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GMA counsel outlines ordinance and policy options to authorize director compensation, ethics training required
Summary
Agency counsel presented a draft approach for an ordinance to authorize limited daily compensation (statutory maximums apply) and reimbursement of actual and necessary expenses; the board discussed allowable meeting types, per‑diem defaults, expense reporting and a requirement for ethics training.
Jason Kanger, agency counsel, reviewed the statutory framework for authorizing compensation and expense reimbursement for GMA directors and asked the board for direction on policy details needed for an ordinance and companion policy.
Kanger said the GMA Act does not expressly authorize or prohibit director compensation but a provision of the Water Code allows compensation of water district directors for attendance. The statute permits compensation for attendance at specified meeting types and authorizes reimbursement of actual and necessary expenses (travel, meals, lodging) with default rates tied to federal reimbursement schedules if the board does not set its own rates.
Kanger said the board may set initial compensation (the board had indicated a preference for $100 per day) and that the statute allows compensation up to 10 days per month per director. If the board authorizes reimbursement, directors must file expense reports and the board must ensure compliance with statutory requirements, including taking at least two hours of general ethics training every two years.
Board members discussed which meetings would qualify for compensation and reimbursement. The board signaled support for compensating attendance at GMA board and advisory committee meetings, stakeholder advisory committees (PAC and TAC), certain Association of Water Agencies of Ventura County activities (including the annual symposium), appointed ad hoc committee meetings that are noticed and open to the public, and special meetings approved at the request of the executive officer. Several directors supported using IRS or federal per‑diem rates for travel and meals and requiring expense reports within 30 days of travel.
Public commenter Bert recommended adding harassment prevention training, prohibiting alcohol reimbursement, and avoiding “double dipping” when another agency pays a director for the same meeting. Board members endorsed those points: no alcoholic beverages would be reimbursed, and directors would be required to certify whether a third party already paid for attendance to prevent duplicate claims.
Kanger said the item will return to the board as a noticed ordinance and companion policy for formal adoption at a future meeting once staff incorporates the policy details discussed by the board.
