(Chicago, Illinois)-- Government Finance Officers Association is pleased to announce that Phelan Pinon Hills Community Services District, California, has received GFOA's Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its budget.

The award represents a significant achievement by the entity.  It reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting.  In order to receive the budget award, the entity had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation.  These guidelines are designed to assess how well an entity's budget serves as:

• a policy document
• a financial plan
• an operations guide
• a communications device

Budget documents must be rated "proficient" in all four categories, and in the fourteen mandatory criteria within those categories, to receive the award.

When a Distinguished Budget Presentation Award is grated to an entity, a Certificate of Recognition for Budget Presentation is also presented to the individual(s) or department designated as being primarily responsible for having achieved the award.  This has been presented to Finance Department.

There are over 1,600 participants in the Budget Awards Program.  The most recent Budget Award recipients, along with their corresponding budget documents, are posted quarterly on GFOA's website.  Award recipients have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other governments throughout North America.

PHELAN, Calif. (January 7, 2021) - Each year, staff is tasked with preparing a budget for consideration at an annual Public Hearing in June.  The process leading up to the hearing includes several public meetings to provide the Board and the public with information for consideration and opportunities for input into the budget process.  These public meetings include workshops, committee, and Board meetings.

Beginning in January, committees review and update their respective Long Range Plans including the 10-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and Maintenance plans.  In February, staff gathers information in preparation for the budget.  February through March, the Board reviews and approves the Long Range Capital Plans and also provides staff with budget assumptions to be used based on the consumer price index and other economic factors.  Considering these guidelines, staff begins the process of preparing a draft budget.

Staff works with department managers and supervisors to obtain budget information and incorporates the data with the assumptions as directed by the Board.  The draft budget is reviewed by management and presented to the Finance Committee for consideration prior to being presented to the full Board.  The Final Draft Budget is made available for review and a public hearing is held in June.  The Final Draft Budget is presented to the Board during the public meeting for final review, consideration, and adoption.  All of these are public meetings and the District encourages public attendance and participation.

The events listed below have been scheduled to promote public participation and ensure the public has the opportunity to become familiar with the budget process.  The Public is invited to ALL of these sessions and is encouraged to attend.

​PHELAN, Calif. (May 14, 2020) – Over the past eight weeks, the District has continued to provide customer service over the phone, internet, and drop box, and has taken measures, such as closing the office lobby to the public, to ensure the health and safety of District staff and customers. By taking these measures, the District’s staff has remained healthy and ready to serve customers.
 
Beginning May 18, 2020, the District office will reopen to customers with social distancing measures in place. Only one customer will be allowed in the office lobby at a time with markings every six feet for those in line outside. Face coverings are recommended and those who are ill should not visit the office as all essential services can be attended to electronically or through the drop box. To encourage online and phone payments, and to minimize visitors to the office, the $2 credit card convenience fee will continue to be waived for payments made online and over the phone. Customers may still use the drop box to drop off paperwork and payments as well. All late fees and disconnections are temporarily suspended through at least the end of May.
 
“The safety and health of our customers and staff remain the top priority at this time,” stated Don Bartz, General Manager. “As long as social distancing is being observed, and our staff continues to remain healthy, we will keep our office lobby and parks open. However, we are ready to adjust if necessary should the County of San Bernardino’s guidelines change.”
 
Phelan Park reopened on a limited scale on April 28, 2020. Piñon Hills Park remains closed while it undergoes repairs. Additionally, all District community and senior centers remain closed through at least the end of May. However, the District’s farmers market is open and the District is continuing to hold board and committee meetings to conduct essential District business. As a result of the Governor’s Executive Order N-29-20, members of the board may attend the meeting via teleconference or video conference and will participate in the meeting to the same extent as if they were present. Members of the public may watch and participate electronically in the meetings via Zoom or telephone conference. Due to the Executive Order to stay home and limitations on public gatherings, in person participation at meetings is not allowed at this point in time. For information on how to attend board and committee meetings, please visit the District’s website at www.pphcsd.org. 

​​For more information, contact PPHCSD staff at 760-868-1212

PHELAN, Calif. (April 28, 2020) – On April 25, 2020, the County of San Bernardino (“County”) reopened County operated parks, lakes, and trails on a limited scale for passive recreation. After careful consideration, the Phelan Pinon Hills Community Services District (“District”) will follow the County and reopen Phelan Park on a limited scale effective April 28, 2020.
 
Just like the County, the District requests that social distancing measures still take place outside of immediate households. Additionally, if you or anyone in your household are experiencing Covid-19 symptoms or have been exposed within 14 days, you should stay home and not visit the park. The park may be used for individual or household exercise, picnicking, and non-contact activities with members of your household only. The playground equipment will remain closed and group sports or gatherings are prohibited. Additionally, park restrooms, benches, and drinking fountains will remain closed so park users should plan accordingly. Pinon Hills Park will remain closed as it is undergoing repairs until mid-May.
 
“We encourage healthy individuals or households to visit the park. Residents may use the grass or walking paths at Phelan Park. Picnic benches and playground equipment will remain off limits at this time,” stated Don Bartz, the District’s General Manager. He continued, “Park visitors must still be mindful of social distancing requirements. If the park become too crowded, or social distancing isn’t being practiced, we may have to re-close the park.”
 
The District office will continue to remain closed to the public. Customers can still call the District office during normal business hours and can still access their accounts online. The District will waive any late fees and will not disconnect customers for nonpayment during this time. Additionally, the $2 credit card convenience fee is being waived for payments made online or over the phone until normal operations resume. A drop box is available for customers in the District parking lot and payments can still be mailed in. New customers are allowed to set up their accounts by phone and email. Field staff is still proceeding with field operations to continue to provide safe, reliable drinking water to District customers. The District will determine when to reopen the District lobby and community centers based on information provided from the State of California and the County. As of April 28, 2020, the District estimates the lobby will re-open to customers on May 18, 2020.
 
The District’s Farmers Market will continue to operate each Monday from 2pm-6pm. “Given the impact of Covid-19 on grocery stores at the moment, we have determined it is in the best interest of our residents to continue to have access to fresh produce and other goods.” Mr. Bartz continued, “Our ​market is operated outdoors so the exposure risk was determined to be less severe than that of a grocery store. District staff and market vendors will follow the new guidelines issued by the California Department of Public Health to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.”
 
The District will have a Board Meeting on May 6, 2020, in which members of the public can attend via Zoom or conference call. Information on how to attend the meeting remotely will be posted on the meeting agenda which can be found on the District’s website at www.pphcsd.org.
 
The following is a list of cancelled events and facility closures:
 
District Office Lobby                                     
Phelan Park (Re-opening on a limited scale April 28, 2020)                                                 
Pinon Hills Park (Closed for repairs until mid-May 2020)                                                     
Phelan Community Center                           
Phelan Senior Center                                                                                    
Pinon Hills Community Center
Pinon Hills Senior Center
District Events & Activities 

​For more information, contact PPHCSD staff at 760-868-1212

PHELAN, Calif. (March 30, 2020) – On March 30, 2020, the Phelan Piñon Hills Community Services District (“District”) extended the closure of its office to the public until May 4, 2020, and cancelled several upcoming District meetings.  Additionally, Phelan Park and Pinon Hills Park and all community and senior centers will continue to be closed through the end of April.
 
While the District office remains closed to the public, customers can still call the District office during normal business hours and can still access their accounts online. The District will waive any late fees and will not disconnect customers for nonpayment during this time. Additionally, the $2 credit card convenience fee is being waived for payments made online or over the phone until normal operations resume. A drop box is available for customers in the District parking lot and payments can still be mailed in. New customers are allowed to set up their accounts by phone and email. Field staff is still proceeding with field operations to continue to provide safe, reliable drinking water to District customers.
 
The District’s Farmers Market will continue to operate each Monday from 2pm-6pm. “Given the impact of Covid-19 on grocery stores at the moment, we have determined it is in the best interest of our residents to continue to have access to fresh produce and other goods.” Mr. Bartz continued, “Our market is operated outdoors so the exposure risk was determined to be less severe than that of a grocery store. District staff and market vendors will follow the new guidelines issued by the California Department of Public Health to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.”
 
The District will have a special Finance Committee meeting on April 9, 2020, and a Board workshop and Board meeting on April 15, 2020. Information on how to attend those meetings remotely will be posted on the meeting agenda which can be found on the District’s website at www.pphcsd.org.
 
The following is a list of cancelled events and facility closures:

• District Office Lobby                                                      
• Phelan Park                                                                       
• Pinon Hills Park                                                                
• Phelan Community Center                                        
• Phelan Senior Center                                                 
• Pinon Hills Community Center                                  
• Pinon Hills Senior Center
• Board Meeting on April 1, 2020
• Engineering Committee Meeting on April 8, 2020
• Special Finance Committee Meeting on April 13, 2020
• Parks Committee Meeting on April 14, 2020
• Community Center Events & Rentals
• Senior Events & Activities​

For more information, contact PPHCSD staff at 760-868-1212

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Don Bartz, General Manager
(760) 868-1212

PHELAN, Calif. (March 19, 2020) – On March 19, 2020, the Phelan Piñon Hills Community Services District (“District”) extended the closure of its office to the public until April 6, 2020, and cancelled the April 1, 2020, Board meeting. Additionally, Phelan Park and Pinon Hills Park are closed to the public and all community and senior centers are closed through the end of April.
 
On March 17, 2020, The District cancelled its Board meeting scheduled for March 18, 2020. As a result, the Public Hearing on the proposed water rate increase was also cancelled. A new notification will be mailed out and the Public Hearing will be scheduled for May 6, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. All committee meetings for the remainder of March were also cancelled.
 
While the District office remains closed to the public, customers can still call the District office during normal business hours and can still access their accounts online. The District will waive any late fees and will not disconnect customers for nonpayment during this time. Additionally, the $2 credit card convenience fee is being waived for payments made online or over the phone until normal operations resume. A drop box is available for customers in the District parking lot and payments can still be mailed in. New customers are allowed to set up their accounts by phone and email. Field staff is still proceeding with field operations to continue to provide safe, reliable drinking water to District customers.
 
The District’s Farmers Market will continue to operate each Monday from 2pm-6pm. “Given the impact of Covid-19 on grocery stores at the moment, we have determined it is in the best interest of our residents to continue to have access to fresh produce and other goods.” Mr. Bartz continued, “Our market is operated outdoors so the exposure risk was determined to be less severe than that of a grocery store. District staff and market vendors will follow the new guidelines issued by the California Department of Public Health to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.”
 
The following is a list of cancelled events and closures:

• Special Finance Committee Meeting on March 24, 2020
• Tri-Community Senior Health Fair
• Board Meeting On April 1, 2020
• District Office Closed to the Public
• Phelan Park
• Pinon Hills Park
• Phelan Community Center
• Phelan Senior Center
• Pinon Hills Community Center
• Pinon Hills Senior Center

 
For more information, contact PPHCSD staff at 760-868-1212

Each year, staff is tasked with preparing a budget for consideration at an annual Public Hearing in June.  The process leading up to the hearing includes several public meetings to provide the Board and the public with information for consideration and opportunities for input into the budget process.  These public meetings include workshops, committee, and Board meetings.  Beginning in January, committees review and update their respective Long Range Plans including the 10-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and Maintenance plans.  In February, staff gathers information in preparation for the budget.  February through March, the Board reviews and approves the Long Range Capital Plans and also provides staff with budget assumptions to be used based on the consumer price index and other economic factors.  Considering these guidelines, staff begins the process of preparing a draft budget.  Staff works with department managers and supervisors to obtain budge information and incorporates the data with the assumptions as directed by the Board.  The draft budget is reveiewed by management and presented to the Finance Committee for consideration prior to being presented to the full Board.  The Final Draft Budget is made available for review and a public hearing is held in June.  The Final Draft Budget is presented to the Board during the public meeting for final review, consideration, and adoption.  All of these are public meetings and the District encourages public attendance and participation.

The events listed below have been scheduled to promote public participation and ensure the public has the opportunity to become familiar with the budget process.

Media Contact:
Don Bartz, General Manager
​(760) 868-1212

PHELAN, Calif. (November 21, 2019) - Beginning December 20, 2019, and continuing for approximately four weeks, the Phelan Piñon Hills Community Services District ("District") will be installing a water mainline to serve the District's office, Phelan Community/Senior Center, Phelan Park, and future expansion areas of Phelan Park.  The project will extend along Sheep Creek Road from Nielson Road to the northern edge of the District's property located at 4128 Warbler Road.

Traffic control will be in effect for the duration of the project.  The District hopes to minimize the impact to traffic, particularly school traffic, by performing construction nearest the school area during the winter holiday break.

###

For further information regarding this matter, please contact District staff at
​(760) 868-1212.

Media Contact:
Don Bartz, General Manager
(760) 868-1212

PHELAN, Calif. (November 21, 2019) - On November 13, 2019, the Phelan Piñon Hills Community Services District's Board of Directors ("Board") appointed Rebecca Kujawa to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Alex Brandon from the Board.

Director Kujawa, a resident of the area since 2004, was appointed after two seperate candidate interview periods and was sworn in on November 13, 2019.  Director Kujawa is a Special Education Instructional Associate for the Snowline Joint Unified School District and a former credit union employee.  Since 2016, Rebecca has been a member of the Phelan Chamber of Commerce and has been active in community events such as Phelan Phamily Phun Day and Music in the Park.  Director Kujawa was appointed to complete the remainder of the term which will expire in December 2020.

###

For further information regarding this matter, please contact District staff at
​ (760) 868-1212.

​For those who remember, there used to be a tradition of Serrano Seniors sneaking up to the water tanks high on the hill overlooking Phelan, just off of Sheep Creek Road.  The Seniors would generally paint their class graduation year on one of the water tanks.  This spirited, somewhat subversive tradition was a fun one and the community and water officials generally turned a blind eye to the "vandalism".  The last class to carry out the tradition was the class of 2004.

This year, the tradition was renewed, albeit in more of an official capacity.  The PPHCSD has recently made a push to partner more frequently with Snowline Joint Unified School District. In this vein, Water Operations Manager Sean Wright approached Superintendent Holman and Marketing and PR Rep Chacon this year to re-ignite the tank painting tradition. 

And so, in the spirit of fun and tradition, representatives of the Class of 2019, supervised by Mr. Chacon, came out for two days this month and painted the tank with their year and some decorations.  Next time you head south on Sheep Creek, take a look up on the hill and see if you can spot their handiwork.