LAFCO discusses helping special districts complete ethics and disclosure training

Monterey County LAFCO commissioners on Dec. 1 pulled an item from the consent agenda to discuss concerns that some special-district board members were not completing required disclosure and ethics training.

Commissioners raised the issue after the consent agenda was called. Several commissioners expressed frustration that some board members had not filed required disclosure forms or completed online training, saying the lack of compliance was unfair to constituents and may violate state law. The commission asked staff whether the agency could take steps to increase compliance.

Staff proposed practical, hands-on assistance. "One idea is that Jonathan or I could actually attend their board meetings and just come armed with the materials for how to sign up," Miss McKenna said, offering to bring sign-up materials and help members register for online training.

Commissioners discussed alternatives including setting up individual appointments with special-district board members to walk them through filings such as Form 700 and encouraging completion of harassment and ethics training available on free websites. One commissioner noted completing some disclosure forms can take as little as about 30 minutes for someone familiar with the process and urged a short timeline to clear current delinquencies.

After discussion, the commission moved and approved the item accepting the annual work program implementation status report. Commissioners indicated they would follow up: Chair and other members said they would coordinate on a plan to reduce the backlog and return with recommendations.

The commission did not adopt any new mandate during the meeting; staff committed to outreach steps to help district board members comply and to return with updates.