MVCSD approves clean 2024 final audit and discusses Community Relations Ad-Hoc Committee

The meeting’s action items began with the district’s final audit from Smith, Marion, and Co, in which they reported no unusual findings. The board then accepted the final audit 5/0.

The board discussed forming a Community Relations Ad-Hoc Committee, in which monthly gatherings would be open to the public to hear suggestions and answer questions from community members. President Christina Gorke said these would be similar to the “meet and greets” the board had last year at alternating Morongo Valley businesses, but likely to be held consistently in Covington Park’s multipurpose room. Since it was just a discussion item, no action was needed, and Gorke stated she would keep the public posted on developments. 

For the Mid-Year Budget Review, Finance Director Johnny Tolbert suggested the board move $75,000 of unbudgeted funds to a money market account so it could gain interest while its not being used. Tolbert followed this with a motion, in which the board approved 5/0.

For the 2024 Chuck Osborn Award, given to community members who have shown exemplary volunteer service, the board will be providing an online survey on the CSD website for nominations to be reviewed at next month’s meeting. 

Since the Fire Department’s 461 Medic Engine is still in disrepair after transporting to Fire Apparatus Services, the board is considering getting rid of it and financing a new Medic Engine designed for more rural missions, since the estimate is currently $9000 with no guarantee they’ll successfully diagnose its ongoing issues. The concern is that even if the current apparatus gets fixed, it will continue having issues since it’s designed for city street navigation and not the wear and tear of our rougher terrain.

Finally, the CSD is considering acquiring the Employee Assistance Program for the district. EAP provides counseling and other services to support employees through high-stress situations, and the board will continue to discuss spending the $2500 annual fee for the program.