Butte County Resource Conservation District MSR and SOI Plan Update

FINAL MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW AND SPHERE OF INFLUENCE PLAN UPDATE FOR THE BUTTE COUNTY RESOURCE CONSERVATION DISTRICT Prepared by the Butte Local Agency Formation Commission MARCH 7, 2019 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 2 BUTTE COUNTY RESOURCE CONSERVATION DISTRICT 7 MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW FACTORS 10 SPHERE OF INFLUENCE REVIEW FACTORS 26 ADOPTING RESOLUTION AND APPROVED SOI MAP 29 COMMENTS RECEIVED 32 GLOSSARY 42 APPENDIX 46 ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 1 INTRODUCTION LAFCO Established in 1963, Local Agency Formation Commissions (LAFCO) are responsible for administering California Government Code Section 56000 et. seq., which is known as the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000 (CKH). CKH charges LAFCO's with encouraging the orderly formation and development of all local governmental agencies in their respective counties in a manner that preserves agricultural and open-space lands, promotes the efficient extension of municipal services, and prevents urban sprawl. Principle duties include regulating boundary changes through annexations or detachments, approving or disapproving city incorporations; and forming, consolidating, or dissolving special districts. There is a LAFCO located in each of the 58 counties in California. Sphere of Influence Under the CKH, LAFCO's are required to “develop and determine the sphere of influence of each local governmental agency within the county and enact policies designed to promote logical and orderly development of areas within the sphere” (CKH §56425). A Sphere of Influence (SOI) is generally considered a 20-year, long-range planning tool, and is defined by Government Code (GC) §56425 as “. . . a plan for the probable physical boundary and service area of a local agency. . ..” The sphere indicates the logical area in which the jurisdiction anticipates services will be needed and can be provided. According to the CHK, LAFCO's are required to, as necessary, review and update SOI's every five years. A SOI is a long-range planning tool that analyzes the physical boundary of a local agency or jurisdiction, and the present and probable need for services within that area. As such, it does not give property inside the sphere boundary any more development rights than already exist as land use authority in these areas remains entirely at the discretion of the County of Butte. Realistically, an agency’s SOI is solely reactive to the land use decisions already adopted by the agencies with land use authority. Ultimately, an SOI study assists LAFCO in making decisions about a change in a jurisdiction’s future service area boundary. Butte LAFCO policies allow for different categories of spheres of influence including:  "Growth" spheres that are larger than an agency's jurisdictional boundaries and anticipates a need to expand services to new territory;  "Coterminous" spheres which mirror the agency's jurisdictional boundaries and indicates no additional service expansions are needed or an inability to expand services; and  "Zero" spheres, which indicate the agency cannot or does not provide any services and should be considered for a merger or dissolved altogether. ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 2  A “minus” sphere when it has determined that some territory within the agency’s jurisdictional boundaries is not in need of all or some of the agency’s services, or when the agency has not feasible plans to provide efficient and adequate service to the territory in question.  A “limited or service specific” sphere designation for territory outside the agency’s jurisdiction that may require some-but not all-of the services that the agency is authorized to provide. Establishing the appropriate sphere category can be challenging as individual circumstances can vary between agencies. City spheres, which may convey future land use entitlements, are more scrutinized for growth impacts than a mosquito abatement district. Although a helpful tool for future planning, a sphere of influence determination does not convey any specific entitlements to landowners nor require an agency to guarantee services should priorities change. Pursuant to Butte LAFCO's Operations Manual Policies and Procedures, the SOI Plan for all government agencies within LAFCO’s jurisdiction shall contain the following: 1. A map defining the probable 20-year boundary of its service area and coordinated with the Municipal Service Review. 2. Maps and explanatory text delineating the present land uses in the area, including, without limitation, improved and unimproved parcels; actual commercial, industrial, and residential uses; agricultural and open space lands; and the proposed future land uses in the area. 3. The present and probable need for public facilities and services in the sphere area. The discussion should include consideration of the need for all types of major facilities, not just those provided by the agency. 4. The present capacity of public facilities and adequacy of public services which the agency provides or is authorized to provide. 5. Identification of any relevant social or economic communities of interest in the area. 6. Existing population and projected population at build-out of the near- and long- term spheres of the agency. 7. A Municipal Service Review. ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 3 Municipal Service Review The CKH requires that a Municipal Service Review (MSR) be conducted prior to, or in conjunction with, the adoption or update of an SOI plan. A MSR is a comprehensive analysis of service provision by each of the special districts, cities, and the unincorporated county service areas within the legislative authority of the LAFCO. It essentially evaluates the capability of a jurisdiction to serve its existing residents and future development in its SOI. The legislative authority for conducting MSRs is provided in §56430 of the CKH, which states “. . . in order to prepare and to update Spheres of Influence in accordance with §56425, LAFCO's are required to conduct a MSR of the municipal services provided in the County…” Pursuant to CKH §56430, in order to update a SOI, the associated MSR must have written determinations that address the following factors: 1. Growth and population projections for the affected area. 2. The location and characteristics of any disadvantaged unincorporated communities within or contiguous to the sphere of influence. 3. Present and planned capacity of public facilities, adequacy of public services, and infrastructure needs or deficiencies including needs or deficiencies related to sewers, municipal and industrial water, and structural fire protection in any disadvantaged, unincorporated communities within or contiguous to the sphere of influence. 4. Financial ability of agencies to provide services. 5. Status of, and opportunities for, shared facilities. 6. Accountability for community service needs, including governmental structure and operational efficiencies. 7. Any other matter related to effective or efficient service delivery, as required by commission policy. These determinations must be determined by the Commission before, or concurrently with, the sphere review and update for the Butte County Resource Conservation District (BCRCD). Sphere of Influence Plan Update Process Butte LAFCO is now in the process of updating the SOI Plan for the BCRCD. There are numerous factors to consider in reviewing a SOI Plan, including current and anticipated land uses, facilities, and services, as well as any relevant communities of interest. Updates generally involve a comprehensive review of the entire SOI Plan, including boundary and SOI maps and the completion of a MSR. In reviewing an agency’s ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 4 sphere, the Commission is required to consider and prepare written statements addressing five factors enumerated under GC §56425(e). These factors are identified below. 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. 5. For an update of a sphere of influence of a city or special district that provides public facilities or services related to sewers, municipal and industrial water, or structural fire protection, that occurs pursuant to subdivision (g) on or after July 1, 2012, the present and probable need for those public facilities and services of any disadvantaged unincorporated communities within the existing sphere of influence. California Resource Conservation Districts Resource Conservation Districts (RCDs), formerly known as soil conservation districts, are considered special districts within the State of California. Under California law, RCDs are locally-governed agencies with their own locally-appointed and independent board of directors. RCDs are not county government agencies, and are regulated by each the county's LAFCO as special district. RCD's often work in cooperation with county governments. Under Division 9 of the California Public Resources Code (PRC), RCDs function to a certain degree as enterprise districts, as they are empowered to charge reasonable fees for services rendered to individuals. Although not governed directly by the state, special districts, such as RCDs, are subject to state laws governing elections, responsibilities, conducting meetings, and other activities. Soil conservation districts were originally empowered to manage soil and water resources for conservation purposes; however, these powers were expanded in the early 1970s to include "related resources," such as fish and wildlife habitat. In 1971, Soil Conservation Districts were renamed to RCDs to reflect this expansion in scope and powers. Today, there are approximately 102 RCDs in California, including one district in Butte County. ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 5 RCDs manage a variety of resource conservation projects, including soils and water conservation, wildlife habitat enhancement and restoration, control of exotic plant species, watershed restoration, conservation planning and many others. RCDs also provide educational outreach on these programs to landowners, schools, and community organizations. Most RCDs receive little regular funding through local taxation, relying heavily on grants and other types of fundraising to remain in operation. RCDs and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NCRS) share common conservation goals and have a close working relationship. At the request of an RCD, USDA NRCS will appoint a local district conservationist in an effort to provide technical assistance to districts, as well as act as a liaison between the district and federal programs. Local USDA NRCS offices also frequently employ other specialists, such as soil conservationists and engineers, to provide technical assistance to RCDs. ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 6 DISTRICT DATA SHEET BUTTE COUNTY RESOURCE CONSERVATION DISTRICT Address: 150 Chuck Yeager Way, Oroville, CA 95965 Phone: (530) 534-0122, ext. 122 Webpage: www.bcrcd.org Contact: David Lee, Board President Address: 150 Chuck Yeager Way, Oroville, CA 95965 Phone: 530-521-4707 E-Mail: ssadave@comcast.net GOVERNING BOARD The District is governed by a five member Board of Directors, who are appointed by the Butte County Board of Supervisors to serve four-year, staggered terms. The Board of Directors meet at 9:00 a.m. on the third Thursday of every month in the Truckee Conference Room located at 202 Mira Loma Drive in Oroville, CA. FORMATION INFORMATION LAFCO Conducting Authority Resolution No.: 08 2001/02 Butte County Board of Supervisors Date Adopted: April 6, 2001 Date Adopted: April 23, 2002 Effective Formation Date: April 26, 2002 Resolution No.: 02-062 PURPOSE AREA SERVED 1. Enabling Legislation: Public Resources 1. Supervisorial District: 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 Code, Division 9 [9001-9972]. 2. No. of Parcels: 46,713 2. Authorized Services: Management of 3. District Size: 1,027640.9 acres soil, water, fish and wildlife habitat. 4. Estimated Population: 80,534 3. Provided Services: Through grants and 5. Location: Unincorporated territory of other funding, addresses soil and water Butte County w/the sole exclusion of conservation issues, manages water the northwest corner of the County, run-off and sedimentation of natural bordering Tehama County. water ways. 6. SOI: Coterminous. FINANCIAL INFORMATION Revenue sources include intergovernmental revenues, mainly through securing federal and state grants, agreements and contracts. ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 7 Figure 2.1 Butte County Resource Conservation District ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 8 District Summary The District was formed in 2002 to address a need for active resource management in the County. At the time, it was considered a useful approach to obtain grants and other funding from both public and private sources to address the conservation issues including, but not limited to soil and water conservation, the control of runoff, the prevention; and control of soil erosion and erosion stabilization in open areas, agricultural areas, wildlife areas, watershed areas, timberlands and other non-urban lands and the treatment of such land according to its needs. According to the District's website, its mission is to protect, enhance, and support Butte County natural resources and agriculture by working with willing land owners and citizens through education, land management, and on-the-ground projects. The District is governed by a five member Board of Directors, who are appointed by the Butte County Board of Supervisors. The Board of Directors meet at 9:00 a.m. on the third Thursday of every month in the Truckee Conference Room, located at 202 Mira Loma Drive in Oroville, CA. ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 9 MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW FACTORS Pursuant to GC §56430, in order to update a SOI for a city or special district, the associated MSR must include written determinations that address various factors regarding the ability of the subject agency to provide services, as listed below: 1. Growth and population projections for the affected area. 2. The location and characteristics of any disadvantaged unincorporated communities within or contiguous to the sphere of influence. 3. Present and planned capacity of public facilities, adequacy of public services, and infrastructure needs or deficiencies including needs or deficiencies related to sewers, municipal and industrial water, and structural fire protection in any disadvantaged, unincorporated communities within or contiguous to the sphere of influence. 4. Financial ability of agencies to provide services. 5. Status of, and opportunities for, shared facilities. 6. Accountability for community service needs, including governmental structure and operational efficiencies. 7. Any other matter related to effective or efficient service delivery, as required by commission policy. The following provides an analysis of the seven categories or components required by GC §56430 for the MSR for the BCRCD. MSR Factor No. 1: Growth and Population Projects for the Affected Area The District encompasses 46,713 parcels or approximately 1,606 square miles of unincorporated territory of Butte County with the sole exclusion of the northwest corner of the County, bordering Tehama County which at the time of formation was a part of the Vina Resource Conservation District. In accordance with its formation conditions, the incorporated territories of Biggs, Chico, Gridley, Oroville and Paradise are not included within the District. The District has no land use authority; therefore, it does not have a role in developing or implementing growth strategies. The land use authority for unincorporated areas is Butte County. ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 10 The District's estimated population is approximately 80,534 and its growth varies by location. The following table provides population data for Butte County for the years 2010 to 2017:1 2010- Compound 2017 Annual Growth Growth Rate 4/1/10 1/1/11 1/1/12 1/1/13 1/1/14 1/1/15 1/1/16 1/1/17 Rate 2010-2016 Biggs 1,707 1,711 1,703 1,713 1,708 1,767 1,899 1,905 11.6% 1.6% Chico 86,187 86,819 88,068 89,283 90,217 91,306 92,117 93,383 8.4%* 1.2% Gridley 6,584 6,585 6,519 6,648 6,655 6,654 6,663 6,704 1.8% 0.26% Oroville 15,546 15,532 15,524 15,989 15,994 16,139 17,999 18,037 16.0%* 2.25% Paradise 26,218 26,215 25,915 25,759 25,769 25,739 25,755 25,841 -1.4% -0.21% Unincorporated 83,758 83,966 83,335 82,949 82,958 82,862 80,270 80,534 -3.8%* -0.6% Incorporated 136,242 136,862 137,729 139,392 140,343 141,605 144,433 145,870 7.0%* 1% County Total 220,000 220,828 221,064 222,341 223,301 224,467 224,703 226,404 2.9% 0.4% *The increases, or decreases, in these populations were due in large part to annexations of developed unincorporated parcels to the cities. As a whole, the County's growth rate for 2010 to 2017 was 2.9 percent, a compound annual growth rate of approximately 0.4 percent. The population growth rate during this period was lower than previous years due to the slowdown in the economy and in the housing market that began in 2008. MSR Determination 1.1: The District's current population projection is 80,534 and is anticipated to grow at an annual rate of approximately one percent. This increase will have little impact on the District's ability to provide services. MSR Factor No. 2: The Location and Characteristics of any Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities within or Contiguous to the Sphere of Influence In accordance with CKH, §56425-56430, LAFCO is required to address the location and characteristics of any disadvantaged unincorporated communities within or contiguous to a special district's sphere of influence if that city or special district provides sewer, municipal and industrial water, or structural fire protection services. As a California RCD, the District was formed in 2002 pursuant to Division 9 of the PRC with the purpose of performing natural resource conservation work within its boundaries. The District does not provide domestic water, fire protection or wastewater services. Therefore, pursuant to CKH, §56425(e)(5); LAFCO is not required to address disadvantaged communities within the MSR. 1 State of California, Department of Finance, E-4 Population Estimates for Cities, Counties, and the State, 2011-2017, with 2010 Census Benchmark. Sacramento, California, May 2017. ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 11 MSR Determination 2.1: The District does not provide domestic water, fire protection or wastewater services. Therefore, pursuant to CKH, §56425(e)(5); LAFCO is not required to address disadvantaged communities within the MSR. MSR Factor No. 3: Present and Planned Capacity of Public Facilities, Adequacy of Public Services, and Infrastructure Needs or Deficiencies including Needs or Deficiencies related to Sewers, Municipal and Industrial Water, and Structural Fire Protection in any Disadvantaged, Unincorporated Communities within or Contiguous to the Sphere of Influence Adequacy of Public Services Pursuant to Division 9 of the PRC, the District is authorized to:  To obtain grants and other funding from public and private sources.  To address soil and water conservation issues including the prevention of soil erosion and erosion stabilization in open areas, agricultural areas, wildlife areas, watershed areas, timberlands and other non-urban lands where these functions are not presently being addressed by another local agency or where a collaborative agreement has been reached with an affected local agency to manage an identified need.  To control water run-off and sedimentation of natural waterways provided such products do not conflict with existing water reclamation or irrigation facilities operated by an existing local agency unless a cooperative agreement is approved by all agencies. The District provides services in conjunction with the USDA NRCS office located at 150 Chuck Yeager Way, Oroville, California. This includes sharing an office space, equipment and staff resources. Both agencies work together in their outreach efforts to introduce emerging conservation technologies to landowners and community leaders in Butte County. In addition, they work together in providing leadership in facilitating community and land management forums to encourage the formulation of effective and practical conservational policies and practices. In preparing this MSR-SOI Update, LAFCO provided the District with an evaluation questionnaire related to various topics. With respect to services, the District states that ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 12 it currently provides the following services through a coordinated effort with other affected agencies:  Over-site for trails maintenance and construction on national forest lands through contract with the United States Forest Service.  Range land mitigation, including maintenance and reporting on conservation easements through agreement with the California Department of Transportation.  Inventory for soil erosion and mapping maintenance of approximately 63 miles of County maintained roads located in Northern Butte County through grant contract with the County of Butte.  Off highway vehicle (OHV) trail assessment, layout, reclassification of roads, through grant contract with the County of Butte and the United States Forest Service.  Over-site for development of plans and specifications for reconstruction of approximately 64 miles of rural roads in Butte County, through a grant contract with the County of Butte.  Provide manpower and services for administration of RCD programs with the USDA NRCS. According to the District's website, ongoing projects are as follows: 1. Rehabilitation of Forest and Woodland Areas Together, the District and its partners work together to assist private landowners throughout the County in an effort to rehabilitate and protect forest and woodland areas that were devastated by recent catastrophic wildfires. Partners include:  USDA NRCS, a federal agency that provides cost share assistance to landowners to protect soil and water resources.  CalFire, a California State Agency that assists landowners with fire protection and prevention.  Terra Fuego, a non-profit organization that implements landscape level restoration, conservation and risk reduction to improve the health of forest ecosystems, as well as to improve the well-being of residents in the Wild land Urban Interface (WUI) and rural communities.  Alliance for Workforce Development, an employment center that Terra Fuego works with to provide job training to job seekers wishing to learn fire protection and fuels management skills. ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 13 With the ongoing assistance from these partners, the District is able to assist landowners in developing management plans which outline potential treatments anywhere from two to ten years into the future. Once developed, these plans provide landowners the basis for the District to acquire the necessary funding to plan and implement projects. Sources include:  USDA NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). A cost sharing program that provides landowners with financial resources and one-on-one help to plan and implement conservation practices that protect soil and water resources.  CalFire California Forest Improvement Program (CFIP). A cost sharing program that provides landowners with financial resources to improve management of forest lands and resources. The District recently assisted a private landowner in the Big Chico Creek Watershed whose property was significantly affected by wildfire. The landowner applied for USDA NRCS EQIP funds to rehabilitate a 43.5 acre burned area through the removal of burned brush and trees. In addition, the District successfully acquired CalFire CFIP funds and worked together with the landowner in developing a Forest Management Plan outlining strategic steps to treat an addition 120 acres on the subject property over the next 10 years, eventually utilizing prescribed fire as a low cost method of maintaining fuel breaks and improving woodland/forest ecology. 2. Butte County Trails Plan In cooperation with Butte County, the District, along with local land agencies and recreational user groups have successfully completed the Butte County Trails Plan. According to the County's 2030 General Plan, trails based recreation has been identified as an important factor in quality of life and economic development for the residents of Butte County and has determined a need for such a plan. The Plan is the result of over two years of public input, feedback from County staff, the County Board of Supervisors and Coordinating Committees. It identified current trail resources, future needs, opportunities for new trail development and funding and steps that ordinary people can take to improve local trails. The heart of the document is an action plan that addresses five main themes identified in the process: maintenance, public outreach, new project implementation, information resources and cultivating trail champions. The Trails Plan was developed by a working group composed of trail users representing OHV riders, hikers, equestrians, mountain bikers, trail runners, as well ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 14 as the United States Forest Service, County staff and elected officials. Results of the 2017-18 Butte County Trails Survey was also incorporated into the Trails Plan. Although the plan has been adopted, the District has indicated that other related work remains in working progress. 3. Butte County OHV and Trails Network  Through the California State Parks Off Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Grants and Cooperative Agreements Program, the Butte County Department of Public Works was awarded grant funding to provide off highway vehicles trail maintenance on 48 miles of maintenance level 2 roads in the Plumas National Forest and 39.7 miles of the County- maintained Concow, Dixie and French Creek Roads. Work consists of road and trail maintenance, clearing downed trees, brushing, assuring adequate drainage, repairing and replacing signs, and installing and maintaining barriers to restrict travel off designated routes. Maintenance activities on Plumas National Forest ML2 (maintenance level 2) roads are performed by Cal Fire and volunteers from local OHV clubs. Maintenance activities on County maintained roads (Concow, Dixie and French Creek Roads) are performed by County road crews and volunteers from local OHV clubs. Through contract with Butte County, all work is supervised by a Project Coordinator from the BCRCD.  The Department of Public Works is also currently identifying required mitigation to add trails from the 2010 FEIS Plumas National Forest Public Motorized Travel Management, Appendix A to the Motorized Vehicle Use Map and for a feasibility study to obtain an easement or right-of-way on Four Trees Road from Highway 70 to Plumas National Forest. Through contract, the District is providing Butte County with assistance.  Bald Rock Trail safety improvements through a contract with the United States Forest Service.  Walk trail development and rehabilitation on California Highway 32 in Butte Meadows through a grant contract with the United States Forest Services. 4. Irrigation Water and Green House Gasses Through the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Office of Environmental Farming and Innovation, the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) provides financial assistance in the form of ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 15 grants to implement irrigation systems that reduce greenhouse gases and water on California agricultural operations. Eligible system components, among others include: soil moisture monitoring, drips systems, switching to low pressure irrigation systems, pump retrofits, variable frequency drives and installation of renewable energy to reduce on-farm water use and energy. Infrastructure Needs The District serves a unique function unlike traditional districts that maintain fixed assets and deliver defined services with dedicated staff subject to demand such as sewer, water or public works services. It maintains a partnership with the USDA NRCS; therefore, with the exception of computers and office furniture, the District does not own, operate, or maintain any vehicles, property, machinery or public infrastructure. The District does not have a traditional capital improvement plan, and it has indicated that there are no current plans to expand or acquire new infrastructure. Essentially, the District provides services that are human resource dependent more than equipment or infrastructure. Pursuant to its formation documents, the District does not include incorporated territories of Biggs, Chico, Gridley, Oroville and Paradise. According to the District, it has no interest in annexing any of the incorporated territories, nor has it ever been a topic for consideration. During the MSR-SOI Update, LAFCO staff reached out to the cities and town to inquire of their interest, if any, in conservation services provided by the District. Only the City of Chico indicated a potential interest in the Districts services related to the management/maintenance of public lands such as Bidwell Park, a service currently being provided to the City under contract with the District. However, annexation of any incorporated territory may prove not feasible, as landowners may not see any potential benefit and would likely defeat such a proposal. MSR Determination 3.1: The District provides valuable resource conservation services in that it obtains grants and other funding from public and private sources to address unmet local resource management and conservation needs. MSR Determination 3.2: The District does not provide water, sewer, or fire protection services and therefore, is not responsible for assuring that these services are adequately provided to the area within its boundaries. MSR Determination 3.3: The District's primary functions of public education and resource evaluation are human resource dependent and the District does not have the financial resources necessary to maintain a full-time staff capable of executing the many programs with which the District is associated. The District is heavily dependent on shared staffing resources with other agencies. MSR Determination 3.4: The District does not own and maintain any facilities and consequently does not have any infrastructure needs or deficiencies associated with district-owned infrastructure. ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 16 MSR Determination 3.5: The District does not include incorporated territories of Biggs, Chico, Gridley, Oroville and Paradise, nor does it have an interest in annexing said territories. The District should reach out to the City of Chico who has indicated an interest in annexation into the District although it is recognized that annexation may not prove feasible and contractual agreements may prove to be best practice. However, these areas are recommended to be included within the District's Sphere of Influence to reduce obstacles to both annexation and service agreements. MSR Factor No. 4: Financial Ability of Agencies to Provide Services The District serves as a central hub for various resource agencies and private property owners to form partnerships, evaluate government grant applications, identify grant opportunities and educate the public about conservation practices. This function is heavily human resource dependent and personnel costs are generally the largest expense in any public agency. When the District was initially formed in 2002, operations were funded without the benefit of any property tax exchange, fees or other assessments. The County of Butte provided $6,000 annually for an initial period of five years to provide insurance coverage and auditing services. Initially, administrative services were provided by the Butte County Department of Water and Resource Conservation. It should be noted that one significant reason the District was initially minimally funded were concerns of landowners that such a district could develop a regulatory function and become less voluntary. The District was expected to have a minimal footprint while providing voluntary access to funding resources targeted for specific programs. While this funding arrangement reduced landowner concerns, it also greatly limited the ability of the District to conduct conservation studies, create plans and implement associated actions or even effectively compete for all the available public resources. The District is primarily funded by, and is wholly dependent upon, intergovernmental revenues, mainly through securing federal and state grants, service agreements and contracts. These funding resources are then utilized by the District to secure the necessary personnel to implement the funded program. These revenue sources are by nature unpredictable and make the District financially reliant on a revenue stream that is subject to fluctuations. Without predictable or traditional revenue sources such as property tax or parcel assessments, it is very difficult for any public agency to develop long-term comprehensive planning or provide consistent services. The District has no fixed assets, maintains no facilities or infrastructure and operates on irregular grant funding; therefore, it has no need for a capital improvement plan. However, it is currently reviewing sections within its previously adopted Policy and Procedures Manual which will address asset management of what little assets they do possess. The District has reported that it has no outstanding debt, nor has it ever defaulted on repayment of any bonds or other debt. ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 17 The District claims that although it has been a party to a legal action within the past five years, the result was a small claims action and was minimal. At this time, the District has stated it has no outstanding litigation at this time. In preparing this MSR-SOI Update, LAFCO Staff provided the District with an evaluation questionnaire that requested copies of the District's adopted budgets, independent audits and financial statements filed with the State Controller's Office. Budget Initially the District responded to the questionnaire that it did not have a standalone comprehensive budget document; however, it does prepare and maintain individual budgets for each grant, which are reviewed monthly by a team leader and by the District Board. Since those initial communications, LAFCO Staff has received only a copy of the District's 2018/19 FY budget document. A copy of this document can be found in the "Comments Received" section of this document and is summarized below. The District's FY 2018/19 Budget reflects a revenue of $361,210.50 and expenditures of $313,975.63, resulting in a net income of $47,234.87. At fiscal year's end, the District projects that revenue received will total $361,210.50 and that expenditures will amount to $314,892.59. Although the projected expenditure increased by $916.96, the resulting net income is $46,317.91. Butte County Resource Conservation District FY 2018/19 Budget Proposed Year End REVENUE: Adopted June 30, 2019 Donations 525.00 525.00 Aid from State Govt. 142,595.21 142,595.21 Aid from Federal Govt. 33,086.75 33,086.75 Aid from Local Govt. 6,325.00 6,325.00 Fees for Service 178,678.54 178,678.54 Total Revenue 361,210.50 361,210.50 EXPENDITURES: Salaries & Benefits 133,147.79 133,147.79 Office Supplies 1,060.00 1,060.00 Equipment Supplies 2,090.00 2,090.00 Independent Contractors 164,000.00 164,000.00 Insurance 2,000.00 2,000.00 Printing & Reproduction 375.00 375.00 Marketing 325.00 325.00 Continuing Education 3,839.00 3,839.00 Internet & Utilities 2,028.84 2,945.80 Travel & Lodging 730.00 730.00 Event Expense 320.00 320.00 Dues & Subscriptions 1,125.00 1,125.00 Professional Fees 2,375.00 2,375.00 Miscellaneous Expense 560.00 560.00 Total Expenses 313,975.63 314,892.59 ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 18 For FY 2018/19, the District reported a beginning balance of $28,525.00. Although the projected expenditures increased by $916.96, the resulting net income is $46,317.91. Therefore, the District anticipates an ending balance of $74,842.91. Butte County Resource Conservation District FY 2018/19 Beginning Balance 28,525.00 Plus Projected Revenue 361,210.50 Less Projected Expenditures (314,892.59) Ending Balance 74,842.91 Audits Upon further review, the District indicated that its last audit was prepared in 2009 (which was not provided) and that in 2013, the District requested the Butte County Board of Supervisors approve a three-year audit cycle with the next audit due in 2016. The District stated that it had requested that the County Auditor's Office provide this service, which has yet to respond to the District. In addition and most recently, the District informed LAFCO Staff that obtaining an updated audit is a priority of the Board and that it is currently preparing a Request for Proposal. Financial Statements Although copies of financial statements filed with the State Controller's Office (SCO) were not provided; a follow-up review by LAFCO staff found subsequent information on-line at the SCO's website which did show budgeted amounts for 2017. The District shall ensure that all future financial statements be submitted to the SCO in a timely manner. Grants As discussed above, the District is wholly dependent on outside revenues in the form of grants and service contracts. At present, the District has twelve(12) active pending grants/contracts (see table below) which span several years and have a value of $1,156,745, of which, $837,263 remains to be received pending completion of the specific grant/contract. It is important to reiterate that District grants/contracts do not follow a fiscal year budget format and therefore, the District maintains standalone budgets for each contracted service category which can be found in the "Comments Received" section of this document and are summarized below. ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 19 Revenue Options In the event that the District wishes to enhance and/or stabilize its revenues, there are few good options. The District could review its current Fee for Services Schedule, in accordance with applicable law and collect fees with respect to applicable projects and services. Other options include seeking property tax sharing or parcel assessments. A tax could be levied solely for the purpose of funding the District's conservation activities, while an assessment would have to convey an actual benefit to the specific property or properties being assessed. Creation of a tax or assessment could be initiated by either the District's Board of Directors or by petition. A popular vote (Proposition 218) would be required in order to formally establish either of these sources of revenue. MSR Determination 4.1: The District was initially formed without a permanent funding source in order to mitigate landowner concerns about increased government regulation of private property. Without the benefit of any property tax exchange, fees or other assessments, the ability of the District to conduct its authorized services or even effectively compete for all the available public resources is significantly limited. MSR Determination 4.2: The District initially could not immediately provide adopted budgets, independently prepared audits or financial statements, as requested. The unavailability of the District's financial documents makes it difficult for the public to assess the financial health of the agency or track the expenditure of public funds. MSR Determination 4.3: The District shall immediately assemble and make available as appropriate, the District's budget, audits and financial statements to the State Controller's Office, the general public at its office and on its website. All public agencies should be able to immediately produce to the public a full disclosure of its finances including at a minimum adopted budgets and financial audits. MSR Determination 4.4: The District depends solely upon intergovernmental revenues, mainly through securing federal and state grants, agreements and contracts to fund conservation services. In addition, the District does not benefit from property tax exchanges, fees or other assessments. Therefore, the District is financially reliant on a revenue stream that is potentially inconsistent and subject to fluctuations. Without predictable or traditional revenue sources such property tax or parcel assessments, it is very difficult for any public agency to develop long-term comprehensive planning or provide consistent services. ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 20 MSR Factor No. 5: Status of, and Opportunities for, Shared Facilities The District does not own, operate or maintain any facilities; however, it has maintained a long-standing partnership with the USDA NRCS. This partnership, which includes the sharing of office space, equipment, and staff resources, is formalized through a memorandum of understanding and helps to coordinate and enhance local conservation activities. There are active RCD's in all surrounding counties with greater resources. The District has not reported much interaction with these neighboring RCDs; however, it would seem beneficial to seek more cooperative arrangements with them. MSR Determination 5.1: The District maintains a long-standing partnership with the USDA NRCS. This partnership, which includes the sharing of office space, equipment, and staff resources, is formalized through a memorandum of understanding and helps to coordinate and enhance local conservation activities. MSR Determination 5.2: The District has not reported much interaction with neighboring RCD's who have greater resources and more substantial work programs and administrative capacity. The District should consider substantial partnerships and cooperative arrangements with other RCD's or local agencies in order to maximize services. MSR Factor No. 6: Accountability for Community Service Needs, including Governmental Structure and Operational Efficiencies The District is the only public agency authorized to provide a full range of soil and water conservation services within its jurisdictional boundary. The conservation services provided by the District are important in restoring, enhancing and protecting the community's natural resources. Board of Directors The District is governed by a five member Board of Directors, one from each supervisorial district, made up of local land owners, ranchers, farmers and professors. Directors are appointed by the Butte County Board of Supervisors, based upon their strengths as active partners in the conservation community. Terms of office are for four years. Directors are volunteer positions and receive no compensation. The PRC, §9314(a) states that "the term of office of the directors, except those first elected, shall be four years. The expiration of the term of any director does not constitute a vacancy, and the director shall hold office until his or her successor has ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 21 qualified." In addition, §9352(b) of the PRC states that directors shall reside within the district and either own real property or alternatively have served, pursuant to the district's rules, for two years or more as an associate director providing advisory or other assistance to the board of directors, or be a designated agent of a resident landowner within the district. Currently, the District's Board of Directors are as follows: Position Trustee Name Area Represented Term Start End Director John Christofferson County District 1 4-Year 4/24/2018 1/5/2021 Director Allen Harthorn County District 2 4-Year 2/12/2019 1/9/2023 Director Colleen Hatfield County District 3 4-Year 1/13/2015 1/7/2019 Director Vacant County District 4 4-Year Director Dave Lee County District 5 4-Year 4/24/2018 1/5/2021 The Board of Directors shall manage and conduct the business and affairs of the District (PRC §9401). In addition, they may employ such agents, officers, and employees as may be necessary, prescribe their duties and fix their compensation (PRC §9404). The Board of Directors meet on the third Thursday of each month at 9:00 a.m., in the Truckee Conference Room located at 202 Mira Loma Drive in Oroville, CA. Agendas for the Board of Directors are publicly noticed 72 hours in advance of meetings at the District's office located at 150 Chuck Yeager Way, Suite A, Oroville; at the location of the meeting, Truckee Conference Room, 202 Mira Loma Drive, Oroville and on the district's website at www.bcrcd.org. Meetings are held in compliance with both the Americans Disability Act and Brown Act. The District's Board meetings are open to the public and provide a forum for discussion of current conversation issues. Public comment is encouraged and any member of the public is welcome to address the Board with issues related to the District's areas of concern. No actions can be taken by the Board on such items at the time it is presented; however, the Board may direct its staff to agendize such items for consideration at a future meeting. Staffing While public sector management standards vary depending on the size and scope of an organization, there are minimum standards. Well-managed organizations evaluate employees annually, track employee and agency productivity, periodically review agency performance, prepare a budget before the beginning of the fiscal year, conduct periodic financial audits to safeguard the public trust, maintain current financial records, conduct advanced planning for future needs and plan and budget for capital needs. The District staffing model is such that the District contracts with Allevity Employer Solutions to provide the prescribed staff. This arrangement allows the District to directly manage the work products of its staff but all other employment related personnel ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 22 matters are conducted by Allevity Employer Solutions. In addition to these staffing services, NRCS also provides staffing by contract and helps fund some positions. Historically, the District has been managed by a District Manager, who is appointed by the District's Board of Directors and who serves at the will of the Directors. The District Manager is responsible for managing services and overseeing staff. However, in fiscal year 2017-18, the District's Manager was terminated for cause. While details related to an individual employee's employment record are confidential, the District does have a responsibility to maintain the public trust and sunlight issues dealing with the employees' termination so that future corrective measures might be taken to avoid similar occurrences. At this time, the District's volunteer Board Chair has assumed the duties of the Manager. The District is encouraged to quickly fill the vacant District Manager position with a person who has a demonstrated ability to seek and obtain contracts, grants and other much needed revenue opportunities, as well as managing District business and overseeing staff. Other District staff and contractual working partners includes:  Conservation Grant and Project Manager (Part-Time)  Conservation Project Coordinator (2, Part-Time)  Engineering Technician (Part-Time)  TCK Ecological Consulting (Contract)  Karen Vaccaro Bookkeeping (Contract) The District acknowledges that the current staffing level is not adequate and that it is difficult in keeping up with its current projects. However, the District is managing its projects through an extended effort put forth by its Board of Directors which the District indicates has been sufficient to manage its workload. As discussed in the finance section above, the District's revenues are extremely limited and rely exclusively on interagency funding schemes, this in turn has an impact on staffing options. Without a consistent reliable revenue stream it will remain difficult for the District to recruit and maintain consistent staffing. Without consistent staffing, the District will struggle to implement programs and thus, generate more funding. Website The District has a new website (www.bcrcd.org) that is easy to navigate and contains useful information. The District's website provides information on the District, including names of the District's Board of Directors, staff contact information, and provide information on the services the District provides. In addition, the District's website includes:  Overview of California Resource Conservation Districts  District's Mission, Services, Projects and Partners  Director's meeting Agendas and Minutes ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 23  Information for Getting Involved, either becoming a Volunteer, Associate Director, Donor or Supporter  Useful Links Although the District's website is new, the continued progress of updating and including additional information reflects the District's desire for transparency and encourages citizen participation. The minutes of the Board of Director's meetings posted on the District's webpage are minimal, reflecting actions and motions; however, are not current. Other documents not found included Policies, Procedures and Bylaws. Understanding that the website is constantly under construction, posting minutes in a timely fashion and including the District's Policies, Procedures and Bylaws would provide for better public understanding and overall transparency. Operational Efficiencies In preparing this MSR-SOI Update, LAFCO provided the District with an evaluation questionnaire related to various topics. Although the District responded to the questionnaire, the District did not complete the questionnaire in its entirety, nor were the adopted budgets, comprehensive annual financial reports and audited financial statements provided. Often, the inability to readily provide key agency documents and other service information is an indicator of administrative inefficiencies. Governance Boundaries When formed in 2002, the District did not include the Butte County portion of the Vina Resource Conservation District (VRCD). In 2005, the Tehama County Resource Conservation District (TCRCD) consolidated with the VRCD; however, they detached the portion of the VRCD that was located in Butte County. Butte LAFCO, at that time, requested the Tehama LAFCO and TCRCD to dissolve and annex that portion of the VRCD located in Butte County. The TCRCD chose not to follow this request and therefore, the remaining portion of the VRCD in Butte County remained. In 2005, the BCRCD initiated discussions with Butte LAFCO to affect the annexation of the VRCD and subsequently requested Butte LAFCO to waive the associated filing fees. Butte LAFCO approved the waiver of fees; however, BCRCD did not follow through with initiating an application. The District's current board members were unaware of the detached portion of what was once part of the VRCD, located in Butte County. However, the District has indicated that its Board may consider initiating annexation and that such consideration would address the potential "need" vs. "cost". It is recommended that the BCRCD initiate the annexation of this territory as recommended in 2005. ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 24 MSR Determination 6.1: As the only RCD in Butte County, the District is authorized to provide a full range of soil and water conservation services within its jurisdictional boundary. The conservation services provided by the District are important in restoring and protecting the community's natural resources. MSR Determination 6.2: The District is governed by a five member Board of Directors who are appointed by the Butte County Board of Supervisors. The District holds regular meetings that are open and accessible to the public. The District maintains accountability and compliance in its governance and public meetings appear to be held in compliance with Brown Act requirements. MSR Determination 6.3: The District's Manager is appointed by the Board of Directors and is responsible for managing operations, services and overseeing staff. In Fiscal Year 2017-18, the District's Manager was terminated for cause by the District's Board of Directors; therefore, the District's Board Chair immediately assumed duties of the Manager. The District is encouraged to quickly fill the vacant District Manager position with a person who has demonstrated ability to seek and obtain contracts, grants and other much needed revenue opportunities, as well as managing District business and overseeing staff. MSR Determination 6.4: The District currently has a new website and continues to update the site with additional information that reflects the District's desire for transparency and encourages citizen participation. However, to provide for a better public understanding and overall transparency, the District is encouraged to post minutes in a timely fashion and to include Policies, Procedures and Bylaws, MSR Determination 6.5: Although the District responded to LAFCO's evaluation questionnaire, it did not immediately provide key documents or information, i.e., adopted budgets, independently prepared audits, financial statements , policies and procedures or bylaws, as requested. Often, the inability to readily provide key agency documents and other service information is an indicator of administrative inefficiencies. MSR Determination 6.6: It is recommended that the District initiate the annexation of the detached portion of what was once a part of the VRCD located in Butte County. MSR Factor No. 7: Any Other Matter Related to Effective or Efficient Service Delivery, as Required by Commission Policy None noted. ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 25 SPHERE OF INFLUENCE PLAN REVIEW FACTORS There are numerous factors to consider in reviewing a SOI Plan, including current and anticipated land uses, facilities, and services, as well as any relevant communities of interest. Updates generally involve a comprehensive review of the entire SOI Plan, including boundary and SOI maps and the District’s MSR. In reviewing an agency’s sphere, the Commission is required to consider and prepare written statements addressing five factors enumerated under GC §56425(e), as listed below. 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 which the agency provides, or is authorized to provide; and 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. 5. For an update of an SOI of a city or special district that provides public facilities or services related to sewers, municipal and industrial water, or structural fire protection, the present and probable need for those public facilities and services of any disadvantaged unincorporated communities within the existing sphere of influence. The following provides an analysis of the categories or components required by GC §56425 for the SOI for the District. SOI Factor No. 1: The Present and Planned Land Uses in the Area, including Agricultural and Open Space Lands The District encompasses approximately 1,606 square miles and is comprised of approximately 46,713 parcels. The District's jurisdictional boundaries consist of the unincorporated territory of Butte County with the sole exclusion of the former Vina Soil Conservation District located in the northwest corner of the County, bordering Tehama County. Properties within the District's boundary and Sphere of Influence generally consist of timber lands, agricultural uses, primarily rice and orchards, while rural residential uses are found in the valley area of the District. Livestock grazing and rural residential uses are found in the foothill areas of the District. Timber harvesting is the primary land use in the mountainous portion of the District. Lands within the cities of Biggs, Chico, Gridley as Oroville, as well as the Town of Paradise are excluded from the District. ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 26 SOI Determination 1.1: The District generally consists of agricultural uses, primarily rice and orchards, and rural residential uses in the valley. Livestock grazing and rural residential uses are found in the foothill areas while timber harvesting is the primary land use in the mountainous areas. Little change in actual or designated land uses within the District is anticipated over the next 20 years. SOI Factor No. 2: The Present and Probable Need for Public Facilities and Services in the Area The District's current population projection is 80,534. Population is projected to grow at an annual rate of approximately one percent. The projected population increase has very little relevance in that the District provides no development or growth related services. SOI Determination 2.1: The District provides no development or growth related services, therefore, the annual projected population rate of one percent has very little relevance. SOI Factor No. 3: The Present Capacity of Public Facilities and Adequacy of Public Services that the Agency Provides or is Authorized to Provide The District provides and/or obtains services from many different entities. It maintains a long-standing partnership with the USDA NRCS. This partnership, which includes the sharing of office space, equipment, and staff resources, is formalized through a memorandum of understanding and helps to coordinate and enhance local conservation activities. SOI Determination 3.1: The District provides valuable resource conservation services to landowners and collaborates with several other agencies. RCD's generally are constrained by available funding sources; the District has been consistent in that it continues to receive grant funding in order to continue providing services. SOI Factor No. 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 SOI Determination 4.1: The social and economic health of the area is measurably enhanced by the conservation services provided by the District; however, reliable and consistent funding will greatly enhance the District in its ability to provide services. ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 27 SOI Factor No. 5: For an Update of a Sphere of Influence of a City or Special District that Provides Public Facilities or Services Related to Sewers, Municipal and Industrial Water, or Structural Fire Protection, that Occurs Pursuant to Subdivision (G) on or after July 1, 2012, the Present and Probable Need for those Public Facilities and Services of Any Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities Within the Existing Sphere of Influence The District provides resource conservation and management services. While there are disadvantaged unincorporated communities within the District's sphere, the District does not provide public facilities or services related to sewers, municipal and industrial water, or structural fire protection. SOI Determination 5.1: The District does not provide public facilities or services related to sewers, municipal and industrial water, or structural fire protection. Based on the MSR and SOI determinations as listed above, the Commission: 1. Finds that the services being provided by the District are adequate but given the financial and staffing issues described herein, are not provided in the most effective and efficient manner. 2. Modify the existing coterminous Sphere of Influence to include all five incorporated cities, as well as, the area located in the northwest corner of Butte County that was historically a part of the Vina Resource Conservation District. 3. Request the District to initiate an annexation of this territory. ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 28 ADOPTING RESOLUTION AND APPROVED SOI MAP ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 29 ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 30 ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 31 COMMENTS RECEIVED ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 32 ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 33 ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 34 ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 35 ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 36 ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 37 ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 38 ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 39 ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 40 ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 41 GLOSSARY The spending plan approved by resolution of the Board of Directors after the required public hearing and Adopted Budget deliberations on the Recommended Budget. The Adopted Budget must be balanced with Total Financing Sources equal to Total Financing Uses. The inclusion, attachment, or addition of a territory to a Annexation city of district. Board of Supervisors The elected board of supervisors of a county. The planning and controlling document for financial Budget operation with appropriations and revenues for a given period of time, usually one year. The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is intended to inform governmental decision-makers and the public about potential environmental effects of a project, California Environmental identify ways to reduce adverse impacts, offer alternatives Quality Act (CEQA) to the project, and disclose to the public why a project was approved. CEQA applied to projects undertaken, funded, or requiring issuance of a permit by a public agency. An amount appropriated for unforeseen expenditure Contingency requirements. An agency of the state, formed pursuant to general law or special act, for the local performance of District or Special District government or proprietary functions within limited boundaries. “District” or “special district” includes a county service area. Expenditures occur when the County buys goods and services and pays its employees. Expenditures can be categorized into three types: operating expenditures, capital expenditures, and debt service expenditures. Operating expenditures are the day-to-day spending on Expenditures salaries, supplies, utilities, services, and contracts. Capital expenditures are generally for acquisition of major assets such as land and buildings or for the construction of buildings or other improvements. Debt expenditures repay borrowed money and interest on that borrowed money. ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 42 Twelve-month period for which a budget is prepared, Fiscal Year generally July 1 through June 30 of each year. The difference between assets and liabilities reported in a Fund Balance governmental fund. A document containing a statement of development policies, including a diagram and text setting forth the objectives of the plan. The general plan must include General Plan certain state mandated elements related to land use, circulation, housing, conservation, open-space, noise, and safety. A transfer made between budget units in different funds for services rendered and received. The service rendering Interfund Transfer budget unit shows these transfers as revenue, as opposed to expenditure reduction. Local Agency Formation Commission. A state mandated local agency that oversees boundary changes to cities and special districts, the formation of new agencies including incorporation of new cities, and the LAFCO consolidation of existing agencies. The broad goals of the agency are to ensure the orderly formation of local government agencies, to preserve agricultural and open space lands, and to discourage urban sprawl. The term “local accountability and governance,” refers to public agency decision making, operational and management styles that include an accessible staff, elected or appointed decision-making body and decision Local Accountability making process, advertisement of, and public And Governance participation in, elections, publicly disclosed budgets, programs, and plans, solicited public participation in the consideration of work and infrastructure plans, programs or operations and disclosure of results to the public. The term “management efficiency,” refers to the organized provision of the highest quality public services with the lowest necessary expenditure of public funds. An efficiently managed entity (1) promotes and demonstrates Management Efficiency implementation of continuous improvement plans and strategies for budgeting, managing costs, training and utilizing personnel, and customer service and involvement, (2) has the ability to provide service over the short and long term, (3) has the resources (fiscal, manpower, ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 43 equipment, adopted service or work plans) to provide adequate service, (4) meets or exceeds environmental and industry service standards, as feasible considering local conditions or circumstances, (5) and maintains adequate contingency reserves. A study designed to determine the adequacy of governmental services being provided in the region or sub- Municipal Service Review region. Performing service reviews for each city and (MSR) special district within the county may be used by LAFCO, other governmental agencies, and the public to better understand and improve service conditions. The state or any state agency, board, or commission, any Public Agency city, county, city and county, special district, or other political subdivision. (1) For governmental type funds, an account used to earmark a portion of the fund balance, which is legally or contractually restricted for a specific use or not appropriate for expenditure. (2) For proprietary Reserve type/enterprise funds, the portion of retained earnings set aside for specific purposes. Unnecessary reserves are those set aside for purposes that are not well defined or adopted or retained earnings that are not reasonably proportional to annual gross revenues. Funds received to finance governmental services from various sources and treated as income to the County. Revenue Examples: property taxes, sales taxes, and per parcel service charges. Sphere of Influence A plan for the probable physical boundaries and service (SOI) area of a local agency, as determined by the LAFCO In establishing a sphere of influence the Commission must consider and prepare written determinations related to Sphere of Influence present and planned land uses, need and capacity of Determinations public facilities, and existence of social and economic communities of interest. A geographic area within a special district that provides a Zone of Benefit particular service or services to the parcels within that area. ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 44 The primary instrument for implementing the general plan. Zoning Zoning divides a community into districts or “zones” that specify the permitted/prohibited land uses. ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 45 APPENDIX ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 46 ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 47 ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 48 ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 49 ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 50 ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 51 ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 52 ______________________________________________________________________________ Final Municipal Service Review and SOI Plan Update March 7, 2019 Butte County Resource Conservation District Page 53