate that it complies with the public notification requirements of Proposition 218, it should retain documentation demonstrating that it mailed required Proposition 218 notifications of pass-through rate increases to water customers during the period that the increased rates are in effect.

6-Month Agency Response

We have implemented a new work practice that requires the billing attendant to keep the following documents:

1. Copy of the proof (Document that shows the verbiage and layout)

2. Copy of the invoice from the billing company

California State Auditor's Assessment of 6-Month Status: Fully Implemented

60-Day Agency Response

QHWD staff will retain all documentation associated with the pass-through rate increases by one maintaining a certified list of all customers who received the notice and two maintaining a copy of the notification.

California State Auditor's Assessment of 60-Day Status: No Action Taken

The district has not increased its rates since our report was released, therefore it cannot demonstrate it complied with the public notification requirements. Furthermore, Quartz Hill has not developed any written procedures to address the recommendation.

All Recommendations in 2013-126

Agency responses received are posted verbatim.