Kern County Taxpayers Association

“Michael Turnipseed, executive director, is an independent contractor that works full-time hours at his own discretion. This employment model has benefited both Mr. Turnipseed and the Kern County Taxpayers Association, allowing Mr. Turnipseed to perform the full-time work necessary for the association to accomplish its mission as well as allowing him to pursue his separate business interests with the rest of his time.”

“The members of the Kern County Taxpayers Association are individuals and businesses with a stake in Kern County's present as well as its future. The association has members from various industries in Kern County, including, but not limited to, agriculture, education, energy, environmental services, financial services, labor, manufacturing, medical services, oil and gas, real estate, retail, technology and other various industries. These members include those that directly benefit from the taxes collected in Kern County, as well as those that pay various taxes and fees to the various governments in Kern County.”

“A board of directors has been elected by the membership of the Kern County Taxpayers Association, which holds a monthly meeting to approve and direct the activities of the association. The entire board, except for Mr. Turnipseed, is independent in all ways from the Kern County Taxpayers Association. Mr. Turnipseed would not be considered independent,as he is compensated for being the association's executive director. No one member has the right to elect its own representative to the board of directors.”

“The board of directors directs the actions of the association and its executive director, Mr. Turnipseed. A monthly meeting is held for the board to approve and direct the actions of the association. At that time, the board receives a report of the associations activities for the previous month.”

“Information provided by the Kern County Taxpayers Association is provided to its accounting firm. The accounting firm then prepares the 990 and other related tax documents. Upon completion of the tax returns preparation, the accounting firm then supplies the executive director and chairman of the board of directors of the Kern County Taxpayers Association with draft copies of the tax returns for their review. Upon the approval of the executive director and chairman, a final copy is printed and signed by the chairman. The tax returns are then submitted to the appropriate regulatory authorities.”

“The association relies upon guidestar.org, and other websites to display its information online. Additionally, upon written request, all governing documents, policies and financial statements are provided for review to the public.”