county waterworks district no. 41s municipal service review and

FRESNO LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION (LAFCO)
EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT
AGENDA ITEM NO. 15-A
DATE:
November 7, 2007
TO:
Fresno Local Agency Formation Commission
FROM:
Rick Ballantyne, Executive Officer
Darrel Schmidt, Deputy Executive Officer
SUBJECT:
Consider Adoption – Municipal Service Review and Sphere of
Influence Update prepared for County Waterworks District No. 41S
Summary / Background
The Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000 requires LAFCo to
review and update, as necessary, city or special district Spheres of Influence (SOI) before
January 1, 2008, and every five years thereafter. Prior to, or in conjunction with an agency’s
SOI update, LAFCo is required to conduct a Municipal Service Review (MSR) for each agency.
On December 13, 2006, the Commission directed staff to enter into a contract with Pacific
Municipal Consultants (PMC) to prepare MSRs and SOI Updates for numerous special districts.
The attached MSR and SOI Update have been prepared for County Waterworks District No.
41S.
Municipal Service Reviews provide a comprehensive review of the services provided by a city or
special district and present recommendations with regard to the condition and adequacy of
these services and whether or not any modifications to a city or district’s SOI is necessary.
MSRs can be used as informational tools by LAFCo and local agencies in evaluating the
efficiencies of current district operations and may suggest changes in order to better serve the
public.
SOI updates may involve an affirmation of the existing SOI boundaries or recommend
modifications to the SOI boundary. LAFCo is not required to initiate changes to an SOI based
on findings and recommendations of the service review, although it does have the power to do
so. Such updates are required by State law to be conducted every five years. MSRs are
required to be prepared prior to or in conjunction with SOI updates.
State law requires that the Commission in its consideration of the MSRs adopt written
determinations for each of the following nine criteria:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Infrastructure needs or deficiencies
Growth and population projections for the affected area
Financing constraints and opportunities
Cost avoidance opportunities
Opportunities for rate restructuring
Opportunities for shared facilities
Government structure options, including advantages and disadvantages of the
consolidation or reorganization of service providers
8. Evaluation of management efficiencies
1
9. Local accountability and governance
As part of the SOI update, if the Commission determines that modifications to a district’s SOI
boundary is appropriate, it is required to consider the following four criteria and make
appropriate determinations in relationship to each of the following criteria:
1. The present and planned land uses in the area, including agricultural and open-space
lands.
2. The present and probable need for public facilities and services in the area.
3. The present capacity of public facilities and adequacy of public services that the agency
provides or is authorized to provide.
4. The existence of any social or economic communities of interest in the area if the
commission determines that they are relevant to the agency.
There are seven County Waterworks Districts within the County of Fresno. These Districts
include County Waterworks District No’s. 18, 37, 38, 40, 41S, 41W, and 42. This report
addresses County Waterworks District No. 41S. County Waterworks District No. 41W also
appears on today’s agenda. County Waterworks District No’s. 18, 37, 38, 40, and 42 were
approved by the Commission at prior hearings.
County waterworks districts are dependent special districts formed pursuant to Division 10 of the
California Water Code Section 55000, et. seq. They are empowered to provide water for
domestic, agricultural, industrial, and fire protection purposes. They can also operate facilities
relative to the sale of water, treatment and reclamation of saline and wastewater, and sewage
collection. None of the waterworks districts in Fresno County provide the full-range of
empowered services.
Environmental Determination
The California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) requires that the Commission undertake and
review an environmental analysis before granting approval of a project, as defined by CEQA.
The MSR is categorically exempt from the preparation of environmental documentation under a
classification related to information gathering (Class 6 – Regulation section 15306), which
states: “Class 6 consists of basic data collection, research, experimental management, and
resource evaluation activities which do not result in a serious or major disturbance to an
environmental resource. These may be strictly for information gathering purposes, or as part of
a study leading to an action which a public agency has not yet approved, adopted, or funded.”
Indeed, this MSR collects data for the purpose of evaluating municipal services provided by the
agency. There is no land use change or environmental impact created by such a study.
Furthermore, the MSR qualifies for a general exemption from environmental review based upon
CEQA Regulation section 15061(b)(3) which states: The activity is covered by the general rule
that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on
the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity
in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to
CEQA”. Additionally, the SOI update qualifies for the same general exemption from
environmental review based upon CEQA Regulation section 15061(b)(3).
There is no possibility that this MSR or SOI update may have a significant effect on the
environment because there are no land use changes associated with either document. If the
Commission approves and adopts the MSR and SOI update and determines that the project is
exempt from CEQA, staff will prepare and file a notice of exemption with the County of Fresno,
as required by CEQA Regulation section 15062.
2
Discussion & Summary of Determinations
County Waterworks District No. 41S is a dependent special district located south of Shaver
Lake, primarily east and south of State Route 168. The District encompasses approximately
1,585 acres. Its SOI encompasses approximately 2,962 acres.
The District provides sewer service to 467 connections. An additional 235 vacant parcels pay a
sewer stand-by fee. The District is governed by the County Board of Supervisors and has a
seven-member Citizens Advisory Council made up from among the property owners in the
District. The Advisory Council acts as a liaison between the District and property owners. The
District is administered by the County of Fresno Department of Public Works and Planning,
Resources Division, which also supplies staff for monitoring, maintaining, and repairing District
infrastructure. County staff assigned to the District also administers five other county
waterworks districts and 32 county service areas (CSAs).
District infrastructure includes aeration ponds for wastewater, a collection system, and fire
hydrants. The District averages 30 new service connections annually. It is permitted by the
Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) to discharge up to 1.0 million
gallons per day of treated domestic wastewater. While the District’s existing infrastructure
appears to be adequate to continue provision of services to its customers, District staff has
recommended that an updated engineering assessment of existing and future infrastructure
needs for the District be performed. A timeline for completion of such a study was not identified.
The District’s FY 2006-07 Budget totaled $587,043. Operational and maintenances expenses
were projected to be $270,635. Additionally, the District planned to drawdown $256,344 in
reserves. The District’s expenses exceed its revenues. It is utilizing reserve funds to meet its
expenses.
The District is funded via bimonthly service fees. Fees range from $11.42 per month for
condominium sewer service to $16.79 for single-family residences. Fees were last revised prior
to the implementation of Proposition 218 in 1996. Upgrades to the system are financed through
user fees, grants, loans, and/or bonds.
The District avoids costs by utilizing County administrative and professional staff that serves
most of the county waterworks districts and all of the CSAs in the County. No other cost
avoidance opportunities were identified in the MSR.
The District provides fire hydrants which can be utilized for emergency purposes by outside
agencies. The County of Fresno provides shared quarters for County staff that administer both
county waterworks districts and county service areas. No other opportunities for shared
facilities were identified.
The County of Fresno has indicated it is interested in investigating whether it would be beneficial
to consolidate a number of special districts in the Shaver Lake area into County Service Area
(CSA) No. 31. These special districts include County Waterworks District Nos. 41S and 41W
and Sierra Cedars Community Service District (CSD). CSA No. 31 encompasses each of these
districts and the County notes that zones of benefit C, D, and F within CSA No. 31 receive
sewer service from Waterworks District No. 41S and water from Waterworks District No. 41W.
The fact that the County Board of Supervisors serves as the Board of Directors for CSA No. 31,
as well as Waterworks District Nos. 41S and 41W, could facilitate consolidation of these
3
districts. It should be noted, however, that the Board of Supervisors considered and denied a
similar reorganization in 1984.
Additionally, it should be noted that Sierra Cedars CSD is an independent special district and
reorganization would require approval of that District’s Board of Directors and/or its voters.
There has not been a formal evaluation regarding these possible reorganizations. Staff
recommends that the Commission encourage the County to investigate whether consolidation of
Waterworks District No. 41S, along with Waterworks District No. 41W and Sierra Cedars
Community Service District into County Service Area No. 31 would be beneficial to the districts
and their customers. No other governmental structure alternatives were identified in the MSR.
The County did not indicate any plans or desire to expand the District’s SOI. Staff recommends
the Commission update the District’s SOI by affirming its current boundary.
Recommendations:
A.
Acting as Lead Agency pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
Guidelines, find that prior to adopting the written determinations, the Municipal Service
Review and Sphere of Influence determinations under consideration are Categorically
Exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under
Section 15306, “Information Collection” and the general exemption from environmental
review, CEQA Regulation Section 15061(b)(3), and find that the SOI Update qualifies
for the same general exemption from environmental review based upon CEQA
Regulation Section 15061(b)(3).
B.
Find the Municipal Service Review and Sphere of Influence Update prepared for County
Waterworks District No. 41S are complete and satisfactory.
C.
Find that the written determinations within the Municipal Service Review and Sphere of
Influence Update satisfy State Law.
D.
Pursuant to Government Code Sections 56425 and 56430 make the required
determinations for the Municipal Service Review and District Sphere of Influence Update,
adopt the Municipal Service Review prepared for County Waterworks District No. 41S by
PMC, and update the Sphere of Influence for said District by reaffirming its current
boundaries.
E.
Encourage the County to investigate whether consolidating Waterworks District No. 41S,
along with Waterworks District No. 41W and Sierra Cedars Community Service District
into County Service Area No. 31 would be beneficial to the Districts and their customers.
F.
Direct staff to confer with the County of Fresno and Sierra Cedars CSD regarding the
possible consolidation of Waterworks District No. 41S and 41W and Sierra Cedars
Community Service District, into County Service Area No. 31.
G:\LAFCO WORKING FILES\NOVEMBER 7, 2007 HEARING\STAFF REPORT - WATERWORKS DISTRICT 41S MSR.doc
4
COUNTY WATERWORKS DISTRICT
NO. 41S
MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW AND
SPHERE OF INFLUENCE UPDATE
Report to the
Fresno Local Agency Formation Commission
Prepared by:
PMC
2729 Prospect Park Drive
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
November 2007
0.1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
0.1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
I.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY OF LAFCO
The Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg (CKH) Local Government Reorganization Act (Government
Code Section 56000 et seq) requires all Local Agency Formation Commissions (LAFCos),
including Fresno LAFCo, to conduct municipal service reviews (MSR) prior to updating the
spheres of influence (SOI) of the various cities and special districts in the County,
excluding community facility districts and school districts (Government Code Section
56430). The fundamental role of a LAFCo is to implement the CKH Act, providing for the
logical, efficient, and most appropriate formation of local municipalities, service areas,
and special districts. The focus of this MSR is to provide LAFCo with all necessary and
relevant information related to the provision of services by Waterworks District No. 41S.
II.
MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW PROCESS
The Municipal Service Review (MSR) and Sphere of Influence Update (SOI Update)
process is a comprehensive assessment of the ability of government agencies to
effectively and efficiently provide services to residents and users. The form and content
of the MSR/SOI Update is governed by requirements of the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local
Government Reorganization Act of 2000 (CKH Act) and the State of California’s LAFCo
MSR Guidelines (Guidelines), published in August 2003.
This MSR/SOI Update evaluates the structure and operation of the service providers and
discusses possible areas for improvement or coordination. Key sources for this study were
information gathered through research and interviews, as well as the Municipal Service
Review Guidelines published by the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR).
This MSR/SOI Update has been prepared for Fresno LAFCo in accordance with the
requirements of the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of
2000 as a means of identifying and evaluating public service providers within Fresno
County and possible changes to their Sphere of Influence (SOI).
III.
PURPOSE OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW
The MSR contains analysis and conclusions, referred in this document as determinations,
regarding nine topic areas set forth in the CKH Act. These areas of analysis contain the
essential operational and management aspects of each service provider, and together
constitute a review of the ability of each provider to meet the service demands of the
residents within their existing and potentially expanded boundary. The topic areas
represent the nine required topic areas set forth in the CKH act. Each report contains the
following sections:
Growth and Population
This section reviews projected growth within the existing service boundaries of the special
district and analyzes the growth potential within the service area and surrounding areas.
Infrastructure
This section analyzes whether sufficient infrastructure and capital are in place, and
reviews capabilities for accommodating future growth in service demands.
Fresno LAFCo, November 2007
Public Review Draft Municipal Service Review
0.1-1
#.#-1
Financing Constraints and Opportunities
0.1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This section evaluates the way the district is funded and possible opportunities to
increase funding if needed.
Cost Avoidance Opportunities
This section evaluates factors affecting the financing of needed improvements, including
outstanding opportunities and utilized opportunities for service providers to reduce costs.
Rate Restructuring
The fiscal history of the service provider and rate structure is evaluated to determine
viability and ability to meet existing and expanded service demands.
Opportunities for Shared Facilities
This section evaluates the existing sharing of facilities and the ability to share facilities with
other service providers.
Evaluation of Management Efficiencies
This section evaluates the overall managerial practices.
Government Structure
This section evaluates the ability of the service provider to meet its demands under its
existing government structure. This includes discussion of potential reorganizations or
other forms of governance that may result in the more efficient provision of services to
local residents. Consideration of boundaries and their adequacy is also a key
component of this analysis.
Local Accountability
This section examines how well the service provider makes its processes transparent to
the public and invites and encourages public participation.
IV.
SERVICE PROVIDERS
This document contains MSRs/SOI Updates for various water and wastewater providers
within Fresno County. The determinations and findings reached are based upon surveys
of agency representatives, meetings, and assessments of existing documents.
Waterworks Districts
Waterworks districts are dependent special districts, formed pursuant to Division 16 of the
California Water Code Section 55000, et seq. Waterworks districts are empowered to
provide water for domestic, agricultural, industrial, and fire protection purposes.
Waterworks districts may also operate facilities relative to the sale of water, treatment
and reclamation of saline and wastewater, and sewage collection. Waterworks District
No. 41S is analyzed in this MSR.
0.1-2
Public Review Draft Municipal Service Review
Fresno LAFCo, November 2007
3.6 WATERWORKS DISTRICT NO. 41S
WATERWORKS DISTRICT NO. 41S
sewer
CONTACT INFORMATION
Address:
2281 Tulare St
Fresno, CA 93721
Website:
www.co.fresno.ca.us
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION
Governing Body:
County Board of Supervisors
Board Members:
Bob Waterston
Susan B. Anderson
Henry Perea
Phil Larson
Judy Case
Board Meetings:
Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Staffing:
Special District Administrator, three Staff Analysts, one
Accountant, one Supervising Water/Wastewater Specialist, six
Water/Wastewater Specialists, and one Craft Maintenance
Trainee
Expires Jan. 5, 2009
Expires Jan. 5, 2009
Expires Jan. 5, 2009
Expires Jan. 3, 2011
Expires Jan. 3, 2011
SERVICE INFORMATION
Empowered Services:
Water, Sewer, Fire protection
Services Provided:
Sewer
Latent Powers:
Water and Fire protection
Area Served:
Unknown
Population Served:
Community sewer service is provided to properties South of
Shaver Lake.
The District currently serves 467 sewer
connections. There are 235 vacant parcels which pay a sewer
stand by fee.
Infrastructure:
Aeration ponds for wastewater, fire hydrants (though the District
indicated only the aeration ponds, infrastructure is likely to
include a collection system)
FISCAL INFORMATION
Budget:
$587,043
Sources of Funding:
Service fees
Rate Structure:
Sewer service fees are $16.79 for residential, $11.42 for
condominium, plus an additional Health Department
Surveillance fee of $1.74 per connection.
ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES
Master Plan:
No
Boundary Updated:
No
Policies/Procedures: Yes
By-laws: No
SOI Updated: No
Other: No
Fresno LAFCo, November 2007
Municipal Service Review
3.6-1
3.6 WATERWORKS DISTRICT NO. 41S
3.6
I.
WATERWORKS DISTRICT NO. 41S
SETTING
Fresno County Waterworks District No. 41S - Sewer (District) was founded in 1972, and is a
dependent special district pursuant to Division 16 of the California Water Code Section
55000, et seq. Waterworks districts are empowered to provide water for domestic,
agricultural, industrial, and fire protection purposes. Waterworks districts may also
operate facilities relative to the sale of water, treatment and reclamation of saline and
wastewater, and sewage collection.
The District provides sewer service within its boundaries.
Area Served
All services are provided within the District’s boundaries. There are however several
independent water districts within the Shaver Lake area that perform water services.
The District is located just south of Shaver Lake, along Highway 168, with the bulk of the
District’s area occurring to the east of the highway. The District’s boundaries are irregular
and include areas of development along Bretz Mill Road, Outcrop Road and Woody
Lane, Littlefield Road, Ridge Road and Woodland Road. The boundaries of the District
are shown on the map attached as Figure 3.6-1.
Services Provided
The District provides sewer service to the District’s residents. No other services are
currently provided by the District.
II.
GROWTH AND POPULATION
The District provides community sewer service to properties south of Shaver Lake. The
District currently serves 467 sewer connections. There are 235 vacant parcels which pay
a sewer stand by fee.
The District’s service demands are historically based on monitoring sewage flows. The
District averages approximately 30 new service connections per year. The Citizens
Advisory Council, which is a volunteer property owner group, makes recommendations
to the Board related to the adequacy of the level of service. The Shaver Lake Specific
Plan is used as the current growth rate model.
III.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Existing Infrastructure Facilities and Conditions
The District’s existing infrastructure includes extended aeration ponds for wastewater.
Existing infrastructure is sufficient to accommodate future development.
The District operates under the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board
(RWQCB) and was issued order number 95-264. In 1980 the CRWQCB issued an order
allowing the District to discharge 1.0 million gallons per day of treated domestic
wastewater. The District did not provide information related to the specifications of the
wastewater treatment plant or the District’s compliance history.
3.6-2
Municipal Service Review
Fresno LAFCo, November 2007
T:\_GIS\FRESNO_COUNTY\MXDS\FRESNO_LAFCO\WWD_41S.MXD - 10/22/2007 @ 11:20:01 AM
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Sha
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Di
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Cr
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Toll
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Legend
District SOI
Source: Fresno LAFCo 2007, PMC 2007
1,200
0
FEET
1,200
District Area
Figure 3.6-1
Waterworks District No. 41S
Planned Facilities
3.6 WATERWORKS DISTRICT NO. 41S
An updated engineering assessment of the existing and future infrastructure needs is
recommended, but the District did not provide any specific information regarding dayto-day maintenance activities or long term plans for facilities.
IV.
FINANCING AND RATE RESTRUCTURING
The County provided financial statements for Fiscal Years (FYs) 2000-02, as well as the
District’s proposed budget for FY 2006-07. Additional information was given in response to
PMC’s questionnaire. All information provided by the District was analyzed in the
preparation of this MSR.
Financial statements for Fiscal Years (FY) 2000-02, as well as the District’s proposed
budget for FY 2006-07 were reviewed to determine the fiscal status, assess financial
practices, and review pertinent management findings.
According to the audit of FY 2000-02, the District’s total assets were $7,429,234. This
included $3,247,604 from sewer funds. The District had $423,600 in combined liabilities for
water and sewer, with $182,828 from sewer funds. Of the total $423,600 in liabilities
$290,000 was from general obligation bonds divided evenly between water; $145,000
and sewer; $145,000. This left the District with $7,005,634 in net assets; $3,064,776 from
sewer funds.
Sewer expenses were $302,528 and the charges for service were $176,211 leaving a
deficit of $126,317. Property tax allocation and investment earnings contributed to the
District’s revenues and over FY 2000-02, the District had a net income of $174,809.
The FY 2006-07 total budget was $587,043. The District projected operation and
maintenance expenses of $270,635. The District’s budget also allocated funds for Fixed
Assets ($30,000), Contingencies ($30,064) and General Reserves ($256,344). Sources of
funding for the 2006-067 budget included Carryover funds ($429,563), tax revenues
($39,000), interest income ($12,000), charges for service ($97,682) and annual fees
($8,798).
Bimonthly service fees fund the District. Fees were last revised prior to the enacting of
Proposition 218 in 1996. Current fees are $16.79 per month for residential sewer service,
$11.42 per month for condominium sewer service, plus an annual Health Department
Surveillance fee of $1.74 per connection.
Upgrades to the District’s infrastructure are financed through the District’s reserve funds,
existing user fees and any available loan, grant or bond program.
V.
COST AVOIDANCE OPPORTUNITIES
This section of the MSR considers the potential cost avoidance opportunities available to
each service provider. Cost avoidance opportunities include any potential sources of
reduction in costs associated with service provision, and any other capital or operational
actions or programs which may result in a more efficient and streamlined provision of
services to the properties within the service area. This analysis includes both potential
and previously implemented cost avoidance measures.
3.6-4
Municipal Service Review
Fresno LAFCo, November 2007
VI.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR SHARED FACILITIES
The District is housed in County buildings. Staff and facilities are common to multiple
waterworks districts operated by the County.
There are no other outstanding
opportunities for shared facilities.
VII.
GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT EFFICIENCIES
County Waterworks districts are dependent special districts formed pursuant to Division
16 of the California Water Code Section 55000, et seq. Waterworks districts are
empowered to provide water for domestic, agricultural, industrial, and fire protection
purposes. The district can operate facilities relative to the sale of water, treatment and
reclamation of saline and wastewater, and sewage collection. The District currently
provides sewer service to the members of the District. County Waterworks District No. 41S
is a dependent special district which is governed by the members of the County Board of
Supervisors. The District, under its current legal form, is able to function under its current
government structure. The current government structure is able to provide adequate
service within district boundaries.
3.6 WATERWORKS DISTRICT NO. 41S
The District avoids costs by utilizing the administrative and professional staff of the County
and by having the District’s governing body be the County Board of Supervisors.
The County of Fresno has indicated it is interested in investigating whether it would be
beneficial to consolidate a number of special districts in the Shaver Lake area into
County Service Area (CSA) No. 31. These Districts include Waterworks District No. 41S,
Waterworks District No. 41W, and Sierra Cedars Community Service District. The
boundary of CSA No. 31 encompasses the boundaries of each of these other three
Districts. The County also notes that zones of benefit C, D, & F within CSA No. 31 receive
sewer service from Waterworks District No. 41S and water service from Waterworks District
No. 41W.
The Fresno County Board of Supervisors serves as the Board of Directors for Waterworks
District No. 41S, Waterworks District No. 41W, and CSA No. 31. This could help to facilitate
consolidation of these Districts, should the Board choose to consolidate the Districts. The
County noted that the Board of Supervisors considered consolidation of Waterworks
District Nos. 41S and 41W into CSA No. 31 in 1984, but that the proposed reorganization
was not approved.
It is also noted that Sierra Cedars Community Service District is an independent special
district and any potential change of organization of this District would require approval of
the District’s Board of Directors and likely approval by the voters within the District. There
has not been a formal evaluation to determine specific benefits or detriments that might
result from a consolidation of these Districts. A formal evaluation would be necessary
before initiating any change of organization. No additional government structure
options have been identified.
District operations and maintenance are performed by members of the County Public
Works and Planning Department. Relevant Public Works personnel consist of a Special
District Administrator, three Staff Analysts, one Accountant, one Supervising
Water/Wastewater Specialist, six Water/Wastewater Specialists, and one Craft
Maintenance Trainee. See Figure 3.6-2 for the District’s organizational chart. According
Fresno LAFCo, November 2007
Municipal Service Review
3.6-5
#.#-5
3.6 WATERWORKS DISTRICT NO. 41S
3.6-6
to staff, this level of personnel is adequate to serve the District, and perform required
services.
The District communicates openly with the County. The District also relies on the County
for administrative functions. Open communication allows property owners an avenue to
express any concerns.
Municipal Service Review
Fresno LAFCo, November 2007
5.6 WATERWORKS DISTRICT NO. 41
FIGURE 3.6-2: WATERWORKS NO. 41S ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
County of Fresno
Department of Public Works & Planning
Director of Public Works & Planning
Design
Division
Construction
Division
Deputy
Director of
Public Works
Computer Data
Systems
Financial &
Administrative
Services
Maintenance &
Operations
Division
Resources
Division &
Resources
Management
Capitol Projects
Division
Administration
Community
Development
Division
Development
Services
Division
Transportation
Planning
Special Districts Administrator
Staff Analysts
(3)
Accountant
(1)
Supervising Water/Wastewater Specialist
(1)
Water/Wastewater Specialists
(6)
Craft Maintenance Trainee
Administrative Draft Municipal Service Review
Fresno LAFCo, November 2007
5.6-7
3.6 WATERWORKS DISTRICT NO. 41S
VIII.
LOCAL ACCOUNTABILITY
The County Board of Supervisors meets approximately 31 times per year. Meetings are
held on the designated Tuesdays. These meetings are held at the Fresno County Board
Chambers, Room 301 Hall of Records, 2281 Tulare Street in Fresno.
Agendas are posted at the hall of records as well as on the County website at
www.co.fresno.ca.us.
As previously mentioned, the Citizen’s Advisory Council is made up of District members
who act as the liaison between the district and the property owners. Their role is advisory
and is instrumental in determining the level of service provided to the District.
While there have been no formal surveys, Public Works personnel feel that they are
providing the District with the requested level of services. There are no performance
measures for customer satisfaction. Staff is typically made aware of positive and
negative feedback during public meetings. Existing customers are provided with equal
service opportunities.
IX.
SPHERE OF INFLUENCE RECOMMENDATIONS
The Sphere of Influence (SOI) recommendations analyze the appropriateness of the
District’s SOI boundaries, relative to the capabilities of the service provider and future
growth.
1) The present and planned land uses in the area, including agricultural and open
space lands.
Waterworks District No. 41S did not provide any information related to land uses
within the District, and did not indicate any anticipated changes in the land uses
in the District.
2) The present and probable need for public facilities and services in the area.
Waterworks District No. 41S recommended an updated engineering assessment
of the existing and future infrastructure needs.
3) The present capacity of public facilities and adequacy of public services that the
agency provides or is authorized to provide.
According to Public Works personnel Waterworks District No. 41S’s infrastructure is
sufficient to accommodate future development; however, an updated
engineering assessment of the existing and future infrastructure needs is
recommended by staff.
4) The existence of any social or economic communities of interest in the area if the
commission determines that they are relevant to the agency.
Waterworks District No. 41S did not indicate that there are any communities of
interest in the District.
3.6-8
Municipal Service Review
Fresno LAFCo, November 2007
MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW DETERMINATIONS
Growth and Population – Waterworks District No. 41S grows by about 30 connections per
year.
Infrastructure – Waterworks District No. 41S appears to have adequate infrastructure to
serve the District’s residents, but Staff has recommended an updated engineering
assessment of the existing and future infrastructure needs.
Financing Constraints and Opportunities – Waterworks District No. 41S expenses currently
exceed revenues. The existing budget is balanced through use of reserves.
Rate Restructuring – Waterworks District No. 41S’s fees were revised in 1996 prior to the
enacting of Proposition 218. A Proposition 218 hearing would be required to raise existing
fees.
Cost Avoidance Opportunities – Waterworks District No. 41S appears to utilize a sufficient
range of cost avoidance measures including utilizing County Public Works staff to provide
day-to-day and ongoing maintenance to the district.
3.6 WATERWORKS DISTRICT NO. 41S
X.
Opportunities for Shared Facilities – Waterworks District No. 41S does not share facilities
other than making fire hydrants available to other agencies in case of emergencies, as
well as joint use of staff for management and operations.
Government Structure Options – Waterworks District No. 41S is a dependent District and is
operating efficiently. The overall management structure of the District is sufficient to
account for necessary services and maintain operations in an effective manner. The
County of Fresno has indicated that it is interested in investigating whether consolidation
of the District with Waterworks District No. 41W, CSA No. 31 and Sierra Cedars Community
Services District may be beneficial to the Districts and their customers.
Evaluation of Management Efficiencies – Waterworks District No. 41S appears to operate
efficiently and to provide adequate service to the District.
Local Accountability – Waterworks District No. 41S appears to maintain a sufficient level
of accountability in its governance and public meetings appear to be held in
compliance with the Brown Act. As a dependent district, the County Board of
Supervisors is the governing entity of the District. The Board of Supervisors is elected and
holds regular meetings at which time the public has the opportunity to comment.
Information regarding the District is readily available to members of the public.
XI.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Pacific Municipal Consultants, Survey Response from Patrick Hinds, February 2007.
Fresno LAFCo, November 2007
Municipal Service Review
3.6-9