Administration & Transparency

The Board of Commissioners provides leadership and oversight for the Big Bear Lake Department of Water and Power, guiding policy decisions that ensure reliable service and long-term water sustainability for the community. Each Commissioner brings unique experience and perspective to their role, working together to represent the interests of DWP customers and the broader Big Bear Valley.

Bob Tarras has served on the DWP Board of Commissioners since 2007. Bob was reappointed by City Council in 2011 and 2015, serving as Vice-Chair in 2015 and serving as Chair as of February 26, 2019. 

Barbara Willey previously served on the DWP Board of Commissioners from 2003 to 2009.  She served on the Bear Valley Healthcare District board from 2012 to 2018. She was re-appointed to the DWP board in 2018 and began her term as Vice Chair as of February 26, 2019. Retired from International Trade and Logistics, Barbara served on many National and Regional boards, including AAEI (American Association of Exporters and Importers), TMA (Toy Manufacturer’s Association) and Southern California FTA (Foreign Trade Association) and the CCIT (California Council for International Trade).

Craig Hjorth was appointed to the DWP Board of Commissioners in 2013, serving as Treasurer since 2015. 

Joe Cylwik, a licensed civil engineer and Loyola University graduate, has extensive experience in infrastructure development and operations across the private sector, public utilities, and government agencies. His career includes projects worldwide with Fluor Corporation and AirTouch Cellular, followed by over a decade providing consulting engineering services to the City of Big Bear Lake, where he managed major municipal improvements ranging from streets and drainage to solar systems, parks, and pedestrian facilities.

Matt Scriven was appointed to the DWP Board of Commissioners in 2025. 

The Board of Commissioners meets regularly to discuss policy, review operations, and make decisions that guide the Department’s services and long-term planning. Regular meetings are held at 9 a.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month in the DWP Board Room at 41972 Garstin Dr., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315, where public comments are welcomed and encouraged.

2026 DWP Board Meetings

The Department’s annual budget outlines how public funds are allocated to maintain reliable water service, invest in infrastructure, and plan for future needs. Each fiscal year’s budget is reviewed and adopted by the Board of Commissioners and made available here for public transparency.

Development impact fees represent cost passed on to new development to offset infrastructure build out required to meet increased demand from the development. DWP charges development impact fees in the form of capacity charges. Development impact fee reports detail how collected fees are used to expand and improve water system infrastructure needed to support new growth. These reports ensure transparency in how development contributes to system expansion.

The Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) provides a detailed look at DWP’s financial position, including audited statements and analysis of revenues, expenses, and assets. It reflects DWP’s ongoing commitment to accountability and sound fiscal management. DWP’s reports as an enterprise fund of the City of Big Bear Lake. DWP’s financial statements are included with the City’s financial statements. DWP financial information is referred to as Business-Type Activities Water Utility in the ACFR.

Senate Bill 272 (SB 272) requires local agencies to create and post a catalog of all enterprise systems that store information about the public. This mandate applies to all California special districts, cities, and counties.

Under Government Code Section 6270.5, an enterprise system is defined as any software application or computer system that collects, stores, exchanges, or analyzes information used by the agency and meets at least one of the following criteria:

• It is a multi-departmental system or contains information collected about the public.
• It serves as a system of record—meaning it is the original source of data within the agency.

Enterprise systems do not include cybersecurity systems, infrastructure or mechanical control systems, or information that could expose vulnerabilities or increase the potential for a cyberattack. Section 6270.5 also does not automatically require disclosure of specific records within these systems, though other provisions of the Public Records Act may still apply.

In compliance with SB 272, the following is the City of Big Bear Lake Department of Water and Power’s Enterprise System Catalog.

DWP actively manages risk to ensure reliable water service for our community. We assess potential threats, plan for emergencies, and maintain strong safeguards to protect infrastructure, personnel and operations.

If you believe you’ve experienced damage related to DWP operations, please submit a Notice of Claim using the form below. Claims are reviewed promptly and handled in accordance with City and DWP Policies.

The Department accepts applications from qualified individuals interested in joining the team that provides safe, reliable water service to the Big Bear Lake community. As a California Equal Opportunity Employer, DWP is committed to fair hiring practices and consideration of all applicants without discrimination. Current job openings and application materials are available here.

The Big Bear Lake Department of Water and Power values transparency and fairness in employment practices. This section provides information about employee compensation, benefits, and working conditions as established by DWP policy and applicable regulations.