Adopted Calaveras RCD MSR and SOI 1.22.2024

CALAVERAS LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION (LAFCO) CALAVERAS COUNTY RESOURCE CONSERVATION DISTRICT (RCD) ADOPTED January 22, 2924 Resolution 2024-0001 MSR Resolution 2024-0002 SOI Calaveras County RCD Municipal Service Review Sphere of Influence Adopted January 22, 2024 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1.1 Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1.2 Preparation of the MSR and SOI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 1.3 Role and Responsibility of LAFCo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 1.4 Municipal Services Review Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 1.5 Municipal Services Review Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 1.6 Sphere Of Influence Update Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 1.7 Possible Approaches to the Sphere of Influence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 1.8 Description of Public Participation Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 2 CALAVERAS COUNTY BACKGROUND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 2.1 Calaveras County History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 2.2 Calaveras County Population Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 2.3 Calaveras County Agriculture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 3 CALAVERAS COUNTY RESOURCE CONSERVATION DISTRICT . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 3.1 History of Resource Conservation Districts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 3.2 Formation of Calaveras County Resource Conservation District . . . . . . . . . . 11 3.3 Board of Directors and Staff for Calaveras County Resource Conservation District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 3.3.1 Board of Directors Calaveras County RCD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 3.3.2 Calaveras County RCD Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 3.4 Calaveras County RCD Work Plan and Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 3.5 Calaveras County RCD Website . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 3.6 Calaveras County RCD Budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 3.7 Calaveras County RCD Audit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 4 MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW CALAVERAS COUNTY RCD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 4.1 Growth and Population Projections for the Calaveras County RCD Area . . . 17 4.1.1 Calaveras County RCD Area Population Projections . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 4.1.2 MSR Determinations on Growth and Population Projections for the Calaveras County RCD Area . . . . . . . . . 17 4.2 Location and Characteristics of any Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities (DUC) within or Contiguous to Calaveras County RCD 17 4.2.1 Determination of Calaveras County RCD Area Disadvantaged Unincorporated Community Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 4.2.2 MSR Determinations on Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities near Calaveras County RCD . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 4.3 Capacity and Infrastructure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 4.3.1 Infrastructure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 4.3.2 MSR Determinations on Infrastructure for Calaveras County RCD 18 4.4 Financial Ability to Provide Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 4.4.1 Financial Considerations for Calaveras County RCD . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 4.4.2 MSR Determinations on Financing for Calaveras County RCD . . . . . 18 4.5 Status of and Opportunities for Shared Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 4.5.1 Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 4.5.2 MSR Determinations on Shared Facilities for Calaveras County RCD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 4.6 Accountability for Community Service Needs, Government Structure and Operational Efficiencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 4.6.1 Government Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 4.6.2 MSR Determinations on Local Accountability and Governance . . . . . 19 i Calaveras County RCD Municipal Service Review Sphere of Influence Adopted January 22, 2024 5 SPHERE OF INFLUENCE CALAVERAS COUNTY RCD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 5.1 Recommendation for Calaveras County RCD Sphere of Influence . . . . . . . . 20 5.2 Present and Planned Land Uses in the Calaveras County RCD Area, Including Agricultural and Open Space Lands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 5.2.1 Calaveras County General Plan and Zoning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 5.2.2 SOI Determinations on Present and Planned Land Use for the Calaveras County RCD Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 5.3 Present and Probable Need for Public Facilities and Services in the Calaveras County RCD Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 5.3.1 Municipal Service Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 5.3.2 SOI Determinations on Facilities and Services Present and Probable Need for the Calaveras County RCD . . . . . . . . . . . 20 5.4 Present Capacity of Public Facilities Present and Adequacy of Public Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 5.4.1 Capacity Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 5.4.2 SOI Determinations on Public Facilities Present and Future Capacity for Calaveras County Resource Conservation District . . . . 21 5.5 Social or Economic Communities of Interest for Calaveras County Resource Conservation District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 5.5.1 Community Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 5.5.2 SOI Determinations on Social or Economic Communities of Interest for Calaveras County Resource Conservation District . . . . . 21 5.6 Disadvantaged Unincorporated Community Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 5.6.1 Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 5.6.2 Disadvantaged Unincorporated Community Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 APPENDIX A LOCAL GOVERNMENT FUNDING ISSUES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 APPENDIX B AUDIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 APPENDIX C LETTER RECEIVED FROM MURIEL ZELLER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 ABBREVIATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 REFERENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 PREPARERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 MAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 ii Calaveras County RCD Municipal Service Review Sphere of Influence Adopted January 22, 2024 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) History This report is prepared pursuant to State legislation enacted in 2000 that requires Calaveras LAFCo to complete a comprehensive review of municipal service delivery and update the spheres of influence (SOIs) of all agencies under LAFCo’s jurisdiction. This chapter provides an overview of LAFCo’s history, powers and responsibilities. It discusses the origins and legal requirements for preparation of a Service Review commonly referred to as a Municipal Service Review (MSR). Finally, the chapter reviews the process for MSR review, MSR approval and SOI updates. After World War II, California experienced dramatic growth in population and economic development. With this boom came a demand for housing, jobs and public services. To accommodate this demand, many new local government agencies were formed, often with little forethought as to the ultimate governance structures within a given region. A lack of coordination and adequate planning led to a multitude of overlapping, inefficient jurisdictional and service area boundaries, many of which resulted in the premature conversion of California’s agricultural and open-space lands and duplication of services. Recognizing this problem, in 1959, Governor Edmund G. Brown, Sr. appointed the Commission on Metropolitan Area Problems. The Commission's charge was to study and make recommendations on the "misuse of land resources" and the growing complexity of local governmental jurisdictions. The Commission's recommendations on local governmental reorganization were introduced in the Legislature in 1963; resulting in the creation of a Local Agency Formation Commission, or "LAFCo," operating in every county. LAFCo was formed as a countywide agency to discourage urban sprawl and to encourage the orderly formation and development of local government agencies within its jurisdiction. LAFCo is responsible for coordinating logical and timely changes in local governmental boundaries; including annexations and detachments of territory, incorporations of cities, formations of special districts, and consolidations, mergers and dissolutions of districts, as well as reviewing ways to reorganize, simplify, and streamline governmental structure. The Commission's efforts are focused on ensuring services are provided efficiently and economically while agricultural and open-space lands are protected or conserved to the extent possible. To better inform itself and the public in compliance with the State Law; LAFCo conducts MSR’s to evaluate the provision of municipal services for service providers within its jurisdiction. LAFCo regulates, through approval, denial, conditions and modification, boundary changes proposed by public agencies or individual voters and landowners. It also regulates the extension of public services by cities and special districts outside their boundaries. LAFCo is empowered to initiate updates to the SOIs and proposals involving the dissolution, consolidation or formation of special districts, establishment of subsidiary districts, and any reorganization including such actions. Where LAFCo is not given specific authority, LAFCo actions must originate as petitions from affected voters or landowners, or by resolutions by affected cities or special districts. A Plan for Services is required in Government Code Section 56653. A Plan for Services must include the following information: An enumeration and description of services to be provided, the level and range of those services, an indication of how those services are to be extended into the 1 Calaveras County RCD Municipal Service Review Sphere of Influence Adopted January 22, 2024 territory, an indication of any improvements or upgrading of structures, Information on how the services are to be financed. 1.2 Preparation of the MSR Research for this Municipal Service Review (MSR) was conducted in 2022. This MSR is intended to support preparation and update of Spheres of Influence, in accordance with the provisions of the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Act. The objectives of this Municipal Service Review (MSR) are as follows: ü To develop recommendations that will promote more efficient and higher quality service options and patterns ü To identify areas for service improvement ü To assess the adequacy of service provision as it relates to determination of appropriate sphere boundaries While LAFCo prepared the MSR document, given budgetary constraints, LAFCo did not engage the services of experts in engineering, hydrology, geology, water quality, fire protection, accounting or other specialists in related fields, but relied upon published reports and available information. Insofar there is conflicting or inconclusive information LAFCo staff may recommend the District retain a licensed professional or expert in a particular field for an opinion. Therefore, this MSR reflects LAFCo’s recommendations, based on available information during the research period and provided by District staff to assist in its determinations related to promoting more efficient and higher quality service patterns; identifying areas for service improvement; and assessing the adequacy of service provision by the Calaveras County Resource Conservation District (RCD). Additional information on local government funding issues is found in Appendix A at the end of this report. 1.3 Role and Responsibility of LAFCo Local Agency Formation Commissions (LAFCos) in California are independent agencies created by the California Legislature in 1963 for the purpose of encouraging the orderly formation of local government agencies and conserving and preserving natural resources. The Cortese-Knox- Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000 (Government Code §56000 et seq.) is the statutory authority for the preparation of an MSR, and periodic updates of the Sphere of Influence (SOI) of each local agency. LAFCos are responsible for coordinating logical and timely changes in local governmental boundaries, conducting special studies that review ways to reorganize, simplify, and streamline governmental structure, preparing a review of services called a MSR, and preparing a SOI thereby determining the future “probable” boundary for each city and special district within each county. The Commission's efforts are directed toward seeing that services are provided efficiently and economically while agricultural and open-space lands are protected. Often citizens are confused as to what LAFCo’s role is. LAFCos do not have enforcement authority nor do they have the authority to initiate a city or district annexation or detachment proceeding. LAFCos may initiate 2 Calaveras County RCD Municipal Service Review Sphere of Influence Adopted January 22, 2024 consolidation or dissolution proceedings; however, these proceedings are subject to the voter approval or denial. The Legislature has given LAFCos the authority to modify any proposal before it to ensure the protection of agricultural and open space resources, discourage urban sprawl and promote orderly boundaries and the provision of adequate services. The Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) has issued Guidelines for the preparation of a MSR. This MSR adheres to the procedures set forth in OPR’s MSR Guidelines. A SOI is a plan for the probable physical boundaries and service area of a local agency, as determined by the affected Local Agency Formation Commission (Government Code §56076). Government Code §56425(f) requires that each SOI be updated not less than every five years, and §56430 provides that a MSR shall be conducted in advance of the SOI update. 1.4 Municipal Services Review Requirements Effective January 1, 2001 and subsequently amended, LAFCo is required to conduct a review of municipal services provided in the county by region, sub-region or other designated geographic area, as appropriate, for the service or services to be reviewed, and prepare a written statement of determination with respect to each of the following six topics (Government Code §56430): 1. Growth and population projections for the affected area 2. The location and characteristics of any disadvantaged unincorporated communities (DUC) within or contiguous to the sphere of influence 3. Present and planned capacity of public facilities and adequacy of public services, including infrastructure needs or deficiencies 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 3 Calaveras County RCD Municipal Service Review Sphere of Influence Adopted January 22, 2024 1.5 Municipal Services Review Process For local agencies, the MSR process involves the following steps: • Outreach: LAFCo outreach and explanation of the project • Data Discovery: provide documents and respond to LAFCo questions • Map Review: review and comment on LAFCo draft map of the agency’s boundary and sphere of influence • Profile Review: internal review and comment on LAFCo draft profile of the agency • Public Review Draft MSR: review and comment on LAFCo draft MSR • LAFCo Hearing: attend and provide public comments on MSR MSRs are exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to §15262 (feasibility or planning studies) or §15306 (information collection) of the CEQA Guidelines. LAFCo’s actions to adopt MSR determinations are not considered “projects” subject to CEQA. The MSR process does not require LAFCo to initiate changes of organization based on service review findings, only that LAFCo identify potential government structure options. However, LAFCo, other local agencies, and the public may subsequently use the determinations to analyze prospective changes of organization or reorganization or to establish or amend SOIs. Within its legal authorization, LAFCo may act with respect to a recommended change of organization or reorganization on its own initiative (e.g., certain types of consolidations), or in response to a proposal (i.e., initiated by resolution or petition by landowners or registered voters). Once LAFCo has adopted the MSR determinations, it must update the SOI for each jurisdiction. The LAFCo Commission determines and adopts the spheres of influence for each agency. A CEQA determination is made by LAFCo on a case-by-case basis for each sphere of influence action and each change of organization, once the proposed project characteristics are sufficiently identified to assess environmental impacts. 1.6 Sphere Of Influence Update Process The Commission is charged with developing and updating the Sphere of Influence (SOI) for each city and special district within the county.1 An SOI is a LAFCo-approved plan that designates an agency’s probable future boundary and service area. Spheres are planning tools used to provide guidance for individual boundary change proposals and are intended to encourage efficient provision of organized community services and prevent duplication of service delivery. Territory cannot be annexed by LAFCo to a city or district unless it is within that agency's sphere. 1 The initial statutory mandate, in 1971, imposed for no deadline for completing sphere designations. When most LAFCos failed to act, 1984 legislation required all LAFCos to establish spheres of influence by 1985. 4 Calaveras County RCD Municipal Service Review Sphere of Influence Adopted January 22, 2024 The purposes of the SOI include the following: • to ensure the efficient provision of services • to discourage urban sprawl and premature conversion of agricultural and open space lands • to prevent overlapping jurisdictions and duplication of services LAFCo may not directly regulate land use, dictate internal operations or administration of any local agency, or set rates. LAFCo is empowered to enact policies that indirectly affect land use decisions. On a regional level, LAFCo promotes logical and orderly development of communities as it considers and decides individual proposals. LAFCo has a role in reconciling differences between agency plans so that the most efficient urban service arrangements are created for the benefit of current and future area residents and property owners. The Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg (CKH) Act requires LAFCos to develop and determine the SOI of each local governmental agency within its jurisdiction and to review and update the SOI every five years, as necessary. LAFCos are empowered to adopt, update and amend a SOI. They may do so with or without an application. Any interested person may submit an application proposing an SOI amendment. While SOIs are required to be updated every five years, as necessary, this does not necessarily define the planning horizon of the SOI. The term or horizon of the SOI is determined by each LAFCo. LAFCo may recommend government reorganizations to particular agencies in the county, using the SOIs as the basis for those recommendations. In determining the SOI, LAFCo is required to complete an MSR and adopt the six determinations previously discussed. In addition, in adopting or amending an SOI, LAFCo must make the following five determinations as required in Government Code section 56425(c): 1. Present and planned land uses in the area, including agricultural and open-space lands 2. Present and probable need for public facilities and services in the area 3. Present capacity of public facilities and adequacy of public service that the agency provides or is authorized to provide 4. Existence of any social or economic communities of interest in the area if the Commission determines these 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. 2 The CKH Act stipulates several procedural requirements in updating SOIs. It requires cities to file written statements on the class of services to be provided and LAFCo must clearly establish the location, nature and extent of services provided by special districts. 2 California Government Code Section 56425 (e)(5) 5 Calaveras County RCD Municipal Service Review Sphere of Influence Adopted January 22, 2024 By statute, LAFCo must notify affected agencies 21 days before holding the public hearing to consider the SOI and may not update the SOI until after that hearing. The LAFCo Executive Officer must issue a report including recommendations on the SOI amendments and updates under consideration at least five days before the public hearing. 1.7 Possible Approaches to the Sphere of Influence LAFCo may recommend government reorganizations to particular agencies in the county, using the SOIs as the basis for those recommendations. Based on review of the guidelines of Calaveras LAFCo as well as other LAFCos in the State, various conceptual approaches have been identified from which to choose in designating an SOI. These seven approaches are explained below: 1) Coterminous Sphere: A Coterminous Sphere means that the Sphere of Influence for a city or special district that is the same as its existing boundaries of the city or district. This is the recommendation in this report since there are no anticipated or contemplated annexations for the Calaveras County Resource Conservation District at this time. 2) Annexable Sphere: A sphere larger than the agency’s boundaries identifies areas the agency is expected to annex. The annexable area is outside the district boundaries and inside the sphere of influence. 3) Detachable Sphere: A sphere that is smaller than the agency’s boundaries identifies areas the agency is expected to detach. The detachable area is the area within the agency bounds but not within its sphere of influence. 4) Zero Sphere: A zero sphere indicates the affected agency’s public service functions should be reassigned to another agency and the agency should be dissolved or combined with one or more other agencies. 5) Consolidated Sphere: A consolidated sphere includes two or more local agencies and indicates the agencies should be consolidated into one agency. 6) Limited Service Sphere: A limited service sphere is the territory included within the SOI of a multi-service provider agency that is also within the boundary of a limited purpose district which provides the same service (e.g., fire protection), but not all needed services. Territory designated as a limited service SOI may be considered for annexation to the limited purpose agency without detachment from the multi- service provider. 6 Calaveras County RCD Municipal Service Review Sphere of Influence Adopted January 22, 2024 This type of SOI is generally adopted when the following conditions exist: a) The limited service provider is providing adequate, cost effective and efficient services b) The multi-service agency is the most logical provider of the other services c) There is no feasible or logical SOI alternative d) Inclusion of the territory is in the best interests of local government organization and structure in the area Government Code §56001 specifically recognizes that in rural areas it may be appropriate to establish limited purpose agencies to serve an area rather than a single service provider, if multiple limited purpose agencies are better able to provide efficient services to an area rather than one service district. Moreover, Government Code Section §56425(i), governing sphere determinations, also authorizes a sphere for less than all of the services provided by a district by requiring a district affected by a sphere action to “establish the nature, location, and extent of any functions of classes of services provided by existing districts” recognizing that more than one district may serve an area and that a given district may provide less than its full range of services in an area. 1.8 Description of the Public Participation Process The LAFCo proceedings are subject to the provisions of California’s open meeting law, the Ralph M. Brown Act (Government Code Sections 54950 et seq.). The Brown Act requires advance posting of meeting agendas and contains various other provisions designed to ensure that the public has adequate access to information regarding the proceedings of public boards and commissions. Calaveras LAFCo complies with the requirements of the Brown Act. The State MSR Guidelines provide that all LAFCos should encourage and provide multiple public participation opportunities in the MSR process. See letter from Muriel Zeller regarding possible activities and opportunities for public coordination (See Appendix C) 7 Calaveras County RCD Municipal Service Review Sphere of Influence Adopted January 22, 2024 2 CALAVERAS COUNTY BACKGROUND 2.1 Calaveras County History Calaveras County was one of the original counties of the state of California, created in 1850 at the time of admission to the Union. Parts of the County's territory were reassigned to Amador County in 1854 and to Alpine County in 1864. The County's geography includes beautiful landmarks, rolling hills, and giant valleys. It is also known for its friendly communities, and businesses such as agriculture management and construction engineering. It has numerous caverns, such as Mercer Caverns, California Cavern and Moaning Cavern that are national destinations for tourists from across the country. Other attractions include a thriving wine making industry, including the largest of the Calaveras wineries: Ironstone Vineyards, mountain sports recreation and the performing arts. According to the US Census Bureau, the County has a total area of 1,037 square miles, of which 1,020 square miles is land and 17 square miles is water. 2.2 Calaveras County Population Data3 The following table shows the population estimates for Calaveras County. Although the County lost population from 2010 to 2020, the population has increased since 2020. US Census Bureau Population California Calaveras County Population Estimates, July 1 2021 39,142,991 46,221 Population estimates base, April 1, 2020 39,538,245 45,292 Population, percent change - April 1, 2020 (estimates base) to July 1, 2021 -1.0% 2.1% Population, Census, April 1, 2020 39,538,223 45,292 Population, Census, April 1, 2010 37,253,956 45,578 The following table shows the Median Household Income for Calaveras County compared to that for the State of California. Income & Poverty California Calaveras County Median household income (in 2021 dollars), 2017- $84,097 $70,119 2021 Per capita income in past 12 months (in 2021 $41,276 $34,791 dollars), 2017-2021 Persons in poverty, percent 12.3% 13.5% 3 US Census Bureau Quick Facts, February 2023. 8 Calaveras County RCD Municipal Service Review Sphere of Influence Adopted January 22, 2024 The Median Household Income for Calaveras County is 83% of the Median Household Income for the State of California. This means that Calaveras County is not a Disadvantaged Community. 2.3 Calaveras County Agriculture The Calaveras County Resource Conservation District works with agricultural land owners so the tables below are included to show the amount of agricultural land in the County and the main crops. LAND USE IN CALAVERAS COUNTY4 ACRES ENTIRE COUNTY AREA 663,680 AGRICULTURAL LAND 620,337 RANGELAND & PASTURE 99,882 GOVERNMENT LAND 106,084 ALL RANCH & FARM LAND 195,323 LAND IN AG PRESERVES 146,891 LAND IN TIMBER RESERVES 72,197 The following table shows the types of agricultural crops grown in Calaveras County: AGRICULTURAL CROPS IN CALAVERAS COUNTY5 COMMODITY 2021 2020 CATTLE $7,988,500 $7,656,000 POULTRY $2,788,310 $2,704,000 TIMBER $2,345,349 $3,968,800 FIELD CROPS $2,135,033 $2,544,515 WINEGRAPES $1,387,468 $2,346,557 WALNUTS $1,174,400 $2,022,123 ORGANICS $377,926 NOT REPORTED NURSERY PRODUCTS $112,547 $325,000 SHEEP $56,628 $34,776 APIARY $33,040 $65,221 MISCELLANEOUS* $249,663 $122,151 *Miscellaneous includes values for: olives, other fruit and nut crops, vegetables, Christmas trees, other livestock, and livestock and poultry products 4 Calaveras County: 2021 Agricultural Crop & Livestock Report, page 8. 5 Calaveras County: 2021 Agricultural Crop & Livestock Report. 9 Calaveras County RCD Municipal Service Review Sphere of Influence Adopted January 22, 2024 3 CALAVERAS COUNTY RESOURCE CONSERVATION DISTRICT 3.1 History of Resource Conservation Districts The following history of Resource Conservation Districts was provided by Calaveras LAFCo: In the early 1930s, along with the greatest depression this nation ever experienced, came an equally unparalleled ecological disaster known as the Dust Bowl. Following a severe and sustained drought in the Great Plains, the region's soil began to erode and blow away, creating huge black dust storms that blotted out the sun and swallowed the countryside. Thousands of “dust refugees” left the black fog to seek better lives. But the storms stretched across the nation. They reached south to Texas and east to New York. Dust even sifted into the White House and onto the desk of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. On Capitol Hill, while testifying about the erosion problem, soil scientist Hugh Hammond Bennett threw back the curtains to reveal a sky blackened by dust. Congress unanimously passed legislation declaring soil and water conservation a national policy and priority. Because nearly three-fourths of the continental United States is privately owned, Congress realized that only active, voluntary support from landowners would guarantee the success of conservation work on private land. In 1937, President Roosevelt wrote the governors of all the states recommending legislation that would allow local landowners to form soil conservation districts. Brown Creek Soil & Water Conservation District in North Carolina was the first district established. The movement caught on across the country with district-enabling legislation passed in every state. Today, the country is blanketed with nearly 3,000 conservation districts. Across the United States, nearly 3,000 conservation districts—almost one in every county—are helping local people to conserve land, water, forests, wildlife and related natural resources. Known in various parts of the country as “soil and water conservation districts,” “resource conservation districts,” “natural resource districts,” “land conservation committees” and similar names, they share a single mission: to coordinate assistance from all available sources—public and private, local, state and federal—in an effort to develop locally-driven solutions to natural resource concerns. More than 17,000 citizens serve in elected or appointed positions on conservation districts' governing boards. The districts work directly with millions of cooperating land managers nationwide to manage and protect natural resources. Among other things, conservation districts help: • implement farm, ranch and forestland conservation practices to protect soil productivity, water quality and quantity, air quality and wildlife habitat; • conserve and restore wetlands, which purify water and provide habitat for birds, fish and numerous other animals; • protect groundwater resources; • assist communities and homeowners to plant trees and other land cover to hold soil in place, 10 Calaveras County RCD Municipal Service Review Sphere of Influence Adopted January 22, 2024 • clean the air, provide cover for wildlife and beautify neighborhoods; • help developers control soil erosion and protect water and air quality during construction; • reach out to communities and schools to teach the value of natural resources • encourage conservation efforts. 3.2 Formation of Calaveras County Resource Conservation District Calaveras Local Agency Formation Commission approved the formation of the Calaveras County Resource Conservation District by Resolution 2015-0005. The District was officially formed on July 26, 2016. The Mission Statement of the RCD is as follows: “We commit to protect, improve, and restore the natural resources of Calaveras County.”6 3.3 Board of Directors and Staff for Calaveras County Resource Conservation District 3.3.1 Board of Directors Calaveras County RCD Board members reported by the Calaveras County RCD are as follows: John Osbourn Regular Livestock Industry Term 2023-2024 Mike Dvorak Regular At-large Term 2020-2024 Kent Lambert Regular At-large Term 2021-2024 Julia Marsili, Regular At-large Term 2022-2024 Sarah Hodson, At large, Term 2023-2026 Yvonne Tiscornia At large, Term 2023-2026 Bob Dean: Water Industry Term 2023-2026 Ben Cook, Associate Member 2022 started Board Meeting Schedule, Time, and Place: Monthly, second Thursday @ 6:00 pm Location: CCRCD office- 423 East St. Charles St., San Andreas, CA. Chairperson: Julia Marsili, PO Box 1041. San Andreas CA Phone # and Email: 209-498-2044; jmarsili@calaverasrcd.org 3.3.2 Calaveras County RCD Staff The following list of staff members was provided by the RCD: 1. Mary Cole, Interim Executive Director. Paid, Part-time. 2. Dana Simpson, Fiscal Manager, bookkeeper. Paid, Part-time. 3. Mary Cole- Administrative Assistant/Webmaster/Board Secretary. Paid, Part-time. 4. Laurie Plautz- Project Manager. Paid, Part-time, grant manager. 5. Jill Micheau- Project Administrator. Paid, Part-time, grant administrator. 6. Kaylee Dillishaw- Project Manager. Paid, Part-time. Grant Manager. 7. Dan Liechty- Project Manager. Paid, Part-time 6 Our Mission - Calaveras County Resource Conservation District (calaverasrcd.org), February 28, 2023. 11 Calaveras County RCD Municipal Service Review Sphere of Influence Adopted January 22, 2024 3.4 Calaveras County RCD Work Plan and Projects The Calaveras County RCD presented the following Work Plan for 2022-2023: CCRCD Work Plan 2022-2023 Calaveras County RCD Priorities from Strategic Plan 1. Education/Resource Policy 2. Administration/Partnerships/Capacity Building 3. Land Health 4. Water 5. Economic Development Priority 1. Education/Resource Policy Key Actions Person/Area Responsible • Inform the public of RCD accomplishments via Executive Director website and Facebook page. Board members Priority2. Administration/Partnerships/Capacity Building Key Actions Person/Area Responsible ü Administration • Manage office building to meet health and safety Executive Director requirements and tenants needs Building Committee • Complete tasks to split parcel and list two-story office building for sale • Seek grant funding to upgrade Board room building to current standards • Complete internal control audit and address findings Executive Director • Develop RCD contracting policy Fiscal Manager • Develop Position Descriptions for all RCD Board members employees ü Partnerships • Develop partnerships with US Forest Service and Executive Director Bureau of Land Management to use Good Neighbor Board members and Master Stewardship authorities for developing and funding resource management projects on public lands • Attend Calaveras County Board of Supervisors Executive Director meetings twice annually to inform them of CCRCD Board members efforts • Continue participation in the Regional Conservation Executive Director Partnership Program ( RCPP ) Board members 12 Calaveras County RCD Municipal Service Review Sphere of Influence Adopted January 22, 2024 Priority 3. Land Health Key Actions Person/Area Responsible • Manage the Murphys to Forest Meadows, Forest Executive Director Meadows/Wylderidge, Fricot City and Highway 108 Grant Managers Cal Fire fuel reduction grants Board members • Manage the Pine Ridge and Bummerville SNC fuel reduction grants • Track progress of the Northwest Calaveras and Executive Director Mokelumne Hill fuels reduction Cal Fire grant applications • Design the Calaveras County Wildfire Defense Board members in Systems in a GIS and develop a long-term partnership with Cal maintenance schedule with the administrative Am structure, operating procedures and financial support required to assure their functionality in perpetuity. • Assist Tuolumne County RCD in planning and Executive Director implementation of the Pine Mountain Lake fuels Fiscal Manager reduction Cal Fire grant • Educate the public on air quality issues and the Board members resources to monitor and reduce impacts on local air quality • Seek grant opportunities for carbon sequestration Executive Director projects Board members • Seek grant opportunities for developing/improving Executive Director pollinator habitat Board members • Seek grant opportunities for management of Executive Director noxious weeds Board members Priority 4. Water Key Actions Person/Area Responsible • Research multi-benefit projects to aid in ground Board members water recharge, creation of wet fuelbreaks, provide Executive Director water for livestock, wildlife habitat, recreation, and firefighting • Raise awareness of water quality issues to protect Board members the health of humans, livestock and pets specifically concerning harmful cyanobacteria and algal blooms • Assist interested parties in identifying basic water quality problems 13 Calaveras County RCD Municipal Service Review Sphere of Influence Adopted January 22, 2024 Priority 5. Economics Key Actions Person/Area Responsible • Continue to research opportunities for sale or Board members transfer of isolated Bureau of Land Management parcels Executive Director • Research opportunities to connect low elevation trails to create a year-round system that benefits local businesses and trail users The Calaveras County RCD provided the following information regarding current projects: Currently the CCRCD has seven active grants run solely by the CCRCD. They are all grants to reduce fire threats in vulnerable communities in Calaveras County Two of these grants are funded through the Sierra Nevada Conservancy: • #1369- Bummerville/Blizzard Mine Fuels Reduction Project • # 1284 Pine Ridge/Summit Level Fuelbreak Maintenance Five of these grants are funded through CalFire: • 5GG19147- Murphys to Forest Meadows Fuels Reduction Project • 5GA21203- Highway 108 North • 5GA21203- Fricot City Road Fuels Reduction Project • 5GG21172- Mokelumne Hill Fuels Reduction Project • 5GG20172- Forest Meadows/Wylderidge Fuels Reduction Project CCRCD is also a partner in grant with Amador RCD and Tuolumne County RCD. This grant is led by Amador County RCD. For particular information regarding this NRCS RCPP grant called, “Crisis to Opportunity”, please contact Amador RCD district Manager Amanda Watson- amanda@amadorrcd.org. The three RCD’s have a Partnership Agreement signed by all three entities for this Project. As a partner RCD, the CA Association of Resource Conservation Districts was awarded a state Wildlife Conservation Board grant, called, “Climate Resilience through Habitat Restoration”. Under this Block Grant, CCRCD will build and place wildlife nesting/roosting structures on private lands in Calaveras County. 3.5 Calaveras County RCD Website The Calaveras County RCD website is at https://www.calaverasrcd.org/. Every special district is required to have a website by Senate Bill 929 added Government Code sections 6270.6 and 53087.8 to provide the public easily accessible and accurate information about the district. 14 Calaveras County RCD Municipal Service Review Sphere of Influence Adopted January 22, 2024 3.6 Calaveras County RCD Budget A summary of the Calaveras County RCD Budget is shown below. The total budget includes separate budgets for each grant project. For each grant received the District charges an administrative fee to pay for the costs of District management and supervision. Calaveras County RCD 2022-2023 Draft Budget Calaveras County RCD 2021-2022 Budgeted Annual Operating Budget Revenue Rental Income $16,500.00 $16,500.00 CalFire - MtoFM $ 924,575.30 CalFire - Wylderidge $ 432,177.90 SNC - Pine Ridge $ 350,269.30 Hwy 108 $ 273,190.50 Fricot City $92,450.60 Bummerville $ 721,600.00 Moke Hill $ 43,934.00 Pine Mountain $ 17,798.00 Total Revenue $2,872,495.60 $ 16,500.00 The revenue for each project listed above is divided between the project cost and the administrative fee which goes to the Calaveras County RCD. Expenses are shown below. 15 Calaveras County RCD Municipal Service Review Sphere of Influence Adopted January 22, 2024 Calaveras County RCD 2022-2023 Draft Budget Annual Revenue Operating Budget Project Administrator $ 16,446.00 Project Manager $ 122,027.00 Mastication $ 2,266,400.00 CEQA/Prescription Dev $ 168,750.00 Supplies $ 6,644.00 Travel $ 2,248.00 Accountant $ 39,946.00 $ 22,000.00 Executive Director $ 25,400.00 $ 25,400.00 Admin Assistant $ 35,000.00 $ 35,000.00 Project Manager $ 120,027.00 $ 5,000.00 Project Administrator $ 19,500.00 Liability Insurance $ 3,500.00 $ 3,500.00 Worker's Comp Insurance $ 4,000.00 $ 4,000.00 Professional Fees (Audit, Legal, $ 25,000.00 $ 25,000.00 Engineer) Property Taxes (Solid Waste Fee) $ 150.00 $ 150.00 Building Maint and Repairs $15,000.00 $ 15,000.00 Utilities $6,000.00 $ 6,000.00 Payroll Processing Fees $1,500.00 $ 1,500.00 Website $500.00 $ 500.00 Software $4,000.00 $4,000.00 Office Equipment $10,000.00 $ 10,000.00 Postage $240.00 $ 240.00 Office Supplies $500.00 $ 500.00 Grant Supplies $6,644.00 $ - Dues, Fees, and Memberships $2,500.00 $ 2,500.00 Meetings and Conferences $2,500.00 $ 2,500.00 Travel $2,748.00 $ 500.00 Contractor Services $2,435,150.00 Misc. Expenses $1,000.00 $ 1,000.00 Reserves $45,000.00 $ 45,000.00 Total Expenses $2,805,805.00 $ 209,290.00 Projected Gain/Loss $66,690.60 3.7 Calaveras County RCD Audit The Calaveras County RCD Audit for the year ended June 30, 2021 is shown in Appendix B at the end of this report. The audit showed that revenues exceeded budgeted expenditures by $1,490.7 7 Calaveras County Resource Conservation District, Annual Financial Report for the fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2021, Prepared by David Farnsworth cpa, Dublin CA, June 30, 2022, page 6. 16 Calaveras County RCD Municipal Service Review Sphere of Influence Adopted January 22, 2024 4 MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW CALAVERAS COUNTY RCD 4.1 Growth and Population Projections for the Calaveras County RCD Area8 Purpose: To evaluate service needs based on existing and anticipated growth patterns and population projections. 4.1.1 Calaveras County RCD Area Population Projections The population of Calaveras County increased slightly, even while the population of California was decreasing. The County may continue to have slight increases in population in urban areas. However, this will not decrease the need for the Calaveras County Resource Conservation District. 4.1.2 MSR Determinations on Growth and Population Projections for the Calaveras County RCD Area MSR 1-1) The population of Calaveras County may increase in the urban areas; however, this will not affect the need for the Calaveras County RCD and the type of resource conservation projects that the District sponsors. 4.2 Location and Characteristics of any Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities (DUC) within or Contiguous to Calaveras County RCD9 Purpose: To comply with the State Law to examine any unincorporated areas which could be provided with better services by annexing to an adjacent city. 4.2.1 Determination of Calaveras County RCD Area Disadvantaged Unincorporated Community Status The Median Household Income for Calaveras County was shown as $70,119 and is 83% of the Median Household Income for the State of California. This means that Calaveras County is not a Disadvantaged Community.10 4.2.2 MSR Determinations on Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities near Calaveras County RCD MSR 2-1) The population of Calaveras County as a whole is not a Disadvantaged Community. 4.3 Capacity and Infrastructure Purpose: To evaluate the 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.11 8 California Government Code Section 56430. (a) (1) 9 California Government Code Section 56430. (a) (2) 10 US Census Bureau Quick Facts, February 2023. 11 California Government Code Section 56430. (a) (3) 17 Calaveras County RCD Municipal Service Review Sphere of Influence Adopted January 22, 2024 4.3.1 Infrastructure The Calaveras County RCD does not have infrastructure in the traditional sense of water lines or sewer lines. The RCD provides knowledgeable staff to solve problems and provide ideas and solutions for problems affecting the growth of agricultural crops and the conservation of land, water and soil. 4.3.2 MSR Determinations on Infrastructure for Calaveras County RCD MSR 3-1) The Calaveras County RCD does not have traditional infrastructure but is building capacity with a qualified staff and training for landowners in conservation and resource protection. 4.4 Financial Ability to Provide Services12 Purpose: To evaluate factors that affect the financing of needed improvements and to identify practices or opportunities that may help eliminate unnecessary costs without decreasing service levels. 4.4.1 Financial Considerations for Calaveras County RCD The Calaveras County Resource Conservation District is building capacity through successful grant applications and completion of grant-funded projects. Each grant project will lead to additional projects. The District has made an effort to help landowners in all areas of the County. 4.4.2 MSR Determinations on Financing for Calaveras County RCD MSR 4-1) The Calaveras County RCD has successfully managed several grants and has complied with all financial requirements for special districts, including an annual audit. 4.5 Status of and Opportunities for Shared Facilities13 Purpose: To evaluate the opportunities for a jurisdiction to share facilities and resources to develop more efficient service delivery systems. 4.5.1 Facilities The Calaveras County RCD has worked together with Federal agencies including the US Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management and with other counties including Tuolumne County to carry out conservation projects. 12 California Government Code Section 56430. (a) (4) 13 California Government Code Section 56430. (a)(5) 18 Calaveras County RCD Municipal Service Review Sphere of Influence Adopted January 22, 2024 4.5.2 MSR Determinations on Shared Facilities for Calaveras County RCD MSR 5-1) The Calaveras County RCD has worked together with various groups within Calaveras County, adjacent to Calaveras County and Federal and State agencies to achieve conservation goals. 4.6 Accountability for Community Service Needs, Government Structure and Operational Efficiencies14 Purpose: To consider the advantages and disadvantages of various government structures that could provide public services, to evaluate the management capabilities of the organization and to evaluate the accessibility and levels of public participation associated with the agency’s decision- making and management processes. 4.6.1 Government Structure The Calaveras County RCD has a Board of Directors and the Board has public meetings. The District maintains a website. The District uses part-time staff to have qualified personnel within budgetary constraints. 4.6.2 MSR Determinations on Local Accountability and Governance MSR 6-1) The Calaveras County Resource Conservation District uses qualified professional staff to operate the District and to make sure that State and Federal laws are met. MSR 6-2) The Calaveras County RCD has an active Board of Directors to oversee the District operations. MSR 6-3) The Calaveras County RCD maintains a website with information about the District and the projects in progress. MSR 6.4) To have optimal communication and coordination with local government agencies and the public it is recommended the RCD Board invite local partners such as the County, Fire Chief’s Association, other local agencies as well as the public to report on their activities and be involved with RCD projects. 14 California Government Code Section 56430. (a)(6). 19 Calaveras County RCD Municipal Service Review Sphere of Influence Adopted January 22, 2024 5 SPHERE OF INFLUENCE CALAVERAS COUNTY RCD 5.1 Recommendation for Calaveras County RCD Sphere of Influence The Sphere of Influence for the Calaveras County Resource Conservation District should remain the same as the District Boundary which is also the County Boundary. The District can serve all interested landowners within the County. 5.2 Present and Planned Land Uses in the Calaveras County RCD Area, Including Agricultural and Open Space Lands15 5.2.1 Calaveras County General Plan and Zoning The Calaveras County General Plan and Zoning includes provision for the continuation of agriculture in most of the County and growth of urban areas within limited areas where public facilities such as sewer and water are available. 5.2.2 SOI Determinations on Present and Planned Land Use for the Calaveras County RCD Area SOI 1-1] Agriculture will be an important part of Calaveras County for the foreseeable future and thus, the services of the Calaveras County RCD will be important to preserve and protect agricultural lands and foster beneficial agricultural practices. 5.3 Present and Probable Need for Public Facilities and Services in the Calaveras County RCD Area16 5.3.1 Municipal Service Background The Calaveras County RCD does not provide a traditional municipal service, but rather, provides assistance to landowners for resource conservation and beneficial agricultural practices. 5.3.2 SOI Determinations on Facilities and Services Present and Probable Need for the Calaveras County RCD SOI 2-1] There will be a continuing need for the services of the Calaveras County RCD because agriculture will continue and will benefit from any additional help for environmentally sustainable practices. 5.4 Present Capacity of Public Facilities Present and Adequacy of Public Services 17 5.4.1 Capacity Background The Calaveras County RCD will allow the landowners to access public and private funds and grants to enhance sustainable agricultural practices and environmental protections. 15 California Government Code Section 56425 (e)(1) 16 California Government Code Section 56425 (e)(2) 17 California Government Code Section 56425 (e)(3) 20 Calaveras County RCD Municipal Service Review Sphere of Influence Adopted January 22, 2024 5.4.2 SOI Determinations on Public Facilities Present and Future Capacity for Calaveras County Resource Conservation District SOI 3-1] The Calaveras County Resource Conservation District has started with a number of projects in various parts of the County and is expected to continue with additional projects. A good record for successfully using grant funds will help to make future funding applications equally successful. 5.5 Social or Economic Communities of Interest for Calaveras County Resource Conservation District18 5.5.1 Community Background As is common in many rural counties, citizens view themselves as residents of a County. This gives Calaveras County an identity as an agricultural mountain community with wineries and both natural and historical tourist attractions. 5.5.2 SOI Determinations on Social or Economic Communities of Interest for Calaveras County Resource Conservation District SOI 4-1] Calaveras County has an identity as a whole in addition to the many smaller communities within the County. Agricultural interests are a primary component of the County identity. 5.6 Disadvantaged Unincorporated Community Status19 5.6.1 Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities The Median Household Income for Calaveras County was shown as $70,119 and is 83% of the Median Household Income for the State of California. This means that Calaveras County is not a Disadvantaged Community.20 There may be small areas which are disadvantaged but they are not the focus of this study. 5.6.2 Disadvantaged Unincorporated Community Status SOI 5-1] The population of Calaveras County as a whole is not a Disadvantaged Community. 18 California Government Code Section 56425 (e)(4) 19 California Government Code Section 56425 (e)(5) 20 US Census Bureau Quick Facts, February 2023. 21 Calaveras County RCD Municipal Service Review Sphere of Influence Adopted January 22, 2024 APPENDIX A LOCAL GOVERNMENT FUNDING ISSUES 1 Municipal Financial Constraints Municipal service providers are constrained in their capacity to finance services by the inability to increase property taxes, requirements for voter approval for new or increased taxes, and requirements of voter approval for parcel taxes and assessments used to finance services. Municipalities must obtain majority voter approval to increase or impose new general taxes and two-thirds voter approval for special taxes. Limitations on property tax rates and increases in taxable property values are financing constraints. Property tax revenues are subject to a formulaic allocation and are vulnerable to State budget needs. Agencies formed since the adoption of Proposition 13 in 1978 often lack adequate financing. 1.1 California Local Government Finance Background The financial ability of the cities and special districts to provide services is affected by financial constraints. City service providers rely on a variety of revenue sources to fund city operating costs as follows: • Property Taxes • Benefit Assessments • Special Taxes • Proposition 172 Funds • Other contributions from city or district general funds. As a funding source, property taxes are constrained by statewide initiatives that have been passed by voters over the years and special legislation. Seven of these measures are explained below: A. Proposition 13 Proposition 13 (which California voters approved in 1978) has the following three impacts: • Limits the ad valorem property tax rate • Limits growth of the assessed value of property • Requires voter approval of certain local taxes. Generally, this measure fixes the ad valorem tax at one percent of value; except for taxes to repay certain voter approved bonded indebtedness. In response to the adoption of Proposition 13, the Legislature enacted Assembly Bill 8 (AB 8) in 1979 to establish property tax allocation formulas. B. AB 8 Generally, AB 8 allocates property tax revenue to the local agencies within each tax rate area based on the proportion each agency received during the three fiscal years preceding adoption of Proposition 13. This allocation formula benefits local agencies, which had relatively high tax rates at the time Proposition 13 was enacted. C. Proposition 98 Proposition 98, which California voters approved in 1988, requires the State to maintain a minimum level of school funding. In 1992 and 1993, the Legislature began shifting billions of local property taxes to schools in response to State budget deficits. Local property taxes were diverted 22 Calaveras County RCD Municipal Service Review Sphere of Influence Adopted January 22, 2024 from local governments into the Educational Revenue Augmentation Fund (ERAF) and transferred to school districts and community college districts to reduce the amount paid by the State general fund. Local agencies throughout the State lost significant property tax revenue due to this shift. Proposition 172 was enacted to help offset property tax revenue losses of cities and counties that were shifted to the ERAF for schools in 1992. D. Proposition 172 Proposition 172, enacted in 1993, provides the revenue of a half-cent sales tax to counties and cities for public safety purposes, including police, fire, district attorneys, corrections and lifeguards. Proposition 172 also requires cities and counties to continue providing public safety funding at or above the amount provided in FY 92-93. E. Proposition 218 Proposition 218, which California voters approved in 1996, requires voter- or property owner- approval of increased local taxes, assessments, and property-related fees. A two-thirds affirmative vote is required to impose a Special Tax, for example, a tax for a specific purpose such as a fire district special tax. However, majority voter approval is required for imposing or increasing general taxes such as business license or utility taxes, which can be used for any governmental purpose. These requirements do not apply to user fees, development impact fees and Mello-Roos districts. F. Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act The Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act of 1982 allows any county, city, special district, school district or joint powers authority to establish a Mello-Roos Community Facilities District (a “CFD”) which allows for financing of public improvements and services. The services and improvements that Mello-Roos CFDs can finance include streets, sewer systems and other basic infrastructure, police protection, fire protection, ambulance services, schools, parks, libraries, museums and other cultural facilities. By law, the CFD is also entitled to recover expenses needed to form the CFD and administer the annual special taxes and bonded debt. A CFD is created by a sponsoring local government agency. The proposed district will include all properties that will benefit from the improvements to be constructed or the services to be provided. A CFD cannot be formed without a two-thirds majority vote of residents living within the proposed boundaries. Or, if there are fewer than 12 residents, the vote is instead conducted of current landowners. In many cases, that may be a single owner or developer. Once approved, a Special Tax Lien is placed against each property in the CFD. Property owners then pay a Special Tax each year. If the project cost is high, municipal bonds will be sold by the CFD to provide the large amount of money initially needed to build the improvements or fund the services. The Special Tax cannot be directly based on the value of the property. Special Taxes instead are based on mathematical formulas that take into account property characteristics such as use of the property, square footage of the structure and lot size. The formula is defined at the time of formation, and will include a maximum special tax amount and a percentage maximum annual increase. 23 Calaveras County RCD Municipal Service Review Sphere of Influence Adopted January 22, 2024 If bonds were issued by the CFD, special taxes will be charged annually until the bonds are paid off in full. Often, after bonds are paid off, a CFD will continue to charge a reduced fee to maintain the improvements. G. Development Impact Fees A county, cities, special districts, school districts, and private utilities may impose development impact fees on new construction for purposes of defraying the cost of putting in place public infrastructure and services to support new development. To impose development impact fees, a jurisdiction must justify the fees as an offset to the impact of future development on facilities. This usually requires a special financial study. The fees must be committed within five years to the projects for which they were collected, and the district, city or county must keep separate funds for each development impact fee. 1.2 Financing Opportunities that Require Voter Approval Financing opportunities that require voter approval include the following five taxes: 1. Special taxes such as parcel taxes 2. Increases in general taxes such as utility taxes 3. Sales and use taxes 4. Business license taxes 5. Transient occupancy taxes Communities may elect to form business improvement districts to finance supplemental services, or Mello-Roos districts to finance development-related infrastructure extension. Agencies may finance facilities with voter-approved (general obligation) bonded indebtedness. 1.3 Financing Opportunities that Do Not Require Voter Approval Financing opportunities that do not require voter approval include imposition of or increases in fees to more fully recover the costs of providing services, including user fees and Development Impact Fees to recover the actual cost of services provided and infrastructure. Development Impact Fees and user fees must be based on reasonable costs, and may be imposed and increased without voter approval. Development Impact Fees may not be used to subsidize operating costs. Agencies may also finance many types of facility improvements through bond instruments that do not require voter approval. Water rates and rate structures are not subject to regulation by other agencies. Utility providers may increase rates annually, and often do so. Generally, there is no voter approval requirement for rate increases, although notification of utility users is required. Water providers must maintain an enterprise fund for the respective utility separate from other funds, and may not use revenues to finance unrelated governmental activities. 24 Calaveras County RCD Municipal Service Review Sphere of Influence Adopted January 22, 2024 2 Public Management Standards While public sector management standards do vary depending on the size and scope of an organization, there are minimum standards. Well-managed organizations do the following eight activities: 1. Evaluate employees annually. 2. Prepare a budget before the beginning of the fiscal year. 3. Conduct periodic financial audits to safeguard the public trust. 4. Maintain current financial records. 5. Periodically evaluate rates and fees. 6. Plan and budget for capital replacement needs. 7. Conduct advance planning for future growth. 8. Make best efforts to meet regulatory requirements. Most of the professionally managed and staffed agencies implement many of these best management practices. LAFCo encourages all local agencies to conduct timely financial record- keeping for each city function and make financial information available to the public. 3 Public Participation in Government The Brown Act (California Government Code Section 54950 et seq.) is intended to insure that public boards shall take their actions openly and that deliberations shall be conducted openly. The Brown Act establishes requirements for the following: • Open meetings • Agendas that describe the business to be conducted at the meeting • Notice for meetings • Meaningful opportunity for the public to comment Few exceptions for meeting in closed sessions and reports of items discussed in closed sessions. According to California Government Section 54959: Each member of a legislative body who attends a meeting of that legislative body where action is taken in violation of any provision of this chapter, and where the member intends to deprive the public of information to which the member knows or has reason to know the public is entitled under this chapter, is guilty of a misdemeanor. Section 54960 states the following: (a) The district attorney or any interested person may commence an action by mandamus, injunction or declaratory relief for the purpose of stopping or preventing violations or threatened violations of this chapter by members of the legislative body of a local agency or to determine the applicability of this chapter to actions or threatened future action of the legislative body 25 Calaveras County RCD Municipal Service Review Sphere of Influence Adopted January 22, 2024 APPENDIX B AUDIT CALAVERAS COUNTY RESOURCE CONSERVATION DISTRICT Statement of Net Position June 30, 202121 Governmental Activities ASSETS Cash and Investments $206,161 Receivables 251 Capital assets, not being depreciated 93,947 Capital assets, net of accumulated depreciation 197,692 Total assets 498,051 LIABILITIES Accounts payable 92,685 Accrued liabilities 3,582 Unearned income 82,298 Total liabilities 178,565 NET POSITION Net investment in capital assets 299,330 Unrestricted net position 20,156 TOTAL NET POSITION $319,486 21 Calaveras County Resource Conservation District, Annual Financial Report for the fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2021, Prepared by David Farnsworth cpa, Dublin CA, June 30, 2022, page 9. 26 Calaveras County RCD Municipal Service Review Sphere of Influence Adopted January 22, 2024 CALAVERAS COUNTY RESOURCE CONSERVATION DISTRICT Statement of Activities For the Year Ended June 30, 202122 Net (Expense) Revenue and Changes in Net Position Program Revenues Primary Government Expenses Charges Operating Capital Governmental for Grants and Grants and Activities Services Contributions Contributions Functions/Programs: Primary government: Governmental activities: Conservation $305,784 - $308,489 - $2,705 Total governmental - $308,489 - 2,705 activities $305,784 General Revenues Grants and contributions not restricted to specific 833 programs Investment earnings 9,629 Other revenue 2,660 Total general revenues 13,122 Change in net position 15,827 Net position-beginning 303,659 Net position-ending $319,486 22 Calaveras County Resource Conservation District, Annual Financial Report for the fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2021, Prepared by David Farnsworth cpa, Dublin CA, June 30, 2022, page 10. 27 Calaveras County RCD Municipal Service Review Sphere of Influence Adopted January 22, 2024 CALAVERAS COUNTY RESOURCE CONSERVATION DISTRICT Balance Sheet Governmental Funds June 30, 202123 General ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $206,161 Receivables 251 Total assets 206,412 LIABILITIES Accounts payable $92,685 Accrued liabilities 3,582 Unearned income 82,298 Total liabilities 178,565 FUND BALANCES Unassigned 27,847 Total fund balances 27,847 Total liabilities and fund balances $206,412 CALAVERAS COUNTY RESOURCE CONSERVATION DISTRICT Reconciliation of the Balance Sheet of Governmental Funds To the Statement of Net Position June 30, 202124 Fund Balances-Governmental Funds Amounts reported for governmental activities in the statement of net position are different because: Total fund balances-governmental funds $27,847 Capital assets used in governmental activities are not current financial resources and Therefore are not reported in the governmental funds balance sheet. However, the Statement of net position includes those assets as capital assets 291,639 Net Position of Governmental Activities $319,486 23 Calaveras County Resource Conservation District, Annual Financial Report for the fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2021, Prepared by David Farnsworth cpa, Dublin CA, June 30, 2022, page 11. 24 Calaveras County Resource Conservation District, Annual Financial Report for the fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2021, Prepared by David Farnsworth cpa, Dublin CA, June 30, 2022, page 12. 28 Calaveras County RCD Municipal Service Review Sphere of Influence Adopted January 22, 2024 CALAVERAS COUNTY RESOURCE CONSERVATION DISTRICT Statement of Revenues, Expenditures, and Changes in fund Balances Governmental Funds For the Year Ended June 30, 202125 General REVENUES Intergovernmental $309,322 Investment earnings 9,629 Total revenues 318,951 EXPENDITURES Current: Conservation 298,093 Total expenditures 298,093 Excess of revenues over expenditures 20,093 OTHER FINANCING SOURCES Insurance recoveries 2,660 Total other financing sources 2,660 Net change in fund balances 23,518 Fund balances-beginning 4,329 Fund balances-ending $27,847 CALAVERAS COUNTY RESOURCE CONSERVATION DISTRICT Reconciliation of the Statement of Revenues, Expenditures, and changes in Fund Balances of Governmental Funds to the Statement of Activities for the Year Ended June 30, 202126 Amounts reported for governmental activities in the statement of activities are different because: Net change in fund balances-total governmental funds $23,518 Governmental funds report capital outlays as expenditures. However, in the statement of activities, the cost of these assets is allocated over their estimated useful lives and reported as depreciation expense. This is the amount by which depreciation expense exceeded capital outlay in the current period. Depreciation expense (7,961) Change in net position of governmental activities $15,827 25 Calaveras County Resource Conservation District, Annual Financial Report for the fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2021, Prepared by David Farnsworth cpa, Dublin CA, June 30, 2022, page 13. 26 Calaveras County Resource Conservation District, Annual Financial Report for the fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2021, Prepared by David Farnsworth cpa, Dublin CA, June 30, 2022, page 14. 29 Calaveras County RCD Municipal Service Review Sphere of Influence Adopted January 22, 2024 APPENDIX C LETTER RECEIVED BY MURIEL ZELLER To: John Benoit, Executive Director, The Local Agency Formation Commission From: Muriel Zeller, 2640 Stagecoach Drive, Valley Springs, CA 95252 Regarding: The Municipal Service Review (MSR) and Sphere of Influence (SOI) for the Calaveras Resource Conservation District (RCD) Date: January 21, 2024 Via Email Dear Mr. Benoit: Before the resolution accepting the Municipal Service Review (MSR) and Sphere of Influence (SOI) for the Calaveras Resource Conservation District (RCD) is adopted at your meeting tomorrow evening, please consider discussing adding to their scope of work a greater diversity of projects that will truly allow them to benefit agricultural land, open space, and natural resources at our lower elevations. I want the RCD to commit to conserving and restoring oak woodlands, oak savanna, and rangelands to protect the multitude of ecosystem services they provide especially since these lands are most prevalent in the county. The RCD has already demonstrated an excellent track record of securing grants, and I thank them, in particular, for their multiple fuel reduction grants and successful projects, primarily at higher elevations. However, I believe their mission, which commits them “to protect, improve, and restore the natural resources of Calaveras County,” requires applying this mission to their entire SOI. Draft Oak Conservation Ordinance As you know, Calaveras County will soon have a draft oak conservation ordinance before the Planning Commission. According to PRC § 21083.4, the county may create its own mitigation measures and, thereby, actually protect and improve oak woodland working landscapes by creating, for example, the Calaveras County Oak Woodlands Conservation Fund, to which developers may donate as mitigation for the loss of oak woodlands to discretionary project development. However the county does not want the responsibility. 30 Calaveras County RCD Municipal Service Review Sphere of Influence Adopted January 22, 2024 The current draft county oak ordinance says, “17.101.060 Oak Woodland Mitigation 2: The mitigation of oak woodlands shall take place within Calaveras County,” and it also says mitigation may be 17.101.060 C: Contribute funds to the Oak Woodlands Conservation Fund, as established under Fish and Game Code §1363 for the purpose of purchasing oak woodlands conservation easements as described in by (sic) Public Resources Code § 21083.4. (An applicant that chooses this option may not receive a grant from the Oak Woodlands Conservation Fund as part of project mitigation.)” The problem is if a developer opts to donate to the state’s Oak Woodland Conservation Fund as mitigation for his/her project, the money will not be used in Calaveras County without the Board of Supervisors creating or designating an entity whose purpose is oak conservation or without the development of one or more specific projects to conserve and protect oak woodlands through the use of conservation easements. In order to receive money from the state fund, the local entity or project would have to apply for a grant, and the success of the grant application is not guaranteed. Thus, the two above statements from the county’s draft oak ordinance under 17.101.060, for all intents and purposes, cannot be reconciled, because the county will not create the conditions under which the money donated to the state fund even has a chance of being returned to Calaveras County. The draft ordinance is, therefore, internally inconsistent and leaves Calaveras County with fewer oaks and less money. Creating a Calaveras County Oak Woodlands Conservation Fund is only one example of how the RCD can help conserve oaks and oak woodlands in its SOI. It could also accept and administer in-lieu fees or act as a mitigation banker. When the draft oak ordinance comes before the Planning Commission, it is well within the RCD's scope of work to at least comment and, perhaps, even become part of the mitigation and restoration process. Draft Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan In addition to the draft oak ordinance, the Planning Commission will soon be considering a draft Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan. Again, the RCD can help, for example, by promoting or even procuring conservation easements to permanently protect open space as natural carbon sinks that remove harmful GHG emissions from the environment. The state of California recognizes the importance of natural and working lands in regard to reducing GHG emissions. In fact, natural and working lands “hold the ultimate solution to addressing climate change and its impacts,” and “Work to better quantify the carbon stored in natural and working lands is continuing, but 31 Calaveras County RCD Municipal Service Review Sphere of Influence Adopted January 22, 2024 given the long timelines to change landscapes, action must begin now to restore and conserve these lands. (California’s 2017 Climate Change Scoping Plan, page ES13).” We can’t afford to wait. As the California RCD handout on Carbon Farming notes, “Working landscapes have a significant role to play in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and mitigating global climate change, particularly through the sequestering of atmospheric carbon in soils and vegetation. In addition to their carbon-related benefits, well-managed working lands confer significant benefits related to increased water holding capacity in soils, water quality, biodiversity and other positive environmental impacts.” I would love to see the local RCD work with the California RCD Carbon Farming Project. Please work to avoid soil carbon loss and agricultural GHG emissions through the placement of grasslands under conservation easements that prevent intensive cultivation or other uses. The RCD could pursue federal, state, and foundation funding to secure conservation easements on private agricultural and forest lands which are suitable for carbon sequestration, and promote restoration grazing practices and mulching that increase the carbon sequestration capacity of our rangeland. The RCD could identify and map priority land for conservation. This will help applicants to secure the funding they need to purchase conservation easements on those lands. The RCD could even take the steps needed to promote and to qualify Calaveras lands that sequester carbon for state cap and trade funds. “If we want to take meaningful climate action, we must make smarter land- use decisions that value the carbon storage and sequestration abilities of not only trees and forests but also of California’s overlooked shrub lands, grasslands, deserts and riparian corridors. As California communities grow, we must mitigate harmful developments with a sound plan that brings real results. Preserving and restoring the native habitats of this golden state protects our rich biodiversity, benefits communities, and gives us a fighting chance to tackle the climate crisis (Hidden in Plain Sight: California’s Native Habitats Are Valuable Carbon Sinks, page 23).” Thank you for your time and consideration. Muriel Zeller Attachment: California Association of Resource Conservation Districts Carbon Farming CC: 32 Calaveras County RCD Municipal Service Review Sphere of Influence Adopted January 22, 2024 Tom Infusino, Calaveras Planning Coalition Facilitator Megan Fiske, Community Action Project Outreach Coordinator Colleen Platt and Joyce Techel, MyValleySprings.com Calaveras County Resource Conservation District Board of Directors Julie Moss-Lewis, Calaveras County Deputy County Counsel California Association of Resource Conservation Districts Carbon Farming – California Association of Resource Conservation Districts (carcd.org) Carbon Farming Carbon farming is agriculture's answer to climate change, and involves implementing farming practices that are known to improve the rate at which carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere and converted to plant material and/or soil organic matter. Carbon farming is successful when enhanced land management and/or conservation practices results in more carbon being sequestered than emitted. Working landscapes have a significant role to play in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and mitigating global climate change, particularly through the sequestering of atmospheric carbon in soils and vegetation. In addition to their carbon-related benefits, well-managed working lands confer significant benefits related to increased water holding capacity in soils, water quality, biodiversity and other positive environmental impacts. By bringing agriculture to the table as a climate change solution, rather than as a GHG emitter, carbon farming offers producers an exciting avenue of constructive engagement with one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time. Because the carbon farm planning process is broadly conceptual rather than prescriptive, we anticipate an iterative dialogue with growers and foresters that creates ongoing innovation and novel approaches to the process as we move forward with scaling the work. RCDs around the state have begun creating and implementing Carbon Farm Plans in partnership with the Carbon Cycle Institute (CCI). Many RCDs are at the cutting edge in developing and implementing pilot projects and creating programs to incentivize and provide technical assistance for carbon farming and healthy soils projects. The California Department of Food and Agriculture, CCI, and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service are core partners in these efforts. The programs are designed to assist the agencies in meeting their missions and current priorities while supporting farmers and ranchers with field evaluations, irrigation techniques, and a host of other practices that reduce carbon emissions, help farmers and ranchers meet their bottom line, and provide stewardship for their land while supporting a sustainable and productive agricultural economy. 33 Calaveras County RCD Municipal Service Review Sphere of Influence Adopted January 22, 2024 Scaling up to the statewide level, CARCD has been building momentum and developing potential funding opportunities and partnerships related to soil health and greenhouse gas emissions reductions. To date, RCDs in collaboration with CCI have produced more than 30 Carbon Farm Plans working with farmers and ranchers across the state covering over 34,000 acres, and are actively exploring the next steps of implementation. If you have questions, please contact Hannah at hannah-tikalsky@carcd.org for more information. Partners: • Natural Resources Conservation Service • Carbon Cycle Institute • California Department of Food and Agriculture 34 Calaveras County RCD Municipal Service Review Sphere of Influence Adopted January 22, 2024 ABBREVIATIONS AB Assembly Bill BLM Bureau of Land Management BMPs Best Management Practices CA California CARCD California Association of Resource Conservation Districts CDFG California Department of Fish and Game (Now California Department of Fish and Wildlife) CDP Census Designated Place CEQA California Environmental Quality Act CKH Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000 CSDA California Special Districts Association DOC Department of Conservation (California) DOI Department of the Interior DUCs Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities DWR Department of Water Resources (California) FB Farm Bureau FY Fiscal Year LAFCO Local Agency Formation Commission MSR Municipal Service Review (LAFCO) NEPA National Environmental Protection Act NPS National Park Service NRCS Natural Resource Conservation Service PG&E Pacific Gas and Electric Company PO Post Office RCD Resource Conservation District 35 Calaveras County RCD Municipal Service Review Sphere of Influence Adopted January 22, 2024 RC&D Resource Conservation and Development SB Senate Bill SOI Sphere of Influence (LAFCO) US United States USDA United States Department of Agriculture DEFINITIONS Agriculture: Use of land for the production of food and fiber, including the growing of crops and/or the grazing of animals on natural prime or improved pasture land. California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA): A State Law requiring State and local agencies to regulate activities with consideration for environmental protection. If a proposed activity has the potential for a significant adverse environmental impact, an environmental impact report (EIR) must be prepared and certified as to its adequacy before taking action on the proposed project. Groundwater: Water under the earth’s surface, often confined to aquifers capable of supplying wells and springs. Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO): A five-or seven-member commission within each county that reviews and evaluates all proposals for formation of special districts, incorporation of cities, annexation to special districts or cities, consolidation of districts, and merger of districts with cities. Each county’s LAFCO is empowered to approve, disapprove, or conditionally approve such proposals. The LAFCO members generally include two county supervisors, two city council members, and one member representing the general public. Some LAFCOs include two representatives of special districts. No-till farming: No-till farming (also called zero tillage or direct drilling) is a way of growing crops or pasture from year to year without disturbing the soil through tillage. No-till is an agricultural technique which increases the amount of water that infiltrates into the soil and increases organic matter retention and cycling of nutrients in the soil. In many agricultural regions it can eliminate soil erosion. It increases the amount and variety of life in and on the soil, including disease-causing organisms and disease suppression organisms. The most powerful benefit of no-tillage is improvement in soil biological fertility, making soils more resilient. Farm operations are made much more efficient, particularly improved time of sowing. Sphere of Influence (SOI): The probable physical boundaries and service area of a local agency, as determined by the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) of the county. Surface Water: The water that systems pump and treat from sources open to the atmosphere, such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Water year: A continuous 12-month period for which hydrologic records are compiled and summarized. In California, it begins on October 1 and ends September 30 of the following year.27 Watershed: The land area from which water drains into a stream, river, or reservoir. 27 http://rubicon.water.ca.gov/v1cwp/glssry.html 36 Calaveras County RCD Municipal Service Review Sphere of Influence Adopted January 22, 2024 REFERENCES California Government Code Section 56425 (e) (1) California Government Code Section 56425 (e) (2) California Government Code Section 56425 (e) (3) California Government Code Section 56425 (e) (4) California Government Code Section 56425 (e) (5) California Government Code Section 56430 (a) (1) California Government Code Section 56430 (a) (2) California Government Code Section 56430 (a) (3) California Government Code Section 56430 (a) (4) California Government Code Section 56430 (a) (5) California Government Code Section 56430 (a) (6) California Government Code Section 56046 Calaveras County: 2021 Agricultural Crop & Livestock Report. Calaveras County Resource Conservation District, Annual Financial Report for the fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2021, Prepared by David Farnsworth cpa, Dublin CA, June 30, 2022. Calaveras County RCD website: https://www.calaverasrcd.org/. http://rubicon.water.ca.gov/v1cwp/glssry.html US Census Bureau Quick Facts, February 2023. PREPARERS Calaveras LAFCO, John Benoit, Executive Officer PO Box 2694, Granite Bay CA 95746 916-797-6003 j.benoit4@icloud.com Christy Leighton, Planning Consultant 555 E. Willow Street, Willows CA 95988 530-934-4597christyleighton@sbcglobal.net 37 Calaveras County RCD Municipal Service Review Sphere of Influence Adopted January 22, 2024 MAP Calaveras Local Agency Formation Commission Calaveras County Resource Conservation District R 9 E R 10 E R 11 E R 12 E R 13 E R 14 E R 15 E R 16 E R 17 E T 8 N B^`ear Valley Tamarack^` T 7 N ^` West Point ^`Wilseyville ^` T 6 N ·|}þ Glencoe ^`Rail Road Flat ·|}þ 26 4 Camp Connell^` ·|}þ 49 ^` Dorrington ^` ·|}þ Mokelumne Hill T 5 N R P es a e rd rv e o e ir 26 White Pines^` Paloma^` ^` Camanche Arnold Reservoir ^`Campo Seco ^`Mountain Ranch ·|}þ T 4 N ^` ·|}þBurson^` Valley Spring^`s ·|}þ 12 49 ^`San Andreas ^`Sheep Ran H c a h P th i A n a v e w e s r a y y ^` ^` 12 ^`Calaveritas New Hogan Reservoir ^` Murphys ·|}þ ·|}þ ^`Douglas Flat 26 49 T 3 N ^` ^` ^` Jenny Lind Altaville ^` Vallecito Angels Camp ^`Milton Val S le a y lt R S e p s r e in rv g ior ·|}þ ^`Carson Hill 4 T 2 N ^` Copperopolis T 1 N T 1 S 4 Calaveras County Boundary Calaveras County County E L Highways Resource Conservation District G ^` Parcels E Towns Calaveras LAFCo Resolution: 2015-0005 N D Calaveras County RCD Formed: July 26, 2016 Calaveras County RCD SOI Boundary 0 3 6 12Miles Source: Calaveras LAFCo Map Created 4/15/2018 38