Report 2018-133 Recommendation 9 Responses

Report 2018-133: Fallen Leaf Lake Community Services District: Its Billing Practices and Small Electorate Jeopardize Its Ability to Provide Services (Release Date: July 2019)

Recommendation #9 To: Fallen Leaf Lake Community Services District

To ensure that it complies with all applicable labor and wage laws, the district should, by September 15, 2019, seek advice from appropriate experts, such as legal counsel and tax advisors, regarding the proper characterization and compensation of its recruit firefighters. It should develop and implement a policy in this area that meets all applicable requirements.

60-Day Agency Response

District Response to 9: The Board has consulted with legal counsel and its tax advisors concerning all applicable labor and wage laws with respect to the proper characterization and compensation of recruit firefighters. As a result, on August 31, 2019, the Board adopted Resolution 2019-7, entitled "Resolution for the Implementation of Firefighter Internship Program and Use of Firefighter Trainees (Nonpaid)." This Resolution formalizes the Firefighter Internship Program run by the District. The Resolution's contents meet all applicable federal and state legal requirements, and establish the permitted use of Intern trainees both at the official duty station and on emergency incidents away from the official duty station. In addition to passing Resolution 2019-7, the Board also approved a formal job description for Firefighter Trainee, which was vetted by legal counsel. Copies of the Resolution and job description documents are being provided to the State Auditor's Office.

California State Auditor's Assessment of 60-Day Status: Fully Implemented

All Recommendations in 2018-133

Agency responses received are posted verbatim.