Chapter Membership Information
What are the benefits of chapter membership?
- Networking and exchange of ideas among local Special Districts (knowing who locally has been in a similar predicament);
- Educational dinner meetings and guest speakers to inform you and your agency staff and Board about topics pertinent to Special Districts;
- Being a part of a local alliance to collaborate with Santa Barbara County cities, Special Districts, LAFCO, Board of Supervisors, and others;
- Participating in the promotion of beneficial legislation to aid Special Districts and their constituents; and Building relationships with decision-makers in the community and in Sacramento.
ARTICLE II – Membership
Section 1. Categories of Membership and Qualifications
There shall be two categories of membership:
Regular Member: Any independent special district as defined in California Government Code §56044, or any district that is eligible for membership in CSDA, with territory in Santa Barbara County. Concurrent membership in CSDA is encouraged but not required. Regular members have voting privileges.
Associate Member: Any person or organization that provides services to special districts or has evidenced interest in the purpose of the Chapter may become an associate member upon approval of Chapter membership and payment of dues. Associate members have no voting privileges.
Section 2. Voting Rights
Each regular member in good standing shall be entitled to one vote upon all matters brought before the membership for vote. The governing body of each regular member shall designate, to the Secretary in writing, one representative and one alternate who shall exercise the right of the regular member to vote.
If no designation has been received and a matter is brought before the membership for vote at a general or special meeting, a representative known to be a director or employee of a district shall be allowed to vote, providing the position is not questioned by another director or staff member from that district who is also in attendance at the meeting.
The Board of Directors may in its discretion authorize a vote upon any issue by written ballot mailed to regular members. Such authorization shall specify the time and date when such written ballot must be received by the Secretary.
Votes may be taken by voice, by show of hands, or by written ballot, as determined by the President.
One-third of the regular members will constitute a quorum. A majority of all regular members voting shall be necessary to carry any matter voted upon.
Section 3. Annual Dues
Annual dues shall be assessed on a calendar year basis.
Annual dues shall be due and payable on or before January 1. Dues for new members shall be prorated during their initial year of membership.
The Board of Directors shall determine the amount of dues subject to a vote of the Chapter. The following categories of annual dues have been adopted:
- Regular members with annual budgets of $1 million or more - $300
- Regular members with annual budgets less than $1 million - $150
- Associate members - $50
Section 4. Good Standing
Any member who is in arrears in the payment of dues shall not be in good standing and shall not be entitled to vote.
Section 5. Termination of Membership
Any member in arrears in the payment of dues after the first day in May shall be notified in writing by the Treasurer, and if such dues have not been paid by the first day in June, such member shall automatically cease to be a member of the Chapter. Any such member shall not be restored to membership without making written application for reinstatement to the Board of Directors. Reinstatement shall be at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
Section 6. Membership Meetings
Regular meetings shall generally be held on the fourth Monday of the month.
Special meetings for any purpose may be called at any time by the President or any group of three directors.
Notice of regular and special meetings shall be provided to the designated representative of each regular member. Notice may be provided personally, electronically, or by mail. Notices shall be sent at least seven calendar days before the meeting. Notices shall specify the time, date, and place, and state the general nature of the business to be considered at the meeting.
Written notices may be provided to associate members and others upon request. A meeting schedule shall be posted on the Chapter website.