News from: Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District

In recognition of excellence in transparency to the public, the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF) named Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District as one of only three such organizations in California receiving the “District of Distinction” for its sound fiscal management policies.

“SDLF provides an independent audit review of the last three years of the district’s operations to ensure prudent fiscal practices,” said SDLF Chief Executive Officer Neil McCormick. The committee members who review the audits are volunteers from the special district community, including district controllers, directors of finance and certified general managers.

In addition, the District’s board of directors and executive staff must also show proof of educational training in public governance and compliance with ethics and harassment prevention training.

To receive the recognition, the District’s website must meet transparency requirements, including election procedures and deadlines. Each District of Distinction is also required to post board meeting schedules and agendas, current district budgets, their most recent financial audits, and a list of board members and staff compensation or a link to the State Controller’s webpage containing the data.

“Our Board of Trustees and our entire team is very proud of this accomplishment,” said Ernesto Rosales, Chair of the Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District Board of Trustees. “The Board has worked closely with staff to ensure the District conducts its business in a fiscally prudent and transparent manner. This award is yet another recognition of that important work.”

The award was presented at the 2023 California Special District Association Annual General Manager Leadership Summit. The Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District was the only California District to receive SDLF’s highest honor at the event.

According to the California Special District Association website, only 41 special districts and three cemetery districts currently hold the “District of Distinction” designation. According to the Institute for Local Government, California has nearly 3,300 special districts.

For more information about the Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District, visit coachellacemetery.org.

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About the Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District

The Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District (CVPCD) was formed on August 8, 1927. CVPCD is a special district, a governmental unit created by residents to deliver specialized services essential to their health, safety, economy and well-being. Since its creation, the District has performed more than 22,000 interments and set over 15,000 grave markers, serving a 3,444-square-mile area in Riverside County that includes the cities of Coachella, Indio, La Quinta, Indian Wells, Palm Desert, as well as parts of Rancho Mirage and unincorporated Riverside County. The purpose of the District is to offer affordable interment services for our county residents.

About SDLF

SDLF is an independent, non-profit organization formed to promote good governance and best practices among California’s special districts through certification, accreditation and other recognition programs.