Inside the Leadership and Structure of Your Fire District

The El Dorado Hills County Water District was formed under Section 30320 of the Water Code of the State of California. The District is governed by a five-member Board of Directors, each of which is elected by the voters within the District’s operating boundaries for staggered four-year terms, every two years. Every year, the Board members select a President and Vice President. The Board of Directors meets monthly to discuss District business and take action if needed. The Board of Directors adopts a preliminary budget by June 30 each year for the fiscal year beginning July 1. A final budget is adopted by the Board of Directors no later than October 1 each year. If needed, an adjusted budget may be adopted mid-fiscal year. The District budget is prepared at the fund level. Currently the District operates one fund, the general fund.

The Fire Chief, appointed by the Board, is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the Department as well as the long-term strategic goals established by the Board of Directors. The Fire Chief is supported by a senior staff team consisting of a Deputy Chief of Support Services, Deputy Chief of Operations, Director of Finance, and Director of Human Resources.

The Deputy Chief of Operations is responsible for the delivery of emergency services to the community the District serves, as well as the coordination and execution of the training and education of suppression personnel, and management of the Department’s fleet. The Director of Finance is responsible for the District’s financial policies, systems and procedures, including but not limited to cash management, investments, accounting and financial reporting, budgeting, accounts payable/receivable, and payroll. The Director of Human Resources oversees the recruiting, hiring, and retention of District employees, employee relations, personnel standards and policies, performance management, benefits administration, leave management, workers’ compensation administration, risk management, and labor negotiations. The Deputy Chief of Support Services is responsible for managing the District’s community risk and community relations division, which includes community development, compliance and preparedness. He also manages facilities, grants, and Information Technology.