Shafter, CA — The Kern County Cemetery District #1 which includes the Shafter and the Wasco Memorial Parks received the “District of Distinction” accreditation by the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF) for its sound fiscal management policies and practices in district operations. This is the fourth time Kern County Cemetery District #1 has received this biennial accreditation and this year the district has earned the Platinum Distinction for reaching the highest level of recognition for a special district. They proud to be one of only six local government agencies with the Platinum Distinction Award statewide and one of only two Public Cemetery District’s statewide with this level of distinction.

“SDLF provides an independent audit review of the last three years of the district’s operations to ensure prudent fiscal practices,” said Neil McCormick, SDLF Chief Executive Officer. The committee members who review the audits are volunteers from the special district community, including district controllers, directors of finance and certified general managers.

In addition, the district’s board of directors and executive staff must also show proof of educational training in public governance, as well as compliance with ethics and harassment prevention training.

Furthermore, in order to receive the recognition, the district’s website must include posting of transparency requirements, including: posted board meeting schedule and agendas, current district budget, most recent financial audit, and a link to the State Controller’s webpage with the data.

SDLF is an independent, non-profit organization formed to promote good governance and best practices among California’s local government special districts through certification, accreditation and other recognition programs.