Every year, or every two years for certain districts, the board of directors has to adopt a preliminary budget by July 1. This budget should follow standard accounting practices and can be divided into various categories like maintenance, operation, and employee pay.

The board must notify the public by publishing a notice that either a preliminary budget has been adopted or a final budget proposal is ready for review. This notice should include details about when and where the final budget meeting will happen, and invite public comments.

This notice must be published at least two weeks before the meeting in a local newspaper. During the meeting, anyone interested can discuss items in the budget. The board needs to finalize the budget by September 1 and send it to the county auditor.

This law allows a board of directors to change its budget by passing a resolution during regular or specially announced meetings. They can move funds between categories, but they cannot move money from reserves set aside for capital projects or emergencies. Additionally, the board can give the general manager permission to make similar fund transfers, but again, without touching those designated reserves.

This law allows a board of directors to set aside reserve funds for specific purposes in their budget, such as capital projects or emergencies. These reserves can only be used for their intended purposes and must follow standard accounting rules. The board can both add to these reserves and, by a significant vote, redirect unused funds to the general fund if they’re no longer needed in the reserve. In emergency situations, funds can be temporarily moved to the general fund, but must be returned when possible. Boards must also have a policy for managing these reserves and review it annually.

Every year by July 1, the board of directors must set a spending limit for the next fiscal year, following rules in the California Constitution and other laws. However, this rule does not apply to districts that existed before 1978 and didn't charge high property taxes at that time. It also doesn't apply to districts that have handed over their services and the related property tax revenues to another local agency.

This law states that the county auditor is responsible for giving each district its portion of property tax revenue according to specific rules in the Revenue and Taxation Code.

This law allows the board of directors of a district to set prices for services and make sure they're paid. They can collect payments by combining charges for different services on one bill. If bills aren't paid, they can stop services, impose fines, or apply penalties. Unpaid charges can be added to property tax bills. They can also become a legal claim against the property owner's real estate in the county, like a court judgment. If the charges are paid, the district must remove the claim. The district has to pay the county for costs of handling unpaid charges, and they can use different methods to make sure they get paid.

This law allows a district to receive money, goods, or services from various government levels or individuals for any legal purpose. Additionally, the district can borrow money and take on debt according to specific existing legal procedures.

This law allows the board of directors to create a revolving fund. The rules for setting up this fund are outlined in another part of the law, specifically starting at Section 53950.

The board of directors of a district must regularly audit the district's accounts and records to ensure financial accuracy and compliance. They are also required to prepare and send annual financial reports to the state Controller.

Any claims seeking money or compensation from a district must follow the rules set out in Parts 3 and 4 of Division 3.6 in Title 1. These parts detail the procedures and requirements for filing such claims.