TUD Earns Dual Honors from Special District Leadership Foundation by Tuolumne Utilities District Nov 18, 2025 Member Submitted News SONORA — Tuolumne Utilities District (TUD) is proud to announce it has been recognized by the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF) with two of the highest honors available to California special districts: the District Transparency Certificate of Excellence and the District of Distinction accreditation. “These awards are a testament to TUD’s commitment to open government, sound fiscal management, and best practices in public service,” said Don Perkins, General Manager. “Our staff and board have worked diligently to ensure our operations are transparent, responsible, and responsive to our community’s needs.” Board President Ron W. Ringen added “Receiving both the Transparency Certificate and District of Distinction designation reflects our dedication to earning the trust of the community we serve. These recognitions affirm that TUD operates as a team with integrity, accountability, and a focus on long-term sustainability.” To earn the Transparency Certificate of Excellence, TUD demonstrated completion of essential governance transparency requirements, including: • Conducted ethics training for all board members • Properly held open and public meetings • Filed financial transactions and compensation reports to the State Controller in a timely manner • Maintained a website with posted election procedures, Board meeting schedules and agenda, current budget, recent financial audit, compensation information for board members and staff The District of Distinction accreditation further recognizes TUD for its sound fiscal management policies and practices. SDLF’s independent audit review of the last three years of district operations confirmed prudent fiscal practices. The district’s board and executive staff also completed educational training in public governance, ethics, and harassment prevention. Receiving the District of Distinction award is a prestigious honor held by only 2% of special districts in the state. “SDLF provides an independent audit review of the last three years of the district’s operations to ensure prudent fiscal practices”, said Neil McCormick, Chief Executive Officer of SDLF. SDLF is an independent, non-profit organization formed to promote good governance and best practices among California’s special districts through certification, accreditation, and other recognition programs.
