The Mid-State Special Districts Association (SDA) was formalized during its inaugural meeting in Merced on October 27, 2021. The local Chapter of the California Special Districts Association (CSDA) acts as a local voice for special districts providing critical infrastructure and essential community services in Madera, Mariposa, and Merced counties.
Some of the organization’s top priorities include:
- Hosting training events for compliance with state laws and regulations covering public agencies,
- Securing special districts’ representation on Local Agency Formation Commissions (LAFCo)
- Ensuring there is consistent two-way communication between special districts and elected leaders at local, state, and federal levels.
"How awesome to be a part of the Mid-State SDA, to bring a local forum to Madera, Mariposa and Merced counties,” said Michelle Sabin, Mid-State SDA President and Chowchilla Cemetery District Manager. “This local association will give us the opportunity to have a forum for networking and discussion of issues special to independent special districts. It will allow us to have conversations concerning LAFCo representation, receive legislative information, education important to special districts, and more. These opportunities will allow and teach us to provide our services to the public more effectively, and that is our goal."
Mid-State SDA is one of three local special districts associations to form across the state in 2021. It is one of 24 local association in the state, all of which are affiliated with the California Special Districts Association and receive a suite of services focused to provide resources for districts in each represented region.
“The Santa Nella County Water District is excited to be part of the Mid-State SDA, and we are looking forward to working with other chapters and agencies to ensure LAFCo representation for all special districts,” said Amy Montgomery, Mid-State SDA Secretary and Santa Nella County Water District General Manager.
All special districts are welcome to attend the Mid-State SDA meetings. CSDA members may freely participate and serve in leadership positions.
Mid-State SDA Board of Directors
Mid-State SDA’s founding board of directors includes at least one special districts leader from each county.
Mid-State SDA directors include (as pictured left to right): Curtis Jorritsma, Vice President and Hilmar County Water District General Manager; Amy Montgomery, Secretary and Santa Nella County Water District General Manager; Michelle Sabin, President and Chowchilla Cemetery District Manager; and Patrick McGowan, Treasurer and Lake Don Pedro Community Services District General Manager.
October 27 , 2021 Meeting Recap
Mid-State SDA’s first formal meeting on Wednesday, October 27, was a happy hour at the Five Ten Bistro in Downtown Merced. In addition to board of directors’ installation and adoption of bylaws, Assemblyman Adam Gray shared a recap of the 2021 state legislative session with districts in attendance and gave a preview of what to expect in 2022. Streamline, a CSDA Business Affiliate, also spoke sharing the latest enhancements and offering of its webhosting services for special districts. The program also covered some best practices for a public agency’s website as well as tips for ADA compliance. Those in attendance also heard from Congressman Jim Costa’s Merced-based field staff on the latest from Washington, DC, including a quick overview of the American Rescue Plan Act implementation and concerns regarding the implementation of the Central Valley Project and State Water Projects’ interim plan (read more about the issue at this link).
Upcoming March 2, 2022 Meeting
Mid-State SDA’s next program will be Thursday, March 2, 2022. The program will feature The Ferguson Group, a CSDA Business Affiliate, covering best practices for grant writing and grant resources. The program will also include a discussion on state and federal legislative matters. Additional details will be announced in early 2022.
Click here to learn more about Mid-State SDA and for updates on upcoming events.
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