text:
The board of supervisors or any member or members of the board authorized by the board, or any individual voter or bona fide association of citizens entitled to vote on the district formation proposition, or any combination of such voters and associations of citizens, may file a written argument for or a written argument against the proposed district formation.

Arguments shall not exceed 300 words in length and shall be filed with the officials in charge of conducting the election not less than 54 days prior to the date of the district formation election.

article: 3. Election


kind: section

code: PUC

text:
If more than one argument for or more than one argument against the proposed district formation is filed with the election officials within the time prescribed, such election officials shall select one of the arguments for printing and distribution to the voters.

In selecting the arguments, the election officials shall give preference and priority in the order named to the arguments of the following:

(a) The board of supervisors or any member or members of the board authorized by the board.

(b) Individual voters or bona fide associations of citizens or a combination of such voters and associations.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1970, Ch. 736.)

division: 7. PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT ACT

chapter: 2. Formation of Districts

article: 3. Election

path: 7. PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT ACT > 2. Formation of Districts > 3. Election


text:
The officials in charge of conducting the election shall cause a ballot pamphlet concerning the district formation proposition to be voted on to be printed and mailed to each voter entitled to vote on the district formation question.

The ballot pamphlet shall contain the following in the order prescribed:

(a) The complete text of the proposition.

(b) The impartial analysis of the proposition prepared by the local agency formation commission.

(c) The argument for the proposed district formation.

(d) The argument against the proposed district formation.

The election officials shall mail a ballot pamphlet to each voter entitled to vote in the district formation election at least 10 days prior to the date of the election. The ballot pamphlet is “official matter” within the meaning of Section 13303 of the Elections Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 923, Sec. 186. Effective January 1, 1995.)

article: 3. Election


text: The election shall be held and conducted, the returns canvassed, and the result declared by the board of supervisors in the manner provided by general law for such elections in the particulars in which provision is made therefor, and in all other respects in the manner provided by law for the holding of special elections within such counties.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1953, Ch. 72.)

article: 3. Election


text: The proposition submitted at the election shall be stated upon the ballot substantially as follows: “Shall ________ public utility district (naming it) be organized pursuant to Division 7 of the Public Utilities Code.Yes ◻No ◻”

article: 3. Election


text: Within five days after the result of the election is declared, and the order is made where required, the chairman of the board of supervisors of each county in which the election is held shall make and execute a certificate, signed by him as such official and authenticated under the seal of the county, setting forth the proposition submitted to the electors, the fact of such submission, and the result of the election as so declared. The certificate shall be made and executed in duplicate, and shall be delivered in duplicate without delay to the board of supervisors of the county in which the proposed district, or the greater part of its population, is situated, or to the clerk of such board.

article: 3. Election


text: The board of supervisors receiving the certificates delivered pursuant to Section 15765 shall meet and examine them within three weeks after all the elections are held. If it appears from the certificates that a majority of the votes cast at the election in each unincorporated territory in which such elections are held is in favor of the incorporation of the district, the board of supervisors shall so declare and shall state by order entered in its minutes the name and boundaries of the district, and that the district is formed pursuant to this division.

article: 4. Establishment of the District

path: 7. PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT ACT > 2. Formation of Districts > 4. Establishment of the District


text: If it appears from the certificates that a majority of the electors voting at the election has voted against the formation of the district, the proceedings shall fail entirely.

article: 4. Establishment of the District


text: When the board of supervisors has completed its examination of the certificates, and has made the order provided in Section 15791, it shall forthwith attach together the duplicate certificates in two rolls, each roll to contain one of each of the certificates and a copy of the order of the board of supervisors, duly certified under the hand and official seal of the clerk of the board of supervisors.

article: 4. Establishment of the District


text: The board of supervisors shall immediately deposit one roll for filing in the office of the Secretary of State, and cause the other roll to be recorded in the office of the recorder of each county in which any part of the district is situated and filed in the office of the county elections official of the county in which the district, or the greater part of its population, is situated.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2002, Ch. 221, Sec. 91. Effective January 1, 2003.)

article: 4. Establishment of the District


text: Upon the receipt of the duplicate roll the Secretary of State shall issue his certificate reciting that it is filed in his office and that the public utility district, naming it, is incorporated as a district pursuant to this division. The certificate shall be forwarded to the board of supervisors and by it held and delivered to the board of directors of the district after the election and organization of the board of directors.

article: 4. Establishment of the District


text: No charge shall be made by either the Secretary of State or any county recorder or county elections official for the services required of him or her under this article.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2002, Ch. 221, Sec. 92. Effective January 1, 2003.)

article: 4. Establishment of the District


text: From and after the date the duplicate roll is filed with the Secretary of State, the district is incorporated as a public utility district, with all the rights, privileges, and powers set forth in this division.

article: 4. Establishment of the District


text: The board may change the name of the district by adoption of an ordinance changing the name of the district and by giving notification of the name change to the State Controller, the State Board of Equalization, and the board of supervisors of each county which has land within the district.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1968, Ch. 446.)

article: 4. Establishment of the District


text: No informality in any proceeding or in the conduct of any election, not substantially affecting adversely the legal rights of any citizen, shall be held to invalidate the incorporation of any district. Any proceedings wherein the validity of incorporation is sought to be denied shall be commenced within 20 days after the date of the certificate of incorporation, otherwise the incorporation and the legal existence of the district, and all proceedings in respect thereto, shall be held valid and in every respect legal and incontestable.

article: 5. Contest of Incorporation

path: 7. PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT ACT > 2. Formation of Districts > 5. Contest of Incorporation


text: Any such contest shall be brought in the superior court of the county where the district, or the greater part of its population, is situated. If more than one contest is pending they shall be consolidated and tried together. The court having jurisdiction shall speedily try the contest and determine upon the hearing whether the election was fairly conducted and in substantial compliance with this division, and enter its judgment accordingly. Either party to the record may appeal within 30 days from the entry of judgment, and the appeal shall be heard and determined by the Supreme Court within 60 days from the filing of the notice of appeal.

article: 5. Contest of Incorporation


text: Verification deputies shall be qualified electors residing within the territory of the district or the proposed district for which they are appointed.

article: 6. Verification Deputies

path: 7. PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT ACT > 2. Formation of Districts > 6. Verification Deputies


text: Verification deputies required to verify signatures to petitions for the formation of a district, or to certificates or petitions nominating candidates for election to the first board of directors of newly formed districts, shall be appointed by the county elections official of any county in which the territory of the district is situated, and verification deputies required for any other purpose after the formation of a district shall be appointed by the clerk of the district.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2002, Ch. 221, Sec. 93. Effective January 1, 2003.)

article: 6. Verification Deputies


text: Appointments of verification deputies shall be made upon written application of not less than five (5) nor more than ten (10) qualified electors of any territorial unit or units of the district, or the proposed district, as the case may be. The application shall state that the signers desire the appointment of the person whose name and address is given therein as a verification deputy for the purpose of taking the oaths of signers of petitions or certificates in the matter of ________.

article: 6. Verification Deputies


text: Verification deputies need not use a seal, and shall not have power to administer oaths for any purpose other than that for which they are appointed. Their appointment shall continue for ninety (90) days only from the date of appointment.

article: 6. Verification Deputies


text: Verification deputies shall not be paid, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, out of the county treasury or the treasury of a district.

article: 6. Verification Deputies


text: Before appointment a verification deputy shall make and file with the clerk appointing him an oath as to his age, place of residence, occupation, and whether or not he is a qualified elector residing within the territory of the district, or the proposed district, for which he is appointed.

article: 6. Verification Deputies


text: At an election held in the district on the next established election date not less than 74 days after its formation a board of directors shall be elected, to consist of as many members as there are territorial units in the district and as many additional members, not less than three nor more than four, as are required to constitute a board composed of an odd number of directors. Where the district lies entirely in one county the number of directors shall be three, elected at large.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1973, Ch. 1146.)

chapter: 3. Internal Organization of Districts

article: 1. Election of Directors

path: 7. PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT ACT > 3. Internal Organization of Districts > 1. Election of Directors


text: A director at large shall be a resident and qualified elector of the district.

article: 1. Election of Directors


text: All unincorporated territories situated in the same county and included within the district shall be regarded as an entirety and as a territorial unit of the district. Each unit having a population of at least 5,000 is entitled to one director.

article: 1. Election of Directors


text: Candidates for the office of director to be elected by a unit shall be nominated from each such territorial unit, and the remaining number of directors shall be nominated from the district at large.

article: 1. Election of Directors


text: Each directorship is a separate office for the purpose of nomination and election, and for the filling of vacancies.

article: 1. Election of Directors


text:
(a) Candidates for directors at large shall be designated in all declarations of candidacy, nominating certificates, and on all official election ballots as candidates for a particular directorship at large, in accordance with the declarations of candidacy which the candidates have filed with the county elections official or the clerk of the district, as the case may be. Each office of director at large shall be designated as “director at large” number one, number two, number three, or number four, there being as many numbers as there are directors at large to be elected.

(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a) or any other provision of this article, the board of directors of a district may adopt an ordinance that requires that candidates for directors at large need not designate a numbered office. The ordinance shall instead require that the candidates receiving the greatest number of votes districtwide as there are directors to be elected shall be elected to the board of directors.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2009, Ch. 14, Sec. 1. (SB 673) Effective January 1, 2010.)

article: 1. Election of Directors


text: Candidates for director from the several territorial units entitled to one director each shall be designated in all declarations of candidacy, nominating certificates, and on all official election ballots as candidates for director from ____ unit, giving the name or other designation of the unit entitled to the office of director in accordance with the declarations of candidacy which the candidates have filed with the proper clerk.

article: 1. Election of Directors


text: If only one unit of unincorporated territory is contained in the district, it may be designated as “the unincorporated territorial unit.”

article: 1. Election of Directors


text: If two or more units of unincorporated territory are contained in the district, they shall be numbered, named, and designated by the board of supervisors in charge of the election of the first board of directors, and subsequently from time to time by the board of directors of the district, as unincorporated territorial unit number one, number two, number three, and so forth, there being as many numbers as there are units in the district.

article: 1. Election of Directors


text: The board of supervisors shall number, name, and designate each territorial unit of the district by ordinance at a regular or special meeting after the formation of the district, and in time to permit publication and taking effect of the ordinance before the earliest time when nominating certificates and declarations of candidacy for the board of directors may be filed. The ordinance shall remain in force until the board of directors of the district, by ordinance, shall number, name, and designate the territorial units.

article: 1. Election of Directors


text: Designations of directors by name or number have no significance whatever after election and qualification of the directors or after appointment and qualification of a director appointed to fill a vacancy, but merely fix the designation and status of each such office as a separate office for the purpose of nomination and election thereto, or for filling a vacancy. Sections 15953 to 15960, inclusive, apply to the election of the first board of directors of the district, as well as to all elections of directors held by the district.

article: 1. Election of Directors


text:
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of the division, the candidates for director of any district that is wholly or partially within the County of Placer may be elected at large, by wards, or from wards upon adoption of a resolution or ordinance to that effect by the board of directors of the district, subject to approval of the board of supervisors, or as a part of a change of organization or a reorganization conducted pursuant to the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000, Division 3 (commencing with Section 56000) of Title 5 of the Government Code.

(b) A resolution or ordinance that divides a district into wards adopted pursuant to subdivision (a) shall describe the boundaries of the wards so that the wards shall be as nearly equal in population as may be.

(c) As used in this section:

(1) “By wards” means the election of members of the board of directors by voters of the ward alone.

(2) “From wards” means the election of members of the board of directors who are residents of the ward from which they are elected by the voters of the entire district.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2003, Ch. 296, Sec. 40. Effective January 1, 2004.)

article: 1. Election of Directors


text:
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this division, the candidates for director of any district that is wholly or partially within the County of San Diego may be elected at large or by subdistricts upon adoption of a resolution or ordinance to that effect by the board of directors of the district, subject to approval of the board of supervisors, or as a part of a change of organization or a reorganization conducted pursuant to the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000 (Division 3 (commencing with Section 56000) of Title 5 of the Government Code).

(b) A resolution or ordinance that divides a district into subdistricts adopted pursuant to subdivision (a) shall describe the boundaries of the subdistricts so that the subdistricts shall be as nearly equal in population as may be.

(c) As used in this section, “by subdistricts” means the election of members of the board of directors by voters of the subdistrict alone.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2016, Ch. 168, Sec. 1. (SB 927) Effective August 22, 2016.)

article: 1. Election of Directors


text: The population of each unit of unincorporated territory within the district shall be determined at the time of calling the election of the first board of directors by the board of supervisors calling the election and shall be stated in the ordinance calling the election and in the notice of the election. The determination shall continue in force until set aside by the board of directors of the district.

article: 1. Election of Directors


text: The board of directors shall determine the boundaries of each unit of unincorporated territory within the district pursuant to Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 22000) of Division 21 of the Elections Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 435, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 1999.)

article: 1. Election of Directors


text: The election of directors shall be held in the unincorporated territory included within the district and shall be called by the board of supervisors of the county in which the district, or the greater part of its population, is situated, and shall be called, held, and conducted, the returns canvassed, and the result declared by the board of supervisors in the manner and form provided by law for special elections within the county.

article: 1. Election of Directors


text:
(a) Not less than 30 days prior to the election, any five or more electors in the district may file with the board of directors a petition requesting that the names of certain persons specified in the petition be placed upon the ballot as candidates for the office of director at large.

(b) Not less than 30 days prior to the election, any five or more electors of a territorial unit may file with the board of directors a petition requesting that the name of a designated person specified in the petition be placed upon the ballot as candidate for the office of director from the territorial unit.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1953, Ch. 1196.)

article: 1. Election of Directors


text: A certificate of election shall be issued by the board of supervisors to each person elected and declared elected.

article: 1. Election of Directors


text: Immediately after receiving his or her certificate of election and before assuming the duties of office, each director shall take and subscribe an official oath and file it in the office of the board.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1985, Ch. 617, Sec. 30.)

article: 1. Election of Directors


text: All official oaths shall be in the form provided by law for official oaths of county officers.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1985, Ch. 617, Sec. 31.)

article: 1. Election of Directors


text: If a person elected fails to qualify, the office shall be filled as if there were a vacancy in the office.

article: 1. Election of Directors


text: Elections of directors after election of the first board shall be called and held by the board of directors, and shall be called, held, and conducted, nominations for the office of director made, the returns canvassed, and the result declared by the board as provided in Article 6 of this chapter.

article: 1. Election of Directors


text: The board of directors of a district which lies entirely within one county may submit to the qualified electors, at a general election or a special election called for that purpose, a proposition to increase the number of directors from three to five. By initiative ordinance the electors of such a district may adopt legislation providing for the increase of the number of directors from three to five. The initiative proceedings shall be conducted in all respects as prescribed by general law for the initiative by electors of counties. If a majority of the electors voting at the election vote in favor of the proposition, the district shall have five directors elected at large.

article: 1. Election of Directors


text: Within 30 days after an increase in the number of directors has been authorized, the board of directors shall appoint two qualified electors of the district to serve as members of the board until the next biennial election, at which there shall be elected two directors in addition to the number previously authorized. After the directors elected at the biennial election have qualified, they shall meet and classify themselves so that one shall hold office for two years and the other for four years. Thereafter, there shall be elected at each biennial district election a number of directors, corresponding to the number whose terms expire, who shall hold office for four years.

article: 1. Election of Directors


text:
(a) Notwithstanding Sections 15951, 15972, and 15973, the local agency formation commission, in approving either a consolidation of districts or the reorganization of two or more districts into a single public utility district may, pursuant to subdivisions (k) and (n) of Section 56886 of the Government Code, increase the number of directors to serve on the board of directors of the consolidated or reorganized district to 7, 9, or 11, who shall be members of the board of directors of the districts to be consolidated or reorganized as of the effective date of the consolidation or reorganization.

(b) Upon the expiration of the terms of the members of the board of directors of the consolidated district, or a district reorganized as described in subdivision (a), whose terms first expire following the effective date of the consolidation or reorganization, the total number of members on the board of directors shall be reduced until the number equals the number of members permitted by the principal act of the consolidated or reorganized district, or any larger number as may be specified by the local agency formation commission in approving the consolidation or reorganization.

(c) In addition to the powers granted under Section 1780 of the Government Code, in the event of a vacancy on the board of directors of the consolidated district or a district reorganized as described in subdivision (a) at which time the total number of directors is greater than five, the board of directors may, by majority vote of the remaining members of the board, choose not to fill the vacancy. In that event, the total membership of the board of directors shall be reduced by one board member. Upon making the determination not to fill a vacancy, the board of directors shall notify the board of supervisors of its decision.

(d) For the purposes of this section the following terms have the following meanings:

(1) “Consolidation” means consolidation, as defined in Section 56030 of the Government Code.

(2) “District” or “special district” means district or special district, as defined in Section 56036 of the Government Code.

(3) “Reorganization” means reorganization, as defined in Section 56073 of the Government Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 172, Sec. 15. Effective January 1, 2007.)

article: 1. Election of Directors


text: Notwithstanding Section 15952 or any other provision of this division, each member of the board of directors of the Johnsville Public Utility District in Plumas County, whether elected or appointed, shall be either a voter of the district or an owner of land within the district.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1973, Ch. 36.)

article: 1. Election of Directors


text:
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this division, candidates for director of the Georgetown Divide Public Utility District may be elected by wards upon adoption of a resolution or ordinance to this effect by the board of directors of the district dividing the district into wards and fixing the boundaries thereof, subject to approval of the board of supervisors. The boundaries shall be fixed such that the wards shall be as nearly equal in population as may be, and the board of supervisors shall approve the boundaries fixed by the board of directors if it so finds.

(b) Nomination papers may be circulated only within the ward from which the candidate is to be elected.

(c) The wards shall be reapportioned subject to the approval of the board of supervisors after each federal decennial census.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1980, Ch. 63, Sec. 1.)

article: 1. Election of Directors


text:
Notwithstanding any provision of law, the Board of Directors of the Kirkwood Meadows Public Utility District shall consist of five members, elected at large. Each member of the board, including a member appointed to fill a vacancy, shall be a resident and qualified elector of the district.

If the Kirkwood Meadows Public Utility District is not incorporated on or before March 1, 1986, this section is repealed on that date.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1983, Ch. 733, Sec. 2. Note: Repeal condition failed; the district was incorporated on Dec. 4, 1984.)

article: 1. Election of Directors


text: On the first Tuesday after their election and qualification, the directors shall meet and classify themselves by lot, so that the largest possible minority shall hold office for two years, and a majority for four years. Thereafter at each biennial district election their successors shall be elected for the term of four years.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1953, Ch. 72.)

article: 2. Terms and Compensation of Directors

path: 7. PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT ACT > 3. Internal Organization of Districts > 2. Terms and Compensation of Directors


text:
(a) Each member of the board may receive the compensation that the board by ordinance provides, not exceeding four thousand eight hundred dollars ($4,800) a year.

(b) (1) As an alternative to subdivision (a), the board may provide, by ordinance or resolution, that each of its members receive compensation in an amount not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100) for each day of service. A member of the board shall not receive compensation for more than 10 days of service in a month.

(2) For the purposes of this subdivision, a “day of service” means any of the following:

(A) A meeting conducted pursuant to the Ralph M. Brown Act (Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 54950) of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code).

(B) Representation of the district at a public event, if that representation has been previously approved at a meeting of the board and the member delivers a written report regarding the member’s representation to the board at the board meeting immediately following the public event.

(C) Representation of the district at a public meeting or a public hearing conducted by another public agency, if that representation has been previously approved at a meeting of the board and the member delivers a written report regarding the member’s representation to the board at the board meeting immediately following the public meeting or public hearing.

(D) Representation of the district at a meeting of a public benefit nonprofit corporation on whose board the district has membership if that representation has been previously approved at a meeting of the district’s board and the member delivers a written report regarding the member’s representation to the board at the board meeting immediately following the corporation’s meeting.

(E) Participation in a training program on a topic that is directly related to the district if that representation has been previously approved at a meeting of the board and the member delivers a written report regarding the member’s participation to the board at the board meeting immediately following the training program.

(c) Notwithstanding subdivisions (a) and (b), the board of directors of a water district, as defined in Section 20200 of the Water Code, may increase the amount of compensation that may be received by members of the board by ordinance adopted pursuant to Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 20200) of Division 10 of the Water Code.

(d) The board may provide, by ordinance or resolution, that its members receive their actual and necessary traveling and incidental expenses incurred while on official business. Reimbursement for these expenses is subject to Sections 53232.2 and 53232.3 of the Government Code.

(e) A member of the board may waive any or all of the payments permitted by this section.

(f) For purposes of this section, the determination of whether a member’s activities on any specific day are compensable shall be made pursuant to Article 2.3 (commencing with Section 53232) of Chapter 2 of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 213, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2008.)

article: 2. Terms and Compensation of Directors


text: A vacancy in the office of director shall be filled pursuant to Section 1780 of the Government Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1975, Ch. 1059.)

article: 2. Terms and Compensation of Directors


text: Except as otherwise provided in this division, the powers of the district shall be exercised by the board of directors.

article: 3. Powers and Duties of Directors

path: 7. PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT ACT > 3. Internal Organization of Districts > 3. Powers and Duties of Directors


text: The board of directors shall choose one of its members president.

article: 3. Powers and Duties of Directors


text: The president shall sign all contracts on behalf of the district and perform such other duties as may be imposed by the board.

article: 3. Powers and Duties of Directors


text: The board may from time to time contract for or employ any professional services required by the district, the board, or any officers of the district.

article: 3. Powers and Duties of Directors


text: At the first meeting of the board, after the board has qualified and organized, it shall appoint the clerk, accountant, general manager, and treasurer.

article: 3. Powers and Duties of Directors


text: In lieu of appointing a treasurer, the board may elect that the duties of treasurer be performed by the treasurer of the county in which the district, or the greater part of its population, is situated. Whenever the board by ordinance so determines, such duties shall be performed by the county treasurer. The ordinance shall also prescribe the manner in which money is to be drawn out of the various funds belonging to the district in the hands of the treasurer. The treasurer shall be served with a certified copy of the ordinance.

article: 3. Powers and Duties of Directors


text: The board may consolidate two or more offices in the same person.

article: 3. Powers and Duties of Directors


text: The board may provide for an assistant to any officer of the district who may perform the acts his principal may perform, when authorized so to do by the board.

article: 3. Powers and Duties of Directors


text: At the first meeting after the end of each fiscal year, the board shall render and immediately cause to be published a verified statement of the financial condition of the district.

article: 3. Powers and Duties of Directors


text: The financial statement shall show particularly the receipts and disbursements since the publication of the last preceding statement and of the last preceding fiscal year and the source of such receipts and the purpose of such disbursements.

article: 3. Powers and Duties of Directors


text: Publication of the financial statement shall be made pursuant to Section 6066 of the Government Code in a newspaper of general circulation printed and published in the district, or if there is no such newspaper, in a newspaper of general circulation printed and published in a county where any part of the district is situated.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1957, Ch. 357.)

article: 3. Powers and Duties of Directors


text: A neglect or refusal of the board to comply with Sections 16601 to 16614, inclusive, 16644 to 16659, inclusive, and 16467 is cause for removal from office.

article: 3. Powers and Duties of Directors


text: No director or other officer of the district shall in any manner be interested, directly or indirectly, in any contract awarded or to be awarded by the board, or in the profits to be derived from it. Violation of this section is a misdemeanor and a director or officer convicted shall forfeit his office, and shall be punished by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1983, Ch. 1092, Sec. 363. Effective September 27, 1983. Operative January 1, 1984, by Sec. 427 of Ch. 1092.)

article: 3. Powers and Duties of Directors


text: A district may destroy a record pursuant to Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 60200) of Division 1 of Title 6 of the Government Code.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2005, Ch. 158, Sec. 33. Effective January 1, 2006.)

article: 3. Powers and Duties of Directors


text: The board shall establish rules for its proceedings and shall provide for the time and place of holding meetings and the manner in which special meetings may be called. All legislative sessions of the board, whether regular or special, are open to the public. A majority of the board constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business.

article: 4. Meetings and Legislation

path: 7. PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT ACT > 3. Internal Organization of Districts > 4. Meetings and Legislation


text: The board shall act only by ordinance, resolution, or motion. The ayes and noes shall be taken upon the passage of all ordinances, resolutions, or motions and entered upon the journal of the proceedings of the board. No ordinance, resolution, or motion shall be passed or become effective without the affirmative votes of at least a majority of the board.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1978, Ch. 192.)

article: 4. Meetings and Legislation


text:
The enacting clause of all ordinances shall be:

“Be it enacted by the board of directors of _______ public utility district:”.

article: 4. Meetings and Legislation


text: All resolutions and ordinances shall be signed by the president of the board and attested by the secretary.

article: 4. Meetings and Legislation


text: No ordinance passed by the board takes effect less than 30 days after its passage. At least one week before the expiration of the said 30 days copies of the ordinance shall be posted by the clerk at three public places in the district, and if there is a newspaper of general circulation printed and published in the district, the ordinance shall be published in the newspaper pursuant to Section 6061 of the Government Code.

article: 4. Meetings and Legislation


text: An order entered in the minutes of the board that an ordinance has been duly posted and published is prima facie proof of such posting and publication.

article: 4. Meetings and Legislation


text: All tax levies for a purpose other than interest or sinking fund payments shall be first authorized by the board by ordinance when the amount proposed to be raised by a tax levy exceeds fifty thousand dollars ($50,000).

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1986, Ch. 709, Sec. 2.)

article: 4. Meetings and Legislation


text: During the 30 days following passage of an ordinance pursuant to Section 16077 a petition, signed by qualified voters of the district equal to 10 percent of the entire vote cast within the district for all candidates for Governor at the last preceding general election at which a Governor was voted for, protesting against the passage of the ordinance may be presented to the board.

article: 4. Meetings and Legislation


text: Immediately upon receipt of a petition submitted pursuant to Section 16078 the board shall cause the clerk of the district to examine and verify the signatures, and to certify the result to the board within 10 days. If the petition is found insufficient, the clerk shall certify to the number of additional signatures of qualified electors required to make the petition sufficient, and the petition may be amended by a supplemental petition filed within 10 days from the date of the certificate.

article: 4. Meetings and Legislation


text: Within 10 days after the filing of a supplemental petition, the clerk shall examine it and certify to the result of his examination.

article: 4. Meetings and Legislation


text: An ordinance is suspended from going into operation until the examination, verification, and certification are completed.

article: 4. Meetings and Legislation


text: If a petition, or petition as amended, is certified to be sufficient the ordinance is suspended from going into operation and the board shall reconsider it.

article: 4. Meetings and Legislation


text: If the board does not entirely repeal the ordinance upon reconsideration, it shall submit the ordinance to a vote of the electors at a general district election or at a special district election called for the purpose, and the ordinance shall not become operative unless approved by a majority of the voters voting upon it.

article: 4. Meetings and Legislation


text: Unless otherwise provided in this division, petitions made pursuant to this article, in the matter of form, signatures, and preparation, and the proceedings based upon them, in the matter of calling and conducting an election, the manner of voting, cavassing the return, and declaring the result shall conform as nearly as practicable to the provisions of general law relating to direct legislation or the referendum by cities.

article: 4. Meetings and Legislation


text:
The officers of the district, other than the board of directors, are:

(a) A clerk, who is also ex officio secretary of the board.

(b) An accountant.

(c) A treasurer.

(d) A general manager.

article: 5. Other Officers

path: 7. PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT ACT > 3. Internal Organization of Districts > 5. Other Officers


text: The officers, other than the board of directors, shall be appointed by the board, hold office at its pleasure, and receive such compensation as is provided for by the board by ordinance. They, or any of them, shall give such bond as is prescribed by the board. They shall perform such duties as are provided by this division, and such further duties as are imposed upon them by the board.

article: 5. Other Officers


text: When the district acquires, constructs, owns, or operates two or more public utilities, a general manager may be appointed and employed for each public utility.

article: 5. Other Officers


text: Subject to such restrictions as the board may impose, the general manager shall have full charge and control of the construction of the works of the district and of their maintenance and operation. He shall report to the board in accordance with such rules and regulations as it may adopt.

article: 5. Other Officers


text: The clerk shall countersign all contracts on behalf of the district. He shall give his full time during office hours to the affairs of the district. He is ex officio secretary of the board and shall keep a record of its proceedings.

article: 5. Other Officers


text: The accountant shall install and maintain a system of auditing and accounting which completely and at all times shows the financial condition of the district. He shall draw all warrants to pay demands made against the district when the demands have been first approved by a majority of the board present at the meeting at which the demands are acted upon.

article: 5. Other Officers


text: The biennial election for the election of directors shall be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of odd-numbered years. This election is the general district election.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1966, 1st Ex. Sess., Ch. 14.)

article: 6. District Elections

path: 7. PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT ACT > 3. Internal Organization of Districts > 6. District Elections


text: Except as otherwise provided in this division, districts governed by this division are subject to the provisions of the Uniform District Election Law.

article: 6. District Elections


text: No person may vote at any district election unless he possesses all the requirements of an elector under the general laws and is a qualified elector residing within the district.

article: 6. District Elections


text: If land is annexed to a district, the board shall reestablish the boundaries of the units and election precincts within the district not less than 90 days before any election in the district. The reestablished boundaries shall include the annexed land in the same manner and with the same effect as set forth in Sections 15953 to 15964, inclusive. If land is annexed less than 90 days before an election within the district, the inhabitants of the land included shall not vote at the election.

article: 6. District Elections


text: Whenever a special election is called pursuant to Articles 1 or 2 of Chapter 5 for the purpose of submitting to the electors a proposition, the board shall pass an ordinance calling the election.

article: 6. District Elections


text: At the special election all propositions formulated pursuant to Articles 1 or 2 of Chapter 5 may be submitted to the electors of the district, but no question other than such propositions shall be submitted.

article: 6. District Elections


text:
The ordinance calling the election shall set forth the following:

(a) The purposes for which it is called.

(b) The estimated cost of each utility or utility works proposed for acquisition, construction, or completion by the district.

(c) The proposed method and manner of payment.

(d) The day on which the election will be held.

(e) The manner of holding the election.

(f) The manner of voting for or against each proposition submitted to the electors.

(g) If it is necessary to incur a district indebtedness for any utility or public utility works therein proposed, the objects and purposes for which the indebtedness is proposed to be incurred, and that bonds of the district shall issue for the payment of the cost of such utility or public utility works, if the proposition is accepted by the electors.

article: 6. District Elections


text: The election shall be held as provided for holding elections in the district.

article: 6. District Elections


text: The maximum time of labor or service required of any laborer, workman, or mechanic employed upon any work of the district, whether employed directly by the district and its officers, or by a contractor or subcontractor, shall be eight hours during any one calendar day, except in case of emergency.

article: 7. Employees

path: 7. PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT ACT > 3. Internal Organization of Districts > 7. Employees


text: The board shall fix the hours of labor or service required of all employees of the district, and their compensation, and shall employ all necessary employees or may by ordinance provide for their employment by the several officers of the district.

article: 7. Employees


text: The board shall classify all places of employment under the district and its offices and departments, with reference to the examinations provided by this article, except as provided in Section 16196. The places classified by the board are the classified civil service of the district, and appointments to civil service places shall be made according to the rules provided by this article.

article: 7. Employees


text: The board shall make rules to effect a civil service system, and for examinations, appointments, promotions, and removals, and from time to time may make changes in existing rules. All rules and all changes shall be forthwith printed for distribution by the board.

article: 7. Employees


text: Examinations shall be practical, and shall relate to those matters only which will fairly test the relative capacity of the persons examined to discharge the duties of the positions which they seek, and shall include, when appropriate, tests of manual or professional skill. The selection of laborers shall be governed by priority of application as far as practicable. No question in any examination shall relate to political or religious opinions or affiliations. The board shall control all examinations.

article: 7. Employees


text: The manager, engineer, clerk, accountant, and treasurer shall not be included within the classified civil service of the district.

article: 7. Employees


text: A district has perpetual succession.

chapter: 4. Powers and Functions of Districts

article: 1. Corporate Powers

path: 7. PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT ACT > 4. Powers and Functions of Districts > 1. Corporate Powers


text: Except as otherwise provided, a district may sue and be sued in all actions and proceedings, in all courts and tribunals of competent jurisdiction.

article: 1. Corporate Powers


text:
(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), any judicial action or proceeding against a district that provides electric utility service, to attack, review, set aside, void, or annul an ordinance, resolution, or motion fixing or changing a rate or charge for an electric commodity or an electric service furnished by a district and adopted on or after July 1, 2000, shall be commenced within 120 days of the effective date of that ordinance, resolution, or motion.

(b) This section does not apply to any judicial action or proceeding filed pursuant to Chapter 13.7 (commencing with Section 54999) of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code to protest or challenge a rate or charge or to seek the refund of a capital facilities fee if the notice and disclosure requirements of Section 54999.35 of the Government Code have not been followed.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 146, Sec. 7. Effective July 21, 2000.)

article: 1. Corporate Powers


text: A district may adopt a seal and alter it at pleasure.

article: 1. Corporate Powers


text: A district may exercise the right of eminent domain to take any property necessary or convenient to the exercise of the powers granted in this division.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1975, Ch. 582.)

article: 1. Corporate Powers


text: A district has the same powers with reference to improvement districts as are conferred upon irrigation districts by Division 11, Part 7 of the Water Code and as are conferred upon municipal water districts by Part 7 (commencing with Section 71851) and Part 8 (commencing with Section 72000) of Division 20 of the Water Code. As used in this section, all references to districts in the adopted acts shall refer to public utility districts and all words relating to irrigation or municipal water district officers and matters refer to the corresponding officers of a public utility district and matters under this division.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1965, Ch. 661.)

article: 1. Corporate Powers


text: Improvement districts also may be formed of land proposed to be annexed to the district, contingent upon the annexation being completed. The petition for annexation may request that the land to be annexed shall be included in and form a part of any improvement district existing within the district or shall constitute a new improvement district within the district when annexed or the board of directors of the district may determine, as one of the terms and conditions for the annexation, that the land shall be included in and form a part of any improvement district then existing within the district or shall constitute a new improvement district when annexed.

article: 1. Corporate Powers


text: For the purpose of obtaining and supplying water for domestic, irrigation, and fire protection purposes, a district may cooperate and contract with the United States and borrow or procure money from the United States in the same manner and under the same procedures as irrigation districts under Division 11, Part 6, Chapter 2 of the Water Code. Any district, in order to make payments to the United States under any contract between the district and the United States, may, in lieu, in whole or in part of levying assessments, fix and collect charges for the service of water by the district to any land. A district may charge higher rates for service of water to any landowner in the amount required to pay any interest costs charged to the district on any United States Bureau of Reclamation loan by reason of land held by such owner in excess of 160 acres.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1969, Ch. 388.)

article: 1. Corporate Powers


text: A district may take by grant, purchase, gift, devise, or lease, or otherwise acquire, hold and enjoy, and lease or dispose of, real and personal property of every kind within or without the district, when in the judgment of the board it is for the best interests of the district so to do.

article: 2. Property

path: 7. PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT ACT > 4. Powers and Functions of Districts > 2. Property


text: The legal title to all property acquired under this division vests immediately and by operation of law in the district, and is held by the district in trust, and is dedicated and set apart to the uses and purposes set forth in this division.

article: 2. Property


text: A district may acquire, construct, own, operate, control, or use, within or without or partly within and partly without the district, works for supplying its inhabitants with light, water, power, heat, transportation, telephone service, or other means of communication, or means for the disposition of garbage, sewage, or refuse matter, and may do all things necessary or convenient to the full exercise of the powers granted in this article.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1986, Ch. 195, Sec. 133.)

article: 3. Utility Works and Services

path: 7. PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT ACT > 4. Powers and Functions of Districts > 3. Utility Works and Services


text:
(a) The Shasta Dam Area Public Utility District may construct those public works necessary for the industrial and commercial development of any undeveloped property owned by the district prior to January 12, 1990. A decision by the Shasta Dam Area Public Utility District to construct public works pursuant to this section is a legislative act subject to referendum pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 9340) of Chapter 4 of Division 9 of the Elections Code. The improvements shall comply with all of the ordinances, resolutions, policies, and other standards of the city or county in which the property is located, and comply with all state laws governing public works and public agencies.

(b) Any contract awarded by the Shasta Dam Area Public Utility District pursuant to this section shall be considered a public works project subject to Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 1720) of Part 7 of Division 2 of the Labor Code.

(c) None of the costs for public works constructed pursuant to this section shall be borne by Shasta Dam Area Public Utility District customers.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 923, Sec. 187. Effective January 1, 1995.)

article: 3. Utility Works and Services


text: A district that provides broadband Internet access services shall comply with the requirements of Article 12 (commencing with Section 53167) of Chapter 1 of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2018, Ch. 963, Sec. 8. (AB 1999) Effective January 1, 2019.)

article: 3. Utility Works and Services


text: A district may also purchase any of such commodities or services from any other utility district, municipality, person, or private company, and distribute them.

article: 3. Utility Works and Services


text: A district may acquire, construct, own, complete, use, and operate a fire department, street lighting system, public parks, public playgrounds, golf courses, public swimming pools, public recreation buildings, buildings to be used for public purposes, and works to provide for the drainage of roads, streets, and public places, including, but not limited to, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, and pavement of streets. For purposes of this division, all of those projects shall be considered a public utility or public utility works.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1986, Ch. 195, Sec. 134.)

article: 3. Utility Works and Services


text:
(a) A district may exercise any of the powers, functions, and duties which are vested in, or imposed upon, a fire protection district pursuant to the Fire Protection District Law of 1987, Part 3 (commencing with Section 13800) of Division 12 of the Health and Safety Code.

(b) If the district includes any part of a local agency which provides fire protection service to any territory in the district, the district shall have no authority regarding the prevention and suppression of fires in that territory, unless the district has obtained the consent of the local agency.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1987, Ch. 1013, Sec. 16.)

article: 3. Utility Works and Services


text: A district may construct works across or along any street or public highway, or over any land which is the property of the state, and has the same rights and privileges appertaining thereto as are granted to cities within the state.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1986, Ch. 195, Sec. 135.)

article: 3. Utility Works and Services


text: A district may construct its works across any stream of water or watercourse.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1986, Ch. 195, Sec. 136.)

article: 3. Utility Works and Services


text: A district using a street or highway shall restore it to its former state as nearly as possible and shall not unnecessarily impair its usefulness.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1986, Ch. 195, Sec. 137.)

article: 3. Utility Works and Services


text:
Only revenue producing utilities shall be acquired, owned, or operated by a district. So far as possible the board shall fix such charges for commodities or service furnished by any revenue producing utility as will pay all of the expenses of the government of the district, or such portion as the board determines justly apportionable to such utility. The expenses to be paid include:

(a) Salaries, office expenses, and other necessary disbursements.

(b) The operating expenses of the utility.

(c) The interest on any indebtedness incurred for the acquisition, construction, and completion of the utility.

(d) Provisions for a sinking or other appropriate fund for the payment of the principal of such debt as it becomes due.

(e) Provisions for an appropriate fund for repairs, replacements, and betterments.

It is the intention of this section that a district pay all of such charges and expenditures and the interest and principal of its debt from the revenues derived by the district from the operation of its public utilities, and that each public utility owned and operated by a district shall be self-sustaining.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1953, Ch. 72.)

article: 3. Utility Works and Services


text: Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 16467 of this code, fire departments, street lighting systems, public parks, public playgrounds, public swimming pools, public recreation buildings, buildings used for a public purpose, and works to provide for the drainage of roads, streets, and public places, including, but not limited to, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, and pavement of streets need not be operated on a self-sustaining, revenue-producing basis. Revenue to defray the cost of acquiring, constructing, installing, maintaining, improving, and operating such utilities and to pay the principal and interest and to create reserve and sinking funds on any indebtedness incurred in connection therewith, may be raised in any manner authorized by this division.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1967, Ch. 226.)

article: 3. Utility Works and Services


text: Charges fixed by the board for commodities or services furnished may be made payable in advance.

article: 3. Utility Works and Services


text:
(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), charges unpaid at the time specified for the fixing of the rate of taxes may be added to and become part of the annual assessment levied upon the land upon which the commodity or service was used if the property is owned, controlled, or in the possession of the same person who owned, controlled, or was in possession of it during the time the service charges were incurred or if the only transfers made of the property since the date the charges were incurred have been transfers by gift, descent, bequest, or devise.

(b) No district furnishing water for residential use to a tenant shall seek to recover any charges or penalties for the furnishing of water to or for the tenant’s residential use from any subsequent tenant on account of nonpayment of charges by a previous tenant. The district may, however, require that service to subsequent tenants be furnished on the account of the landlord or property owner.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1985, Ch. 1251, Sec. 5.)

article: 3. Utility Works and Services


text: Charges added to an assessment are a lien on the land, except that if, during the year preceding the date on which the first installment of real property taxes which evidence the charges appears on the roll, any real property to which such lien would attach has been transferred or conveyed to a bona fide purchaser for value, or if a lien of a bona fide encumbrancer for value has been created and attaches thereon, then the lien which would otherwise be imposed by this section shall not attach to such property and the district shall within three years after the amount is due file for record in the office of any county recorder a certificate specifying the amount, interest, and penalty due, the name and address as it appears on the records of the district of the person liable for the same, and the fact that the district has complied with all provisions of this part in the determination of the amount required to be paid. From the time of recordation of the certificate, the amount required to be paid together with interest and penalty constitutes a lien upon all real property in the county owned by the person or afterwards and before the lien expires acquired by him. The lien has the force, effect, and priority of a judgment lien and shall continue for 10 years from the time of the filing of the certificate unless sooner released or otherwise discharged. The lien may, within 10 years from the date of the filing of the certificate or within 10 years from the date of the last extension of the lien in the manner herein provided, be extended by filing for record a new certificate in the office of the county recorder of any county and from the time of such filing the lien shall be extended to the real property in such county for 10 years unless sooner released or otherwise discharged.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1982, Ch. 1137, Sec. 2.)

article: 3. Utility Works and Services


text: If the assessment is divided and made payable in two installments, the unpaid charges may be added to and become a part of the first installment of the assessment.

article: 3. Utility Works and Services


text: When the board declares that charges are to be added to the annual assessment and the district is availing itself of assessments made by the assessor of any county in which the district is situated, the board shall include in the statement of the tax rate to be transmitted to the county auditor the amount of each of the charges to be levied, and the auditor shall make the charges a part of the assessment in accordance with the statement.

article: 3. Utility Works and Services


text:
(a) Notwithstanding Sections 16469 to 16472, inclusive, and as an alternative to the procedures specified in those sections, a district may provide by resolution or ordinance that delinquent water charges and interest and penalties thereon constitute a lien on the real property served to the extent that the property is owned by the person or entity receiving the service, when a certificate is recorded pursuant to this section, which shall continue in effect until the amount of charges, interest, and penalties are paid or the property is sold to satisfy the charges, interest, and penalties. No lien may be created under this section on any publicly owned property.

(b) A lien pursuant to this section attaches when the district files for record in the office of the county recorder a certificate specifying the amount of charges, interest, and penalties due; the name of the owner of record of the property who received the water service; the legal description of the property served; and the fact that the district has complied with all provisions of this part in the determination of the charges, interest, and penalties due. From the time of recordation of the certificate, the charges, interest, and penalties constitute a lien on the property. Within 30 days of receipt of payment of all costs specified in subdivision (a), or within 30 days of a demand by an escrow agent in the event of a voluntary sale, the district shall record in the office of the county recorder a release of the lien created by this section.

(c) The county recorder shall charge the district the fees specified in Sections 27361 and 27361.4 of the Government Code for recording any certificate pursuant to subdivision (b), which certificate shall be indexed to the name of the property owner as grantor and the district as grantee.

(d) This section is in addition to any other remedies available to a district.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1989, Ch. 1217, Sec. 5.)

article: 3. Utility Works and Services


text:
(a) In order to enforce the provisions of any ordinance of the district, including an ordinance fixing charges for the furnishing of commodities or services, the district may correct any violation of an ordinance of the district. The district may also petition the superior court for the issuance of a preliminary or permanent injunction, or both, as may be appropriate, restraining any person from the continued violation of any ordinance of the district or for the issuance of an order stopping or disconnecting a service if the charges for that service are unpaid at the time specified in the ordinance.

(b) The district may enter upon the private property of any person within the jurisdiction of the district in order to investigate possible violations of an ordinance of the district. The investigation shall be made with the consent of the owner or tenant of the property or, if consent is refused, with a warrant duly issued pursuant to the procedures set forth in Title 13 (commencing with Section 1822.50) of Part 3 of the Code of Civil Procedure, except that, notwithstanding Section 1822.52 of the Code of Civil Procedure, the warrant shall be issued only upon probable cause.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1995, Ch. 798, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 1996.)

article: 3. Utility Works and Services


text: Whenever there is a surplus of available water, light, heat, or power above that which is required by the inhabitants or municipalities within the district, the district may sell or otherwise dispose of such surplus outside of the district to persons, firms, and public or private corporations.

article: 3. Utility Works and Services


text: Whenever any of the facilities, works, or utilities of all or part of a district is not used or employed to its fullest capacity for the benefit or requirements of the district or its inhabitants, the district may employ such surplus facilities to supply any of its public utility services outside the boundaries of the district upon such terms and conditions and under such agreement as its board determines is for the best interests of the district. Any public utility service supplied by a district outside its boundaries shall not exceed in amount the same type of public utility service supplied by the district within its boundaries.

article: 3. Utility Works and Services


text:
(a) A public utility district which acquires, constructs, owns, operates, controls or uses works for supplying its inhabitants with water, may, pursuant to the notice, protest, and hearing procedures in Section 53753 of the Government Code, fix and collect a water standby or immediate availability charge on all land within its boundaries to which water is made available for any purpose by the district, whether the water is actually used or not, except that such charge shall not supply to lands permanently dedicated exclusively to transportation of persons or property. If the procedures set forth in this section as it read at the time a standby charge was established were followed, the district’s board of directors may, by resolution, continue the charge pursuant to this section in successive years at the same rate. If new, increased, or extended assessments are proposed, the district shall comply with the notice, protest, and hearing procedures in Section 53753 of the Government Code.

(b) The board of directors of the district which fixes such a charge may establish schedules varying the charges in different months and in different localities within a public utility district depending upon factors such as the uses to which the land is put, the cost of transporting the water to the land, the degree of availability or quantity of use of such water to the affected lands. The board may not, however, fix an annual charge in excess of ten dollars ($10) per acre or in excess of five dollars ($5) for parcel of less than one acre, unless the standby charge is imposed pursuant to the Uniform Standby Charge Procedures Act (Chapter 12.4 (commencing with Section 54984) of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code).

(c) If a person for more than one year obtains substantially all of his or her water requirements for the contiguous parcels of land which he or she occupies from rainfall, springs, streams, lakes, rivers, or wells, and if the person’s primary economic activity on such land is the commercial extraction or processing of minerals, such land shall be exempt from any water standby or availability charges.

(d) Any funds derived from the charges levied pursuant to this section may be used by the district for all purposes which a public utility district is authorized to expend funds insofar as said purposes relate to the acquisition, construction, operation, control, or use of works for supplying its inhabitants with water.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 27, Sec. 15. Effective January 1, 2008.)

article: 3. Utility Works and Services


text:
(a) The Tahoe City Public Utility District may acquire, construct, install, maintain, improve, or operate public walkways, paths, sidewalks, trails, and public parking facilities if all of the following conditions are met:

(1) The district board of directors passes an ordinance pursuant to Sections 16072 to 16084, inclusive, authorizing the district to exercise these powers.

(2) The Board of Supervisors of Placer County adopts a resolution authorizing the district to exercise these powers.

(3) The improvements comply with all of the ordinances, resolutions, policies, and other standards of the city or county in which the property is located, and comply with all state laws governing public works and public agencies.

(b) Notwithstanding Section 16467, the services, facilities, or installations or operation thereof provided for in subdivision (a) need not be financed on a revenue-producing basis. Revenue to defray the cost of constructing, installing, maintaining, and operating the facilities or services or to pay the principal and interest and to create reserve and sinking funds on any indebtedness incurred in connection therewith, may be raised in any manner authorized by this division.

(c) Assessments levied to pay for the acquisition, construction, installation, maintenance, improvement, or operation of public walkways, paths, sidewalks, trails, and public parking facilities pursuant to this section shall be subject to approval by a majority vote of the property owners of the assessment district in which the services, facilities, or installations are located.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1995, Ch. 198, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1996.)

article: 3. Utility Works and Services


text:
Notwithstanding Section 16475, the Board of Directors of the Fallbrook Public Utility District may, pursuant to the notice, protest, and hearing procedures in Section 53753 of the Government Code, fix and collect an annual water standby or immediate availability charge. The standby or immediate availability charge shall not exceed thirty dollars ($30) per acre or any parcel of less than one acre, unless the standby or immediate availability charge is imposed pursuant to the Uniform Standby Charge Procedures Act (Chapter 12.4 (commencing with Section 54984) of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code).

The Legislature hereby finds and declares that this section, applicable only to the Fallbrook Public Utility District, is necessary because of the unique and special water management problems within that district.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 27, Sec. 17. Effective January 1, 2008.)

article: 3. Utility Works and Services


text:
The Board of Directors of the Tahoe City Public Utility District, the Board of Directors of the South Tahoe Public Utility District, and the Board of Directors of the North Tahoe Public Utility District shall each have the authority to fix and collect an annual standby charge for sewage service on all lands within the district under its jurisdiction, in such amount as the board shall specify, provided that such standby charge for sewage service shall not exceed ten dollars ($10) per acre for parcels in excess of one acre or twenty dollars ($20) per parcel for parcels less than one acre, unless the standby charge is imposed pursuant to the Uniform Standby Charge Procedures Act (Chapter 12.4 (commencing with Section 54984) of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code).

The standby charge authorized by this section shall be imposed only pursuant to the notice, protest, and hearing procedures in Section 53753 of the Government Code. If the procedures set forth in this section as it read at the time a standby charge was established were followed, that charge pursuant to this section may be levied at the same rate in subsequent years without the requirement of a hearing, provided that if new, increased, or extended assessments are proposed, the board of directors shall comply with the notice, protest, and hearing procedures in Section 53753 of the Government Code.

The Legislature hereby finds and declares that this section, applicable only to the Tahoe City Public Utility District, the South Tahoe Public Utility District, and the North Tahoe Public Utility District is necessary because of the unique and special water management, pollution, and sewage disposal problems of the Lake Tahoe Basin.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 27, Sec. 18. Effective January 1, 2008.)

article: 3. Utility Works and Services


text:
If the Board of Directors of the Tahoe City Public Utility District or of the North Tahoe Public Utility District determines to use all or any portion of a surplus remaining in the improvement fund from any assessment proceeding to improve the sewer system within district’s jurisdiction in accordance with the provisions of subdivision (c) of Section 10427 of the Streets and Highways Code, all of the surpluses to be used for the maintenance of the improvements may be transferred by the legislative body to a single fund for the maintenance and operation of the sewer system without regard to the proportion of the funds so created attributable to each proceeding from which the surplus arose.

The board of directors shall transfer to such single fund the same percentage of the surplus from each improvement fund. The fact that in one or more of such improvement funds no surplus exists shall not prevent the board of directors from proceeding pursuant to this section as to all improvement funds in which a surplus does exist if a surplus of no less than 212 percent of the total cost exists in no less than 75 percent of such funds.

This section, applicable only to the Tahoe City Public Utility District and the North Tahoe Public Utility District, is necessary because of unique and special fiscal management problems of improvement districts in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1982, Ch. 334, Sec. 1.)

article: 3. Utility Works and Services


text:
(a) Every district furnishing light, heat, or power shall expend no funds for advertising when such advertising encourages increased consumption of such services or commodities.

(b) Nothing in this section shall prohibit a district furnishing light, heat, or power from expending funds for advertising which encourages the more efficient operation of the facilities, works, or utilities of the district, or for advertising which encourages the more efficient use of light, heat, or power, the conservation of energy or natural resources, or presents accurate information on the economical purchase, maintenance, or use of any appliance or device using light, heat, or power.

history: (History: Added by renumbering Section 16477 (as added by Stats. 1974, Ch. 194) by Stats. 1976, Ch. 1079.)

article: 3. Utility Works and Services


text: Whenever a business transaction of a public utility district furnishing electricity, gas, water service where the utility has 10,000 or more service connections, or telephone service is such that a personal appearance by a person is required by the district and the person is unable to appear at the district’s place of business during the district’s usual business hours, then the district shall provide a reasonable and convenient alternative to the person such as an appointment outside the district’s usual business hours or allowing the person to conduct the transaction by telephone, mail, or both.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1995, Ch. 614, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 1996.)

article: 3. Utility Works and Services


text:
(a) This section applies if there is a landlord-tenant relationship between the residential occupants and the owner, manager, or operator of the dwelling.

(b) If a district furnishes individually metered residential light, heat, water, or power to residential occupants in a detached single-family dwelling, multiunit residential structure, mobilehome park, or permanent residential structure in a labor camp, as defined in Section 17008 of the Health and Safety Code, and the owner, manager, or operator is the customer of record, the district shall make every good faith effort to inform the residential occupants, by means of written notice, when the account is in arrears, that service will be terminated in 10 days. The written notice shall further inform the residential occupants that they have the right to become customers of the district without being required to pay the amount due on the delinquent account. The notice shall be in English and in the languages listed in Section 1632 of the Civil Code.

(c) The district is not required to make service available to the residential occupants unless each residential occupant agrees to the terms and conditions of service, and meets the requirements of the district’s rules. However, if one or more of the residential occupants are willing and able to assume responsibility for the subsequent charges to the account to the satisfaction of the district, or if there is a physical means, legally available to the district, of selectively terminating service to those residential occupants who have not met the requirements of the district’s rules, the district shall make service available to the residential occupants who have met those requirements.

(d) If prior service for a period of time is a condition for establishing credit with the district, residence and proof of prompt payment of rent or other credit obligation acceptable to the district for that period of time is a satisfactory equivalent.

(e) Any residential occupant who becomes a customer of the district pursuant to this section whose periodic payments, such as rental payments, include charges for residential light, heat, water, or power, where these charges are not separately stated, may deduct from the periodic payment each payment period all reasonable charges paid to the district for those services during the preceding payment period.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2009, Ch. 560, Sec. 8. (SB 120) Effective January 1, 2010.)

article: 3. Utility Works and Services


text:
(a) If a district furnishes residential light, heat, water, or power to residential occupants through a master meter in a multiunit residential structure, mobilehome park, or permanent residential structure in a labor camp, as defined in Section 17008 of the Health and Safety Code, and the owner, manager, or operator of the structure or park is listed by the district as the customer of record, the district shall make every good faith effort to inform the residential occupants, by means of a written notice posted on the door of each residential unit at least 15 days prior to termination, when the account is in arrears, that service will be terminated on a date specified in the notice. If it is not reasonable or practicable to post the notice on the door of each residential unit, the district shall post two copies of the notice in each common area and at each point of access to the structure or structures. The notice shall further inform the residential occupants that they have the right to become customers, to whom the service will be billed, of the district without being required to pay the amount due on the delinquent account. The notice also shall specify, in plain language, what the residential occupants are required to do in order to prevent the termination or reestablish service; the estimated monthly cost of service; the title, address, and telephone number of a representative of the district who can assist the residential occupants in continuing service; and the address and telephone number of a legal services project, as defined in Section 6213 of the Business and Professions Code, which has been recommended by the local county bar association. The notice shall be in English and in the languages listed in Section 1632 of the Civil Code.

(b) The district is not required to make service available to the residential occupants unless each residential occupant or a representative of the residential occupants agrees to the terms and conditions of service, and meets the requirements of law and the district’s rules. However, if one or more of the residential occupants or the representative of the residential occupants are willing and able to assume responsibility for subsequent charges to the account to the satisfaction of the district, or if there is a physical means, legally available to the district, of selectively terminating service to those residential occupants who have not met the requirements of the district’s rules or for whom the representative of the residential occupants is not responsible, the district shall make service available to the residential occupants who have met those requirements or on whose behalf those requirements have been met.

(c) If prior service for a period of time or other demonstration of credit worthiness is a condition for establishing credit with the district, residence and proof of prompt payment of rent or other credit obligation during that period of time acceptable to the district is a satisfactory equivalent.

(d) Any residential occupant who becomes a customer of the district pursuant to this section whose periodic payments, such as rental payments, include charges for residential light, heat, water, or power, where these charges are not separately stated, may deduct from the periodic payment each payment period all reasonable charges paid to the district for those services during the preceding payment period.

(e) If a district furnishes residential service subject to subdivision (a), the district may not terminate that service in any of the following situations:

(1) During the pendency of an investigation by the district of a customer dispute or complaint.

(2) If the customer has been granted an extension of the period for payment of a bill.

(3) For an indebtedness owed by the customer to any other public agency or when the obligation represented by the delinquent account or other indebtedness was incurred with any public agency other than the district.

(4) If a delinquent account relates to another property owned, managed, or operated by the customer.

(5) If a public health or building officer certifies that termination would result in a significant threat to the health or safety of the residential occupants or the public.

(f) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, and in addition to any other remedy provided by law, if the owner, operator, or manager, by any act or omission, directs, permits, or fails to prevent a termination of service while any residential unit is occupied, the residential occupant or the representative of the residential occupants may commence an action for the recovery of all of the following:

(1) Reasonable costs and expenses incurred by the residential occupant or the representative of the residential occupants related to restoration of service.

(2) Actual damages related to the termination of service.

(3) Reasonable attorney’s fees of the residential occupants, the representative of the residential occupants, or each of them, incurred in the enforcement of this section, including, but not limited to, enforcement of a lien.

(g) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, and in addition to any other remedy provided by law, if the owner, manager, or operator, by any act or omission, directs, permits, or fails to prevent a termination of service while any residential unit receiving that service is occupied, the corporation may commence an action for the recovery of all of the following:

(1) Delinquent charges accruing prior to the expiration of the notice prescribed by subdivision (a).

(2) Reasonable costs incurred by the corporation related to the restoration of service.

(3) Reasonable attorney’s fees of the corporation incurred in the enforcement of this section or in the collection of delinquent charges, including, but not limited to, enforcement of a lien.

If the court finds that the owner, manager, or operator has paid the amount in arrears prior to termination, the court shall allow no recovery of any charges, costs, damages, expenses, or fees under this subdivision from the owner, manager, or operator.

An abstract of any money judgment entered pursuant to subdivision (f) or (g) shall be recorded pursuant to Section 697.310 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

(h) No termination of service subject to this section may be effected without compliance with this section, and any service wrongfully terminated shall be restored without charge to the residential occupants or customer for the restoration of the service. In the event of a wrongful termination by the district, the district shall, in addition, be liable to the residential occupants or customer for actual damages resulting from the termination and for the costs of enforcement of this section, including, but not limited to, reasonable attorney’s fees, if the residential occupants or the representative of the residential occupants make a good faith effort to have the service continued without interruption.

(i) The district shall adopt rules and regulations necessary to implement this section and shall liberally construe this section to accomplish its purpose of ensuring that service to the residential occupants is not terminated due to nonpayment by the customer unless the district has made every reasonable effort to continue service to the residential occupants. The rules and regulations shall include, but are not limited to, guidelines for assistance to actual users in the enforcement of this section and requirements for the notice prescribed by subdivision (a), including, but not limited to, clear wording, large and boldface type, and comprehensive instructions to ensure full notice to the actual users.

(j) Nothing in this section broadens or restricts any authority of a local agency that existed prior to January 1, 1989, to adopt an ordinance protecting a residential occupant from the involuntary termination of residential public utility service.

(k) This section preempts any statute or ordinance permitting punitive damages against any owner, manager, or operator on account of an involuntary termination of public utility service or permitting the recovery of costs associated with the formation, maintenance, and termination of a tenant’s association.

(l) For purposes of this section, “representative of the residential occupants” does not include a tenants’ association.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2009, Ch. 560, Sec. 9. (SB 120) Effective January 1, 2010.)

article: 3. Utility Works and Services


text: The decision of a district to require a new residential applicant to deposit a sum of money with the district prior to establishing an account and furnishing service shall be based solely upon the credit worthiness of the applicant as determined by the district.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1989, Ch. 1066, Sec. 6.)

article: 3. Utility Works and Services


text:
(a) No district furnishing its inhabitants with light, water, power, heat, or means for the disposition of garbage, sewage, or refuse matter may terminate residential service for nonpayment of a delinquent account unless the district first gives notice of the delinquency and impending termination, as provided in Section 16482.1.

(b) No district shall terminate residential service for nonpayment in any of the following situations:

(1) During the pendency of an investigation by the district of a customer dispute or complaint.

(2) When a customer has been granted an extension of the period for payment of a bill.

(3) On the certification of a licensed physician and surgeon that to do so will be life threatening to the customer and the customer is financially unable to pay for service within the normal payment period and is willing to enter into an amortization agreement with the district pursuant to subdivision (e) with respect to all charges that the customer is unable to pay prior to delinquency.

(c) Any residential customer who has initiated a complaint or requested an investigation within five days of receiving the contested bill, or who has, within 13 days of mailing of the notice required by subdivision (a), made a request for extension of the payment period of a bill asserted to be beyond the means of the customer to pay in full during the normal period for payment, shall be given an opportunity for review of the complaint, investigation, or request by a review manager of the district. The review shall include consideration of whether the customer shall be permitted to amortize the unpaid balance of the account over a reasonable period of time, not to exceed 12 months. No termination of service shall be effected for any customer complying with an amortization agreement if the customer also keeps the account current as charges accrue in each subsequent billing period.

(d) Any customer whose complaint or request for an investigation pursuant to subdivision (c) has resulted in an adverse determination by the district may appeal the determination to the board. Any subsequent appeal of the dispute or complaint to the board is not subject to this section.

(e) Any customer meeting the requirements of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) shall, upon request, be permitted to amortize, over a period not to exceed 12 months, the unpaid balance of any bill asserted to be beyond the means of the customer to pay within the normal period for payment.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1985, Ch. 888, Sec. 13.)

article: 3. Utility Works and Services


text:
(a) A district furnishing light, heat, water, or power, or means for the disposition of garbage, sewage, or refuse matter, shall not terminate residential service on account of nonpayment of a delinquent account unless the district first gives notice of the delinquency and impending termination, at least 10 days prior to the proposed termination, by means of a notice mailed, postage prepaid, to the customer to whom the service is billed, not earlier than 19 days from the date of mailing the district’s bill for services, and the 10-day period shall not commence until five days after the mailing of the notice.

(b) Every district shall make a reasonable, good faith effort to contact an adult person residing at the premises of the customer by telephone or personal contact, at least 48 hours prior to any termination of service, except that, whenever telephone or personal contact cannot be accomplished, the district shall give, by mail, in person, or by posting in a conspicuous location at the premises, a notice of termination of service, at least 48 hours prior to termination.

(c) Every district shall make available to its residential customers who are 65 years of age or older, or who are dependent adults as defined in Section 15610.23 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, a third-party notification service, whereby the district will attempt to notify a person designated by the customer to receive notification when the customer’s account is past due and subject to termination. The notification shall include information on what is required to prevent termination of service. The residential customer shall make a request for third-party notification on a form provided by the district, and shall include the written consent of the designated third party. The third-party notification does not obligate the third party to pay the overdue charges, nor shall it prevent or delay termination of service.

(d) Every notice of termination of service pursuant to subdivision (a) shall include all of the following information:

(1) The name and address of the customer whose account is delinquent.

(2) The amount of the delinquency.

(3) The date by which payment or arrangements for payment is required in order to avoid termination.

(4) The procedure by which the customer may initiate a complaint or request an investigation concerning service or charges, except that, if the bill for service contains a description of that procedure, the notice pursuant to subdivision (a) is not required to contain that information.

(5) The procedure by which the customer may request amortization of the unpaid charges.

(6) The procedure for the customer to obtain information on the availability of financial assistance, including private, local, state, or federal sources, if applicable.

(7) The telephone number of a representative of the district who can provide additional information or institute arrangements for payment.

Every notice of termination of service pursuant to subdivision (b) shall include the items of information in paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (6), and (7).

All written notices shall be in a clear and legible format.

(e) If a residential customer fails to comply with an amortization agreement, the district shall not terminate service without giving notice to the customer at least 48 hours prior to termination of the conditions the customer is required to meet to avoid termination, but this notice does not entitle the customer to further investigation by the district.

(f) A termination of service shall not be effected without compliance with this section. Any service wrongfully terminated shall be restored without charge for the restoration of the service, and a notation thereof shall be mailed to the customer the customer’s billing address.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 497, Sec. 252. (AB 991) Effective January 1, 2020.)

article: 3. Utility Works and Services


text: No electrical, gas, heat, or water public utility district shall, by reason of delinquency in payment for any electric, gas, heat, or water services, cause cessation of any such services on any Saturday, Sunday, legal holiday, or at any time during which the business offices of the district are not open to the public.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1977, Ch. 1027.)

article: 3. Utility Works and Services


text:
(a) A public utility district which acquires, constructs, owns, operates, controls or uses works for supplying its inhabitants with electricity, may fix and collect charges in the manner provided in Article 3 (commencing with Section 16461) and Article 8 (commencing with Section 16641), Chapter 4, Division 7 of the Public Utilities Code, for an electricity standby or immediate availability charge on all lands within its boundaries to which electricity is made available for any purpose by the district, whether the electricity is actually used or not.

(b) The board of directors of the districts which fixes such a charge may exempt certain classes of users from such a charge and may establish schedules varying the charges in different months and in different localities within a public utility district depending upon factors such as the uses to which the electricity is put, the cost of transmitting the electricity to the user, the degree of availability or quantity of use of such electricity. The board may not, however, fix an annual charge in excess of twenty dollars ($20) per acre or in excess of ten dollars ($10) for a parcel of less than one acre.

(c) Any funds derived from the charges levied pursuant to this section may be used by the district for all purposes which a public utility district is authorized to expend funds insofar as these purposes relate to the acquisition, construction, operation, control, or use of works for supplying its inhabitants with electricity.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1974, Ch. 467.)

article: 3. Utility Works and Services


text:
(a) In addition to all other powers, excepting telephone service, authorized by this division, the Kirkwood Meadows Public Utility District may acquire, construct, own, and operate public parking facilities and cable television facilities and may provide snow removal and road maintenance services for all roads open to the public, including, but not limited to, public roads and roads offered for dedication but not accepted, within the district. Prior to providing any snow removal or road maintenance services, the district shall obtain the consent of any public agency owning the roads. Notwithstanding Section 16467, the facilities and services provided in this subdivision need not be operated on a self-sustaining, revenue-producing basis. Revenue to defray the cost of the facilities and services may be raised in any manner authorized by this division.

(b) The Kirkwood Meadows Public Utility District may exercise all of the powers of a mosquito abatement district or vector control district, as set forth in the Mosquito Abatement and Vector Control District Law (Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 2000) of Division 3 of the Health and Safety Code), within the service area of the Kirkwood Meadows Public Utility District.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2005, Ch. 158, Sec. 34. Effective January 1, 2006.)

article: 3. Utility Works and Services


text:
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Kirkwood Meadows Public Utility District may issue bonds and incur indebtedness pursuant to the Improvement Act of 1911 (Division 7 (commencing with Section 5000) of the Streets and Highways Code), the Municipal Improvement Act of 1913 (Division 12 (commencing with Section 10000) of the Streets and Highways Code), the Improvement Bond Act of 1915 (Division 10 (commencing with Section 8500) of the Streets and Highways Code), or the Revenue Bond Law of 1941 (Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 54300) of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code) for the purpose of acquiring, constructing, owning, and operating any revenue-producing improvement, building, system, plant, works, facilities, undertaking, or other enterprise used for or useful for the generation, production, transmission, or distribution of electricity or gas for light, heat, or power for public or private uses.

If the Kirkwood Meadows Public Utility District is not incorporated on or before March 1, 1986, this section is repealed on that date.

history: (History: Amended (as added by Stats. 1981, Ch. 852) by Stats. 1983, Ch. 733, Sec. 4. Note: This section was not repealed by its own provisions because the conditions failed.)

article: 3. Utility Works and Services


text: Every district shall comply with Section 8029.5.

history: (History: Added by renumbering Section 16487 (as added by Stats. 1982, Ch. 549) by Stats. 1984, Ch. 193, Sec. 104.)

article: 3. Utility Works and Services


text: The June Lake Public Utility District may exercise all of the powers of a mosquito abatement district or vector control district, as set forth in the Mosquito Abatement and Vector Control District Law (Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 2000) of Division 3 of the Health and Safety Code), within the service area of the June Lake Public Utility District.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2005, Ch. 158, Sec. 35. Effective January 1, 2006.)

article: 3. Utility Works and Services