What is a Special District

Special districts are local governments created by the people of a community to deliver specialized services essential to their health, safety, economy and well-being. State statutues authorize these political subdivisions to provide specialized services the local city or county do not provide.

Authorizing Statute & Enabling Act

The Tehachapi-Cummings County Water District was establised by local election held within the boundaries of the proposed district on February 16, 1965, and by resolution of the Kern County Board of Supervisors in accordance with the provisions of the County Water District Law, Division 12, Section 30000 et seq. of the Water Code of the State of California. The District is the successor to the Tehachapi-Cummings Water Conservation District and by motion of the Board of Directors all of its existing assets, liabilities, and equities were transfered to the newly formed district effective April, 15, 1965. 

The District was formed to provide for the organization and management of water works by the acquistion or construction of water facilities for distribution and sale of water. The District's area is approximately 266,000 acres. 

Governance Structure

Tehachapi-Cummings County Water District has an independent governing body comprised of a five-member Board of Directors elected by the public, from divisions, by all voters within the District. They serve a four-year term and the terms are staggered so that every two years either two or three Director seats are on the November General Election ballot in even-numbered years. 

Financing Mechanisms

Special districts pay for their activities through a variety of financing mechanisms, including:

• User charges and fees for the cost of sales and services used.
• An allocation of the base 1 percent property tax rate.
  • Property tax revenues can be used to lower user charge amounts to levels below what they would otherwise be.
• Other revenue sources can include interest earnings, various taxes and assessments, and grants from other government agencies.
• Long-term debt is used to finance capital improvements that would benefit constituents over several years and wouldn't constitute a reasonable burden to the district and taxpayers.
  • Long-term debt instruments can include, but are not limited to, general obligation bonds, revenue bonds, certificates of participation, and lines of credit.