Did you know that Three Rivers has government organizations of its very own? One of them is the Community Services District (CSD). A CSD is a local representative government organization that provides public services and facilities not provided (or adequately provided) by a municipal or county government. A CSD often serves as an alternative to the incorporation of a new city. It is funded by taxes and fees for services provided. 

Our CSD serves both the district and a broader “sphere of influence” that includes most of Three Rivers (see map below). It is primarily committed to serving our water quality and septic needs, while also managing the water system in the Alta Acres neighborhood and providing limited services to the Community Playground Project. See the ‘What Does Our CSD Do?’ box below for a list of the services our CSD provides, thanks to the work of General Manager Cindy Howell and volunteers.

Our CSD also has the power to tackle our bear and garbage challenges. See the ‘What Can Our CSD Do?’ box below for a list of the organization’s active powers and the latent powers that could potentially be activated.

A CSD is run by five directors who are supposed to be elected by the community and accountable to the community. During their four-year terms, they collectively decide what services the CSD provides, determine how to fund those services, and oversee operations. The board of directors sets policies, approves budgets, and hires staff. The board is also responsible for communicating with residents and landowners, gathering input and feedback, and addressing concerns.

Due to an insufficient number of candidates, we have not been able to elect our CSD directors for well over a decade. Instead, the few qualified individuals who filed a declaration of candidacy were appointed in lieu of election. Often, these were incumbents. When there were vacancies or openings without any candidates at all, the Tulare County Board of Supervisors appointed recruited individuals. This occurred both this year and in 2022.

The CSD board holds a public meeting every other month on the third Wednesday at its office (in the Barn at 40838 Sierra Dr., Suite B). The agenda includes a public comment period, and the public is also welcome to address agenda items at the time they are taken up by the board. Everyone is encouraged to attend and participate. The next meeting will be on 18 December at 6pm.

Recently, officials swore in the three directors who will serve December 2024 to December 2028. These directors will serve with Mignon Gregg and Christopher Thompson, who commenced their four-year terms in December 2022. (Mignon Gregg was an incumbent appointed in lieu of election in December 2022; Christopher Thompson was appointed by the Board of Supervisors on 8 November 2022.)