LAFCO
Cortina Community Services District*
Read the report at Local Agency Formation Commissions ↗
COLUSA
LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION
CORTINA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW
AND
SPHERE OF INFLUENCE
Adopted
August 6, 2015
Resolution 2015-0012 Service Review
Resolution 2015-0013 Sphere of Influence
COLUSA LAFCO
CORTINA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
MSR-SOI Adopted August 6, 2015
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.1 Role and Responsibility of LAFCO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.2 Purpose of a Municipal Service Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
2 COLUSA COUNTY ARBUCKLE AREA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.1 Arbuckle Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.2 Arbuckle Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.3 Arbuckle Public Utility District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.4 Arbuckle Population Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.5 Colusa County Income Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.6 Other Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3 CORTINA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT BACKGROUND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3.1 Cortina CSD History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3.2 Cortina CSD Soils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.3 Cortina CSD Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.4 Cortina CSD Finances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.4.1 Cortina CSD Financing Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.4.2 Cortina CSD Current Finances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4 CORTINA CSD MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4.1 Growth and Population Projections for the Cortina CSD Area . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4.1.1 Cortina CSD Area Population Projections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4.1.2 MSR Determinations on Growth and Population Projections for the
Cortina CSD Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4.2 Location and Characteristics of any Disadvantaged Unincorporated
Communities (DUC) within or Contiguous to Cortina CSD . . . . . . . 14
4.2.1 Determination of Cortina CSD Area Disadvantaged Unincorporated
Community Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4.2.2 MSR Determinations on Disadvantaged Unincorporated
Communities near Cortina CSD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4.3 Capacity and Infrastructure Cortina CSD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.3.1 Cortina CSD Infrastructure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.3.2 MSR Determinations on Infrastructure for Cortina CSD . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.4 Financial Ability to Provide Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.4.1 Financial Considerations for Cortina CSD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.4.2 MSR Determinations on Financing for Cortina CSD . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.5 Status of and Opportunities for Shared Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4.5.1 Cortina CSD Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4.5.2 MSR Determinations on Shared Facilities for Cortina CSD . . . . . . . . 16
4.6 Accountability for Community Service Needs, Government Structure and
Operational Efficiencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4.6.1 Cortina CSD Government Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4.6.2 MSR Determinations on Local Accountability and Governance . . . . . 16
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COLUSA LAFCO
CORTINA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
MSR-SOI Adopted August 6, 2015
5 CORTINA CSD SPHERE OF INFLUENCE UPDATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
5.1 SOI Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
5.1.1 LAFCO's Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
5.1.2 SOI Determinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
5.1.3 Possible Approaches to the SOI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
5.1.4 SOI Update Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
5.1.5 SOI Amendments and CEQA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
5.1.6 Recommendation for Cortina CSD Sphere of Influence . . . . . . . . . . . 20
5.2 Present and Planned Land Uses in the Cortina CSD Area, Including
Agricultural and Open Space Lands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
5.2.1 Colusa County General Plan and Zoning for Cortina CSD
SOI Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
5.2.2 SOI Determinations on Present and Planned Land Use for
Cortina CSD Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
5.3 Present and Probable Need for Public Facilities and Services in the
Cortina CSD Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
5.3.1 Municipal Service Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
5.3.2 SOI Determinations on Facilities and Services Present and Probable
Need for Cortina CSD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
5.4 Present Capacity of Public Facilities Present and Adequacy of Public
Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
5.4.1 Capacity Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
5.4.2 SOI Determinations on Public Facilities Present and Future
Capacity for Cortina CSD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
5.5 Social or Economic Communities of Interest for Cortina CSD . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
5.5.1 Cortina CSD Community Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
5.5.2 SOI Determinations on Social or Economic Communities of
Interest for Cortina CSD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
5.6 Disadvantaged Unincorporated Community Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
5.6.1 Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
5.6.2 Cortina CSD Disadvantaged Unincorporated Community
Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
ABBREVIATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
REFERENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
PREPARERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
APPENDIX A SOIL INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
APPENDIX B CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTIONS 61020-21022 . . . . . . . . . . . 34
MAPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Cortina Community Services District Boundary and Sphere of Influence . . . . . . 35
Cortina Community Services District Soils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Cortina Community Services District Colusa County General Plan . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Cortina Community Services District General Plan Zoning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
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COLUSA LAFCO
CORTINA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
MSR-SOI Adopted August 6, 2015
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Role and Responsibility of LAFCO
The Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000, as
amended (“CKH Act”) (California Government Code §§56000 et seq.), is LAFCO’s
governing law and outlines the requirements for preparing Municipal Service Reviews
(MSRs) for periodic Sphere of Influence (SOI) updates. MSRs and SOIs are tools
created to empower LAFCO to satisfy its legislative charge of “discouraging urban
sprawl, preserving open-space and prime agricultural lands, efficiently providing
government services, and encouraging the orderly formation and development of local
agencies based upon local conditions and circumstances (§56301).
CKH Act Section 56301 further establishes that
“one of the objects of the commission is to make studies and to obtain
and furnish information which will contribute to the logical and reasonable
development of local agencies in each county and to shape the
development of local agencies so as to advantageously provide for the
present and future needs of each county and its communities.”
Based on that legislative charge, LAFCO serves as an arm of the State; preparing and
reviewing studies and analyzing independent data to make informed, quasi-legislative
decisions that guide the physical and economic development of the state (including
agricultural uses) and the efficient, cost-effective, and reliable delivery of services to
residents, landowners, and businesses.
While SOIs are required to be updated every five years, they are not time-bound as
planning tools by the statute, but are meant to address the “probable physical
boundaries and service area of a local agency” (§56076). SOIs therefore guide both the
near-term and long-term physical and economic development of local agencies their
broader county area, and MSRs provide the near-term and long- term time-relevant data
to inform LAFCO’s SOI determinations.
1.2 Purpose of a Municipal Service Review
As described above, MSRs are designed to equip LAFCO with relevant information and
data necessary for the Commission to make informed decisions on SOIs. The CKH Act,
however, gives LAFCO broad discretion in deciding how to conduct MSRs, including
geographic focus, scope of study, and the identification of alternatives for improving the
efficiency, cost-effectiveness, accountability, and reliability of public services.
The purpose of a Municipal Services Review (MSR) in general is to provide a
comprehensive inventory and analysis of the services provided by local municipalities,
service areas, and special districts. A MSR evaluates the structure and operation of the
local municipalities, service areas, and special districts and discusses possible areas for
improvement and coordination. The MSR is intended to provide information and analysis
to support a sphere of influence update.
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COLUSA LAFCO
CORTINA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
MSR-SOI Adopted August 6, 2015
A written statement of the study’s determinations must be made in the following areas:
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.
The MSR is organized according to these determinations listed above. Information
regarding each of the above issue areas is provided in this document.
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COLUSA LAFCO
CORTINA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
MSR-SOI Adopted August 6, 2015
2 COLUSA COUNTY ARBUCKLE AREA
The Cortina Community Services District is located west of Arbuckle. The following
background information is presented on Arbuckle because that is the closest community
to the housing developments within the Cortina CSD.
2.1 Arbuckle Background
Arbuckle is a census-designated place (CDP) which means that census data is available
for the community. The population was 3,028 at the 2010 census, up from 2,332 at the
2000 census. The town is characterized by single-family residences, multiple-family
units, some mobile homes, and commercial activities. Land surrounding Arbuckle is
mostly agricultural including cultivated annual crops, and both active and unmaintained
orchards (primarily almonds). Regional access is provided by the north-south running
Interstate 5.
Two streams drain the area, the Salt and Elk Creeks. The Salt Creek flows north in the
area, then bends east, and is joined by Elk Creek. Both streams join Sand Creek a half
mile northeast of the town, and flow in a northeast direction. Salt Creek is subject to
periodic flooding during heavy rainfall.
Tacitus R. Arbuckle established a ranch here in 1866. The railroad came in 1875 and the
town was founded and named for Arbuckle, on whose land it was built. The post office
was established the following year, 1876.1
2.2 Arbuckle Schools2
The following schools are located in Arbuckle:
Part Day Child Care Centers:
Arbuckle Early Care and Education Center (AECEC)
620 Gail Avenue, Arbuckle, CA 95912; Telephone: (530) 476-2866
Full-Day Child Care Centers:
Arbuckle Children’s Center (ACC) Early Head Start, Head Start, and Infants & Toddlers
940 Wildwood Road, Arbuckle, CA 95912
Telephone: (530) 476-2115 Fax (530) 476-3995
Arbuckle Elementary School (Pierce Unified School District)
701 Hall Street, P. O. Box 100, Arbuckle, CA 95912
Telephone (530) 476-2522; Fax (530) 476-2234; Kindergarten-5 • Enrollment: 599
Lloyd G. Johnson Junior High (Pierce Unified School District)
938 Wildwood Road, Arbuckle, CA 95912
Telephone (530) 476-3261 Fax (530) 476-2017 Grades 6-8 • Enrollment: 311
1 Durham, David L. (1998). California's Geographic Names: A Gazetteer of Historic and Modern Names of the State.
2 Colusa County Office of Education, http://www.ccoe.net/psd, November 3, 2014.
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COLUSA LAFCO
CORTINA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
MSR-SOI Adopted August 6, 2015
Pierce High School (Pierce Unified School District)
960 Wildwood Road, Arbuckle, CA 95912
Telephone (530) 476-2277 Fax (530) 476-3285 Grades 9-12 • Enrollment: 378
Arbuckle Alternative School (Pierce Unified School District)
966 Wildwood Road, Arbuckle, CA 95912
Telephone (530) 476-2173 Fax (530) 476-2674 Grades 10-12 • Enrollment: 11
2.3 Arbuckle Public Utility District
The Arbuckle Public Utility District was formed in 1939 and provides water and sewer
services. The District is governed by a three-member Board of Directors which is elected
by residents of the District. Contact information for the District is as follows:
Location: 104 S 5th St, Arbuckle, CA 95912
Phone: (530) 476-2054 Fax: 530-476-2761
Mailing Address: PO Box 207, Arbuckle, CA 95912
E-Mail: apud@frontiernet.net
2.4 Arbuckle Population Data
The 2010 US Census reported that 3,028 people lived in 868 households, out of which
481 (55.4%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 122 households (14.1%)
were made up of individuals and 70 (8.1%) had someone living alone who was 65 years
of age or older. The average household size was 3.49. There were 720 families (82.9%
of all households); the average family size was 3.80.
The population was spread out in age as follows:
ARBUCKLE POPULATION 2010
Under the age of 18 982 people 32.4%
Aged 18 to 24 356 people 11.8%
Aged 25 to 44 824 people 27.2%
Aged 45 to 64 635 people 21.0%
65 years of age or older 231 people 7.6%
Total 3,028 people 100.0%
The median age was 28.3 years. For every 100 females there were 103.1 males. For
every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.8 males.
There were 937 housing units at an average density of 532.6 per square mile
(205.6/km²), of which 547 (63.0%) were owner-occupied, and 321 (37.0%) were
occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 4.0%; the rental vacancy rate
was 2.7%. 1,899 people (62.7% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units
and 1,129 people (37.3%) lived in rental housing units.
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COLUSA LAFCO
CORTINA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
MSR-SOI Adopted August 6, 2015
2.5 Colusa County Income Data
The following table shows the median household income for Colusa County and for the
State of California. The median household income for Colusa County is larger than 80%
of the State median household income which would be $49,120 so Colusa County would
not qualify as a disadvantaged area.
Median Household Income Comparison3 Colusa County State of California
Median household income, 2008-2012 $52,165 $61,400
Persons below poverty level, percent, 2008-2012 15.2% 15.3%
2.6 Other Services
Other services in the area include fire protection provided by Arbuckle-College City Fire
Protection District, police protection provided by the Colusa County Sheriff, general
government services provided by Colusa County and power provided by Pacific Gas and
Electric Company. Agricultural water service is provided by the Colusa County Water
District.
3 US Census Bureau, http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06/06011.html, November 1, 2014
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COLUSA LAFCO
CORTINA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
MSR-SOI Adopted August 6, 2015
3 CORTINA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT BACKGROUND
3.1 Cortina CSD History
The Colusa County Board of Supervisors passed Resolution 2005-40 initiating LAFCO
proceedings on behalf of Dunmore Communities, Pristine Homes and Tim Lewis Homes
for the formation of Cortina CSD and establishment of a Sphere of Influence
coterminous with its boundaries. A map showing the boundaries of the Cortina CSD is
shown at the end of this report.
The establishment of the Cortina CSD in 2006 allowed the provision of necessary
services for the four previously approved subdivision applications (totaling 225.53 acres)
shown below:
1) Hillgate (formerly Rancho Cortina)
APNs: 018-250-018, (tax rate area 067-052) 018-250-019, 018-250-020,
018-250-017 (USA)
Located at the northwest corner of Cortina School Road and Hillgate Road, west of
Arbuckle.
2) Reddington Ranch (now called Honey Grove)
APNs: 018-280-010, 018-280-011, 018-280-013
Located at the northwest corner of Almond Avenue and Hillgate Road, west of Arbuckle.
Annexed to Arbuckle PUD June 1, 2006 (Colusa LAFCO No. 2005-05, Tim Lewis).
3) River Glen APNs: 020-200-01 through 41-- tax rate area 067-054
Located on the west side of Wildwood Road, north of Boucho Road, west of Arbuckle.
Annexed to Arbuckle PUD 1992 (Colusa LAFCO No. 91-06, Arbuckle Land Company).
4) Wildwood Estates (five lots are developed) APN: 021-300-018
Located and the southwest corner of Wildwood Road and Hillgate Road, west of
Arbuckle. Annexed to Arbuckle PUD July 15, 2005 (Colusa LAFCO No. 2004-01,
Tomlinson).
The development of these parcels into residential subdivisions created the need for the
following services as authorized in Colusa LAFCO Resolution 2006-0002:4
1. Street light maintenance,
2. Road/Street maintenance
3. Pedestrian and/or bicycle trail maintenance
4. Landscape maintenance
5. Open space maintenance
6. Collection, treatment and disposal of storm water
7. Maintenance of drainage and floodway facilities
8. Water not within the Arbuckle PUD or its Sphere
9. Wastewater not within the Arbuckle PUD or its Sphere
10. Police and Fire Infrastructure financing
4 Colusa LAFCO, Resolution No. 2006-0002 of the Colusa Local Agency Formation Commission Colusa County, State of
California, making Determinations and approving the Formation of the Cortina Community Services District. (Colusa
LAFCO File #2005-06).
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COLUSA LAFCO
CORTINA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
MSR-SOI Adopted August 6, 2015
Each of the new subdivisions has different service needs. The Cortina Community
Services District consists of four Zones of Benefit with non-contiguous boundaries as
shown on the map at the end of this report.
3.2 Cortina CSD Soils
The soil types within the Cortina Community Services District are shown below. A
description of each soil type is shown in Appendix A at the end of this report.
Soils in the Cortina Community Services District
Soil Type Acres
112—Westfan loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes 48.57
150—Arbuckle sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes 61.50
185—Riverwash 11.32
188—Westfan loam, clay substratum, 0 to 2 percent slopes 7.57
189—Arand very gravelly sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes 54.16
193—Westfan gravelly loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes 2.39
230—Corning clay loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes 37.47
Grand Total 222.97
A map showing the location of each of these soil types within the Cortina CSD is shown
at the end of this report.
3.3 Government
The Colusa LAFCO Resolution forming the Cortina CSD stated that “The initial Cortina
CSD Board of Directors shall be appointed by the Board of Supervisors as authorized in
Government Code Section 61020, 61021 and 61022 of the Government Code.” The
Government Code specifies that the Board of Supervisors shall function as the Board of
Directors until there are 500 registered voters within the District.
Thus, the Colusa County Board of Supervisors is functioning as the Board of Directors
for the Cortina CSD. The Government Code Sections cited above are shown in
Appendix B at the end of this report.
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COLUSA LAFCO
CORTINA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
MSR-SOI Adopted August 6, 2015
3.4 Cortina CSD Finances
3.4.1 Financing Background
A public services delivery and financing plan report was prepared by Economic &
Planning Systems, Inc., (EPS) a firm specializing in real estate economics, regional
economics, public finance, and land use policy. The Colusa Local Agency Formation
Commission required this report.
During the LAFCo approval process, a service plan for the CSD was established. The
first step was to construct improvements to county standards within each of the benefit
zone areas. Meanwhile, service plan estimates, as shown below, were (the second
step) adopted for funding short and long-term maintenance costs for each of the
activities the CSD would provide. Since, at the time there were no registered voters
living within the four benefit zone areas, the landowners approved an annual
assessment based on the costs of providing short and long-term maintenance to each
individual benefit zone (subdivision) as a whole that would proportionally benefit each
parcel individually.
Among the conditions of approval for forming the Community Services District was the
formation of a Community Facilities District (CFD). A CFD was subsequently created
and the CSD formation was finalized. Through the CFD, funds are assessed for each
parcel and deposited into one of four benefit zone accounts corresponding the four
areas of the CSD.
The CFD’s purpose is no more than a funding mechanism to raise the necessary short
and long-term maintenance funding. The CSD was established to manage the funds
and to ensure long and short-term maintenance as stated in the financing plan occurs
within each of the four benefit zones.
The “Cortina CSD Public Services Delivery and Financing Plan” showed the following
estimate of how the CSD would function and the costs required:
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COLUSA LAFCO
CORTINA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
MSR-SOI Adopted August 6, 2015
Cortina CSD Public Services Delivery and Financing Plan
Summary of Estimated CSD Funding per Lot (2005 $s)5
Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3 Zone 5
CSD Service Category Hillgate Reddington River Glenn Wildwood
Total Number of Lots 134 138 39 31
CSD Services
Administrative Costs $440 $440 $440 $440
Sheriff Service Costs $240 $240 $240 $240
Fire Services Costs $260 $260 $260 $260
Street, Drainage, Other Costs $370 $235 $310 $225
Total CSD Annual Tax Levy/Lot $1,310 $1,175 $1,250 $1,165
Estimated Water & Wastewater $250 $250 $250 $250
Annual Costs (billed monthly)
Total CSD Services Cost $1,560 $1,425 $1,500 $1,415
Source: LDC Design Group, and EPS
The numbers shown above are estimates presented to Colusa LAFCO as part of the
application process for the formation of the District. These fees were developed based
on the following assumptions:
Cortina CSD Public Services Delivery and Financing Plan
Cost of each service6
Service Cost of Service
Street Light Maintenance $11 per light per month
Street Maintenance $10,000 per mile per year
Bike/Pedestrian/Golf Cart Trail Maintenance $1,900 per mile per year
Landscape Maintenance $900 per acre per year
Open Space Maintenance $90 per acre per year
Drainage Detention Ponds $450 per acre per year
Drainage Ditch Maintenance 25 cents per lineal foot per year
Flood Bypass Channel Maintenance $20,000 per mile per year
Storm Drainage Facilities Maintenance $4700 per mile per year
The report explains that these are special benefits to the parcels within the Cortina CSD
because the services are not provided to the County residents generally.
3.4.2 Current Finances
The Colusa County Auditor supplied the following information on the Cortina CSD
finances. The table below shows the funds that belong to the Cortina CSD as a whole.
This fund was started before the separate zones of benefit were established.
5 Economic and Planning Systems, Inc. “Public Review Draft Report Cortina Community Services District Public Services
Delivery and Financing Plan, Prepared for Colusa Local Agency Formation Commission,” Prepared by EPS, 1750
Creekside Oaks Drive, Suite 290, Sacramento, CA 95833-3647, website: www.epsys.com, October 14, 2005.
6 Economic and Planning Systems, Inc. “Public Review Draft Report Cortina Community Services District Public Services
Delivery and Financing Plan, Prepared for Colusa Local Agency Formation Commission,” Prepared by EPS, 1750
Creekside Oaks Drive, Suite 290, Sacramento, CA 95833-3647, website: www.epsys.com, October 14, 2005.
9
COLUSA LAFCO
CORTINA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
MSR-SOI Adopted August 6, 2015
Fund 03510-Colusa County CFD 2006-1 Arbuckle7
Fund/ Account Title Debits Credits
Department
03510 10100 Cash in Treasury 15,252.60
03510 11109 Gain/Loss Invest-market Value 42.02
03510 15510 Due from other funds .00
Total Assets 15,252.60 42.02
03510 20699 Disbursements Payable .00
03510 20710 Warrants Payable .00
03510 23749 Use Tax Payable .00
Total Liabilities .00 .00
03510 31960 Fund Balance-Unreserved 12,584.86
03510 39990 Control Accounts .00
03510 39991 Budgetary Fund Balance .00
03510 39994 Appropriations .00
03510 39995 Estimated Revenue .00
03510 39996 Reserve for Encumbrances .00
03510 39997 Encumbrance Control .00
03510 39999 Revenue/Expense Offset .00
Total Equities .00 12,584.86
03510 410510 Property Assessment 2,571.20
03510 441900 Interest 54.52
03510 4419001 Interest Adjusted to Market Value .00
Total Revenue .00 2,625.72
03510 5550 Agency Expenses .00
Total Expenses .00 .00
Total 03510 15,252.60 15,252.60
Many of the expenses for the Cortina CSD will have to be pain in the future as streets
need repair or other facilities need to be upgraded.
The following table shows the funds dedicated to the Reddington Ranch, now called
Honey Grove subdivision. Homes in this subdivision are being advertised in the
Vacaville area.
7 Colusa County Auditor, 8/22/2014
10
COLUSA LAFCO
CORTINA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
MSR-SOI Adopted August 6, 2015
Fund 03511 Cortina CSD Reddington Ranch (Honey Grove) (Zone 2) 8
Fund/ Account Title Debits Credits
Department
03511 10100 Cash in Treasury 58,143.39
03511 11109 Gain/Loss Invest-market Value 265.17
Total Assets 58,143.39 265.17
03511 20699 Disbursements Payable .00
03511 20700 Accounts Payable .00
03511 20710 Warrants Payable 518.51
Total Liabilities .00 518.51
03511 31960 Fund Balance-Unreserved 47,419.76
03511 39990 Control Accounts .00
03511 39991 Budgetary Fund Balance .00
03511 39994 Appropriations .00
03511 39995 Estimated Revenue .00
03511 39996 Reserve for Encumbrances .00
03511 39997 Encumbrance Control .00
03511 39999 Revenue/Expense Offset .00
Total Equities .00 47,419.76
03511 410510 Property Assessment 14,375.52
03511 441900 Interest 247.78
03511 4419001 Interest Adjusted to Market Value .00
Total Revenue .00 14,623.30
03511 53180 Professional/Specialized Services .00
03511 53230 Special Department Expenses .00
03511 53260 Utilities 4,683.35
03511 55500 Agency Expenses .00
Total Expenses 4,683.35 .00
Total Fund 03511 Cortina CSD Reddington Ranch (Zone 2) 62,826.74 62,826.74
The main expense for the Reddington Ranch (Honey Grove) subdivision is for Street
Lights and the utility bill for the street lights. The other funds can be kept in reserve for
replacement or upgrading of infrastructure in the future.
The following table shows the funds which have been collected and dispersed for the
River Glen subdivision.
8 Colusa County Auditor, 8/22/2014
11
COLUSA LAFCO
CORTINA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
MSR-SOI Adopted August 6, 2015
Fund 03512 Cortina CSD River Glen (Zone3) 9
Fund/ Account Title Debits Credits
Department
03512 10100 Cash in Treasury 157,489.80
03512 11109 Gain/Loss Invest-market Value 779.29
Total Assets 157,489.80 779.29
03512 20699 Disbursements Payable .00
03512 20700 Accounts Payable .00
03512 20710 Warrants Payable 1003.63
Total Liabilities .00 1003.63
03512 31960 Fund Balance-Unreserved 139,358.71
03512 39990 Control Accounts .00
03512 39991 Budgetary Fund Balance .00
03512 39994 Appropriations .00
03512 39995 Estimated Revenue .00
03512 39996 Reserve for Encumbrances .00
03512 39997 Encumbrance Control .00
03512 39999 Revenue/Expense Offset .00
Total Equities .00 139,358.71
03512 410510 Property Assessment 26,657.28
03512 441900 Interest 720.75
03512 4419001 Interest Adjusted to Market Value .00
Total Revenue .00 27,387.03
03512 53130 Maintenance-Str, imp, grounds 1,257.50
03512 53180 Professional/Specialized Services 7,908.00
03512 53190 Publications and Legal Notices .00
03512 53230 Special Department Expenses .00
03512 53260 Utilities 1,864.36
03512 55500 Agency Expenses .00
Total Expenses 11,029.86 .00
Total Fund 03512 Cortina CSD River Glen (Zone3) 168,519.66 168,519.66
Street maintenance and engineering services as well as street lights have been an
expense for the River Glen subdivision part of the Cortina CSD.
The following table shows the income and expenses for the Wildwood subdivision.
9 Colusa County Auditor, 8/22/2014
12
COLUSA LAFCO
CORTINA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
MSR-SOI Adopted August 6, 2015
Fund 03513 Cortina CSD Wildwood Estates (Zone 4) 10
Fund/ Account Title Debits Credits
Department
03513 10100 Cash in Treasury 14,413.20
03513 11109 Gain/Loss Invest-market Value 63.71
Total Assets 14,413.20 63.71
03513 20699 Disbursements Payable .00
03513 20700 Accounts Payable .00
03513 20710 Warrants Payable 88.45
Total Liabilities .00 88.45
03513 31960 Fund Balance-Unreserved 11,392.97
03513 39990 Control Accounts .00
03513 39991 Budgetary Fund Balance .00
03513 39994 Appropriations .00
03513 39995 Estimated Revenue .00
03513 39996 Reserve for Encumbrances .00
03513 39997 Encumbrance Control .00
03513 39999 Revenue/Expense Offset .00
Total Equities .00 11,392.97
03513 410510 Property Assessment 3,933.90
03513 441900 Interest 59.54
03513 4419001 Interest Adjusted to Market Value .00
Total Revenue .00 3,993.44
03513 53260 Utilities 1,125.37
03513 55500 Agency Expenses .00
Total Expenses 1,125.37 .00
Total Fund 03513 Cortina CSD Wildwood Estates (Zone 4) 15,538.57 15,538.57
The utility expense for street lights is the main cost for the Wildwood Estates subdivision
at this time.
10 Colusa County Auditor, 8/22/2014
13
COLUSA LAFCO
CORTINA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
MSR-SOI Adopted August 6, 2015
4 CORTINA CSD MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW
4.1 Growth and Population Projections for the Cortina CSD Area
Purpose: To evaluate service needs based on existing and anticipated growth patterns
and population projections.
4.1.1 Cortina CSD Area Population Projections
The population of Colusa County declined from 2010 to 2013 as shown in the table
below:
US Census Data11 Colusa County
Population, 2013 estimate 21,358
Population, 2010 (April 1) estimates base 21,419
However, the population of the Cortina CSD is expected in increase as the lots are
developed and the economy improves.
4.1.2 MSR Determinations on Growth and Population Projections for the Cortina
CSD Area
1-1) The population of the Cortina CSD is expected to increase as the lots are
developed.
4.2 Location and Characteristics of any Disadvantaged Unincorporated
Communities (DUC) within or Contiguous to Cortina CSD
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 Cortina CSD Area Disadvantaged Unincorporated
Community Status
The Cortina CSD does not include any disadvantaged unincorporated communities that
could benefit from annexation to a city.
4.2.2 MSR Determinations on Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities near
Cortina CSD
2-1) The Cortina CSD does not include any Disadvantaged Unincorporated
Communities.
11 US Census Bureau, http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06/06011.html, January 5, 2015
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COLUSA LAFCO
CORTINA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
MSR-SOI Adopted August 6, 2015
4.3 Capacity and Infrastructure Cortina CSD
Purpose: To evaluate the infrastructure needs and deficiencies in terms of supply,
capacity, condition of facilities and service quality.
4.3.1 Cortina CSD Infrastructure
The Cortina CSD infrastructure is developed as the lots are developed. The water and
wastewater services are provided to Zones of Benefit 2, 3, and 4 by the Arbuckle PUD.
Zone of Benefit 1 is located too far from the service area of the Arbuckle PUD to obtain
water and wastewater services on a cost-effective basis. Zone 1 will have private water
and wastewater systems operated and maintained by the CSD, possible through a
contract with the Arbuckle PUD.12
4.3.2 MSR Determinations on Infrastructure for Cortina CSD
3-1) The infrastructure for the Cortina CSD is adequate for the lots that have been
developed.
3-2) The owners of homes within the Cortina CSD will have to pay additional fees
compared to homes in other areas of Arbuckle but the extra amenities should
enhance the value of the homes within the CSD.
4.4 Financial Ability to Provide Services
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 Cortina CSD
The Board of Supervisors serves as the Board of Directors for the Cortina CSD and the
Colusa County Auditor-Controller maintains records of all District funds. Funds are
collected as part of the property tax billing and collection system.
4.4.2 MSR Determinations on Financing for Cortina CSD
4-1) The Cortina CSD has adequate funds at this time.
12 Economic and Planning Systems, Inc. “Public Review Draft Report Cortina Community Services District Public Services
Delivery and Financing Plan, Prepared for Colusa Local Agency Formation Commission,” Prepared by EPS, 1750
Creekside Oaks Drive, Suite 290, Sacramento, CA 95833-3647, website: www.epsys.com, October 14, 2005.
15
COLUSA LAFCO
CORTINA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
MSR-SOI Adopted August 6, 2015
4.5 Status of and Opportunities for Shared Facilities
Purpose: To evaluate the opportunities for a jurisdiction to share facilities and
resources to develop more efficient service delivery systems.
4.5.1 Cortina CSD Facilities
The Cortina CSD facilities such as roads, landscaping and drainage facilities are in good
condition because they are relatively new.
4.5.2 MSR Determinations on Shared Facilities for Cortina CSD
5-1) The Cortina CSD uses the County of Colusa for administration and maintenance
of finances.
5-2) The Cortina CSD cannot share facilities with other districts because the purpose
of the District was to have each zone of benefit pay for the facilities in that zone.
4.6 Accountability for Community Service Needs, Government Structure and
Operational Efficiencies
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 Cortina CSD Government Structure
The Board of Supervisors functions as the Board of Directors for the Cortina CSD. The
Board of Supervisors complies with the Brown Act.
4.6.2 MSR Determinations on Local Accountability and Governance
6-1) The Board of Supervisors functions as the Board of Directors for the Cortina
CSD.
6-2) The Board of Supervisors could include information on the Cortina CSD on the
County website.
16
COLUSA LAFCO
CORTINA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
MSR-SOI Adopted August 6, 2015
5 CORTINA CSD SPHERE OF INFLUENCE UPDATE
5.1 SOI Requirements
5.1.1 LAFCO's Responsibilities
In 1972, LAFCOs were given the power to establish SOIs for all local agencies under
their jurisdiction. As defined by the CKH Act, “’sphere of influence’ means a plan for the
probable physical boundaries and service area of a local agency, as determined by the
commission” (§56076). SOIs are designed to both proactively guide and respond to the
need for the extension of infrastructure and delivery of municipal services to areas of
emerging growth and development. Likewise, they are also designed to discourage
urban sprawl and the premature conversion of agricultural and open space resources to
urbanized uses.
The role of SOIs in guiding the State’s growth and development was validated and
strengthened in 2000 when the Legislature passed Assembly Bill (“AB”) 2838 (Chapter
761, Statutes of 2000), which was the result of two years of labor by the Commission on
Local Governance for the 21st Century.
The requirement for LAFCOs to conduct MSRs was established by AB 2838 as an
acknowledgment of the importance of SOIs and recognition that regular periodic updates
of SOIs should be conducted on a five-year basis (§56425(g)) with the benefit of better
information and data through MSRs (§56430(a)). A MSR is conducted prior to, or in
conjunction with, the update of a SOI and provides the foundation for updating it.
5.1.2 SOI Determinations
LAFCO is required to make five written determinations when establishing, amending, or
updating an SOI for any local agency that address the following (§56425(c)):
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 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.
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COLUSA LAFCO
CORTINA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
MSR-SOI Adopted August 6, 2015
5.1.3 Possible Approaches to the SOI
SPHERE DEFINITION
TYPE
Growth Contains territory beyond the jurisdictional boundaries of the local
sphere agency and is an indication that the need for public services in the area
has been established and the agency has the ability to effectively and
efficiently extend the full spectrum of services provided by the agency.
Coterminous Coincides with the jurisdictional boundaries of the local agency and is an
sphere indication that the agency is landlocked, that there is no anticipated
need for the agency’s services outside of its existing boundaries, or the
agency lacks the capacity or ability to serve additional territory or there
is insufficient information to make such a determination.
Zero sphere A zero sphere contains no territory and indicates that the Commission
has determined that one or more of the public service functions of the
agency are either non-existent, inadequate, no longer needed, or should
be reallocated to some other agency of government. Adoption of a zero
sphere indicates the agency should ultimately be reorganized or
dissolved. The Commission may initiate dissolution of an agency as the
law allows.
Smaller- Contains less territory than the jurisdictional boundary of the local
than-agency agency. The smaller-than-agency sphere indicates that territory within
sphere the local agency, but not within its sphere, should be detached and
either transferred to another local agency or not served by any agency.
Overlapping If more than one agency appears equally qualified to serve an area, and
sphere if fiscal considerations and community input do not clearly favor a
specific agency, an overlapping sphere may be appropriate.
Provisional A designation indicating that LAFCO has identified in its most recent
sphere municipal service review the need for an agency to address
organizational issues. Agencies given a provisional sphere will be
encouraged to discuss reorganization options or alternatives to existing
service provision or governmental structure and to provide LAFCO with
written results of their discussions and/or studies.
Service To accommodate situations where territory within an agency’s
specific jurisdiction may require some, but not all of the services that the agency
zone within is authorized to provide, the LAFCO may designate an area within an
a sphere SOI to which it may attach specific policies, including limiting the types
of services authorized in that area. The intent of a service specific zone
is to limit the types of services provided in a defined area and is not
intended in any way to circumvent annexation.
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COLUSA LAFCO
CORTINA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
MSR-SOI Adopted August 6, 2015
5.1.4 SOI Update Process
LAFCO is required to establish SOIs for all local agencies and enact policies to promote
the logical and orderly development of areas within the SOIs. Furthermore, LAFCO must
update those SOIs every five years, as necessary. In updating the SOI, LAFCO is
required to conduct a Municipal Service Review (MSR) and adopt related
determinations.
LAFCO must notify affected agencies 21 days before holding a public hearing to
consider the SOI and may not update the SOI until that hearing is closed. The LAFCO
Executive Officer must issue a report including recommendations on the SOI
amendment and update under consideration at least five days before the public hearing.
5.1.5 SOI Amendments and CEQA
LAFCO has the discretion to limit SOI updates to those that it may process without
unnecessarily delaying the SOI update process or without requiring its funding agencies
to bear the costs of environmental studies associated with SOI expansions. Any local
agency or individual may file a request for an SOI amendment. The request must state
the nature of and reasons for the proposed amendment, and provide a map depicting
the proposal.
LAFCO may require the requester to pay a fee to cover LAFCO costs, including the
costs of appropriate environmental review under CEQA. LAFCO may elect to serve as
lead agency for such a review, may designate the proposing agency as lead agency, or
both the local agency and LAFCO may serve as co-lead agencies for purposes of an
SOI amendment.
Local agencies are encouraged to consult with LAFCO staff early in the process
regarding the most appropriate approach for the particular SOI amendment under
consideration.
Certain types of SOI amendments are likely exempt from CEQA review. Examples are
SOI expansions that include territory already within the bounds or service area of an
agency, SOI reductions, zero SOIs and coterminous SOI’s. SOI expansions for limited
purpose agencies that provide services (e.g., fire protection, levee protection, cemetery,
and resource conservation) needed by both rural and urban areas are typically not
considered growth-inducing and are likely exempt from CEQA. Similarly, SOI
expansions for districts serving rural areas (e.g., irrigation water) are typically not
considered growth inducing.
Remy et al. write:
“In City of Agoura Hills v. Local Agency Formation Commission (2d
Dist.1988) 198 Cal.App.3d480, 493-496 [243 Cal.Rptr.740] (City of
Agoura Hills), the court held that a LAFCO’s decision to approve a city’s
sphere of influence that in most respects was coterminous with the city’s
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COLUSA LAFCO
CORTINA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
MSR-SOI Adopted August 6, 2015
existing municipal boundaries was not a “project” because such action did
not entail any potential effects on the physical environment.”13
5.1.6 Recommendation for Cortina CSD Sphere of Influence
On February 2, 2006, the Colusa LAFCO adopted Resolution 2006-0001 Making
Determinations and establishing a Sphere of Influence for the Cortina Community
Services District. The Sphere of Influence was the same as the District boundary. At this
time the recommendation is also that the Sphere of Influence be the same as the District
boundary.
It is possible that the District could be expanded in the future if additional subdivisions
were approved in the area. Such an action would require amendment to the Sphere of
Influence and environmental review.
5.2 Present and Planned Land Uses in the Cortina CSD Area, Including
Agricultural and Open Space Lands
5.2.1 Colusa County General Plan and Zoning for Cortina CSD SOI Area
Maps showing the Colusa County General Plan designations and zoning for the Cortina
CSD area are shown at the end of this report. General Plan and Zoning designations for
the Cortina CSD are as follows:
Cortina CSD General Plan and Zoning Designations
Zone Name Acres Units General Plan Zoning
of Designation District
Benefit
1 Hillgate Estates 168.2 134 Rural RR-PD
Residential Rural Residential-
(RR) Planned
Development
2 River Glen 13.4 39 Urban R-1-PD
Residential Residential-
(UR) Planned
Development
3 Reddington Ranch 34.33 138 Urban R-1-8
(Honey Grove) Residential Residential
(UR) 8,000 sq. ft. lots
4 Wildwood Estates 10.6 31 Urban R-1-8
Residential Residential
(UR) 8,000 sq. ft. lots
Commercial C-2 Community
(C) Commercial
5.2.2 SOI Determinations on Present and Planned Land Use for Cortina CSD Area
13 Remy, Michael H., Tina A. Thomas, James G. Moose, Whitman F. Manley, Guide to CEQA, Solano Press Books, Point
Arena, CA, February 2007, page 111.
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COLUSA LAFCO
CORTINA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
MSR-SOI Adopted August 6, 2015
1-1] The present and planned land uses for the Cortina CSD area allow residential
development which will require the services provided by the Cortina CSD.
5.3 Present and Probable Need for Public Facilities and Services in the Cortina
CSD Area
5.3.1 Municipal Service Background
There is a need for the services provided by the Cortina CSD in the four approved
subdivisions. The Cortina CSD allows each area to receive the services needed and to
pay the appropriate costs.
5.3.2 SOI Determinations on Facilities and Services Present and Probable Need
for Cortina CSD
2-1] There is a need for the facilities and services provided by the Cortina CSD in
each of the four approved subdivisions (zones of benefit).
5.4 Present Capacity of Public Facilities Present and Adequacy of Public
Services
5.4.1 Capacity Background
The Cortina CSD has the capacity to provide the services needed for the four zones of
benefit within the District and the facilities are adequate. The District does not have the
capacity to serve any other areas unless new zones of benefit are created.
5.4.2 SOI Determinations on Public Facilities Present and Future Capacity for
Cortina CSD
3-1] The Cortina CSD has adequate facilities and adequate capacity for the future for
the area within the District.
3-2] The four zones of benefit within the Cortina CSD pay for services only within
each zone of benefit.
21
COLUSA LAFCO
CORTINA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
MSR-SOI Adopted August 6, 2015
5.5 Social or Economic Communities of Interest for Cortina CSD
5.5.1 Cortina CSD Community Background
The Cortina CSD subdivisions are a neighborhood within the larger community of
Arbuckle. There may be some social connections within the neighborhood and the
landowners have an economic interest to maintain the infrastructure but the residents
depend on Arbuckle for commercial, social and economic services.
5.5.2 SOI Determinations on Social or Economic Communities of Interest for
Cortina CSD
4-1] The Cortina CSD subdivisions do not provide a full-service economic and social
community.
4-2] The residents of the Cortina CSD depend on the larger community of Arbuckle to
provide commercial, social, educational and economic services.
5.6 Disadvantaged Unincorporated Community Status
5.6.1 Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities
Although the subdivisions within the Cortina CSD are in the unincorporated area of
Colusa County, these subdivisions are not disadvantaged and would not be able to
annex to an incorporated city.
5.6.2 Cortina CSD Disadvantaged Unincorporated Community Status
5-1] The Cortina CSD is not a Disadvantaged Unincorporated Community nor does it
include a Disadvantaged Unincorporated Community.
22
COLUSA LAFCO
CORTINA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
MSR-SOI Adopted August 6, 2015
ABBREVIATIONS
AB Assembly Bill
CKH Act Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of
2000
CEQA California Environmental Quality Act
CSA County Service Area
CSD Community Services District
District Cortina Community Services District
DUC Disadvantaged Unincorporated Community
I-5 Interstate 5
SB Senate Bill
SOI Sphere of Influence (LAFCO)
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COLUSA LAFCO
CORTINA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
MSR-SOI Adopted August 6, 2015
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.
Community Facilities District: Under the Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act of 1982 (Section
53311, et seq.) a legislative body may create within its jurisdiction a special tax district that can
finance tax-exempt bonds for the planning, design, acquisition, construction, and/or operation of
public facilities, as well as public services for district residents. Special taxes levied solely within
the district are used to repay the bonds.
Community Services District (CSD): A geographic subarea of a county used for planning and
delivery of parks, recreation, and other human services based on an assessment of the service
needs of the population in that subarea. A CSD is a taxation district with independent
administration.
Disadvantaged community: A Disadvantaged community means the area where at least fifty-
one percent of the households are at or below eighty percent of the county median household
income as defined annually by the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Impact Fee: A fee, also called a development fee, levied on the developer of a project by a
county, or other public agency as compensation for otherwise-unmitigated impacts the project will
produce. California Government Code Section 66000, et seq., specifies that development fees
shall not exceed the estimated reasonable cost of providing the service for which the fee is
charged. To lawfully impose a development fee, the public agency must verify its method of
calculation and document proper restrictions on use of the fund.
Infrastructure: Public services and facilities such as sewage-disposal systems, water-supply
systems, and other utility systems, schools and roads.
Land Use Classification: A system for classifying and designating the appropriate use of
properties.
Leapfrog Development; New development separated from existing development by substantial
vacant land.
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.
Mello-Roos Bonds: Locally issued bonds that are repaid by a special tax imposed on property
owners within a community facilities district established by a governmental entity. The bond
proceeds can be used for public improvements and for a limited number of services. Mello-Roos
Bonds are named after the program’s legislative authors.
24
COLUSA LAFCO
CORTINA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
MSR-SOI Adopted August 6, 2015
Proposition 13: (Article XIIIA of the California Constitution) Passed in 1978, this proposition
enacted sweeping changes to the California property tax system. Under Proposition 13, property
taxes cannot exceed 1% of the value of the property and assessed valuations cannot increase by
more than 2% per year. Property is subject to reassessment when there is a transfer of
ownership or improvements are made.14
Proposition 218: (Article XIIID of the California Constitution) This proposition, named "The Right
to Vote on Taxes Act", filled some of the perceived loopholes of Proposition 13. Under
Proposition 218, assessments may only increase with a two-thirds majority vote of the qualified
voters within the District. In addition to the two-thirds voter approval requirement, Proposition 218
states that effective July 1, 1997, any assessments levied may not be more than the costs
necessary to provide the service, proceeds may not be used for any other purpose other than
providing the services intended, and assessments may only be levied for services that are
immediately available to property owners.15
Ranchette: A single dwelling unit occupied by a non-farming household on a parcel of 2.5 to 20
acres that has been subdivided from agricultural land.
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.
Urban: Of, relating to, characteristic of, or constituting a city. Urban areas are generally
characterized by moderate and higher density residential development (i.e., three or more
dwelling units per acre), commercial development, and industrial development, and the
availability of public services required for that development, specifically central water and sewer
service, an extensive road network, public transit, and other such services (e.g., safety and
emergency response). Development not providing such services may be “non-urban” or “rural”.
CEQA defines “urbanized area” as an area that has a population density of at least 1,000 persons
per square mile (Public Resources Code Section 21080.14(b)).
Urban Services: Utilities (such as water, gas, electricity, and sewer) and public services (such as
police, fire protection, schools, parks, and recreation) provided to an urbanized or urbanizing
area.
Zoning: The division of a city by legislative regulations into areas, or zones, that specify
allowable uses for real property and size restrictions for buildings within these areas; a program
that implements policies of the general plan.
14 http://www.californiataxdata.com/A_Free_Resources/glossary_PS.asp#ps_08
15 http://www.californiataxdata.com/A_Free_Resources/glossary_PS.asp#ps_08
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COLUSA LAFCO
CORTINA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
MSR-SOI Adopted August 6, 2015
REFERENCES
Colusa County Auditor, 8/22/2014
Colusa County Office of Education, http://www.ccoe.net/psd, November 3, 2014.
Colusa LAFCO, Resolution No. 2006-0002 of the Colusa Local Agency Formation Commission
Colusa County, State of California, making Determinations and approving the Formation
of the Cortina Community Services District. (Colusa LAFCO File #2005-06).
Durham, David L. (1998). California's Geographic Names: A Gazetteer of Historic and Modern
Names of the State. Clovis, Calif.: Word Dancer Press. p. 444. ISBN 1-884995-14-4.
Economic and Planning Systems, Inc. “Public Review Draft Report Cortina Community Services
District Public Services Delivery and Financing Plan, Prepared for Colusa Local Agency
Formation Commission,” Prepared by EPS, 1750 Creekside Oaks Drive, Suite 290,
Sacramento, CA 95833-3647, website: www.epsys.com, October 14, 2005.
http://www.californiataxdata.com/A_Free_Resources/glossary_PS.asp#ps_08
Remy, Michael H., Tina A. Thomas, James G. Moose, Whitman F. Manley, Guide to CEQA,
Solano Press Books, Point Arena, CA, February 2007, page 111.
US Census Bureau, http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06/06011.html, January 5, 2015
USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, Soil Survey of Colusa County California, 2006.
PREPARERS
Colusa LAFCO, John Benoit, Executive Officer
PO Box 2694, Granite Bay CA 95746
Phone: 916-797-6003 johnbenoit@surewest.net
Christy Leighton, Planning Consultant
555 East Willow Street, Willows CA 95988
Phone: 530-934-4597 christyleighton@sbcglobal.net
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COLUSA LAFCO
CORTINA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
MSR-SOI Adopted August 6, 2015
APPENDIX A SOIL DESCRIPTIONS16
112—Westfan loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes
General location: Near Williams and Arbuckle
Map unit geomorphic setting: Alluvial fan
Elevation: 65 to 150 feet (20 to 46 meters)
Mean annual precipitation: 14 to 16 inches (355 to 405 millimeters)
Mean annual air temperature: 61 to 63 degrees F. (16 to 17 degrees C.)
Frost-free period: 225 to 250 days
Westfan loam—80 percent Minor components: 20 percent
Major Component Description Westfan loam
Component geomorphic setting: Alluvial fan
Parent material: Alluvium
Typical vegetation: Irrigated cropland
Component Properties and Qualities
Slope: 0 to 2 percent
Runoff: Very low
Surface features: None noted.
Percent area covered by surface coarse fragments: None noted.
Depth to restrictive feature: None noted
Slowest permeability class: Moderately slow
Salinity: Not saline
Sodicity: Sodic within 40 inches
Available water capacity: About 8.8 inches (High)
Component Hydrologic Properties
Present flooding: Rare
Present ponding: None
Current water table: None noted
Natural drainage class: Well drained
Interpretive Groups
Land capability irrigated: 1
Land capability nonirrigated: 4s
16 USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service “Soil Survey of Colusa County California”, 2006.
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COLUSA LAFCO
CORTINA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
MSR-SOI Adopted August 6, 2015
150—Arbuckle sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes
General location: Small areas west of the towns of Williams and Arbuckle and along
streams in the lower foothills
Geomorphic setting: Terraces
Elevation: 95 to 400 feet (30 to 123 meters)
Mean annual precipitation: 14 to 16 inches (355 to 405 millimeters)
Mean annual air temperature: 61 to 63 degrees F (16 to 17 degrees C)
Frost-free period: 225 to 250 days
Composition
Arbuckle sandy loam—85 percent, Minor components—15 percent
Major Component Description, Arbuckle sandy loam
Geomorphic setting: Terraces
Parent material: Alluvium
Typical vegetation: Irrigated crops
Properties and qualities
Slope: 1 to 5 percent
Runoff rate: Low
Percentage of the surface covered by rock fragments: None
Slowest permeability class: Moderately slow
Salinity: Not saline
Sodicity: Not sodic
Available water capacity: About 6.0 inches (moderate)
Hydrologic properties
Present flooding: None
Present ponding: None
Current water table: None noted
Natural drainage class: Well drained
Land capability classification
Irrigated: 2e-4 Nonirrigated: 4e-4
Use and Management
Major uses: Irrigated crops and livestock grazing
28
COLUSA LAFCO
CORTINA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
MSR-SOI Adopted August 6, 2015
185—Riverwash
General location: Small areas along streams throughout the county
Geomorphic setting: Flood plains
Elevation: 35 to 1,765 feet
Mean annual precipitation: 14 to 35 inches
Mean annual air temperature: 54 to 63 degrees F
Frost-free period: 150 to 250 days
Composition
Riverwash—95 percent, Minor components—5 percent
Major Component Description Riverwash
Geomorphic setting: Channels
Kind of material: Alluvium
Typical vegetation: Sparse vegetation; scattered willows, annual grasses, and
forbs in some areas
Properties and qualities
Slope: 0 to 2 percent
Runoff: Negligible
Percentage of the surface covered by rock fragments: 10 to 80 percent (coarse,
well rounded pebbles)
Slowest permeability class: Moderately rapid
Salinity: Not saline
Sodicity: Not sodic
Available water capacity: About 4.9 inches (low)
Hydrologic properties
Present flooding: Frequent
Present ponding: None
Current water table: Present
Natural drainage class: Poorly drained
Land capability classification
Irrigated: Not calculated Nonirrigated: 8
Typical profile
Use and Management
Major uses: Wildlife habitat and recreation
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COLUSA LAFCO
CORTINA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
MSR-SOI Adopted August 6, 2015
188—Westfan loam, clay substratum, 0 to 2 percent slopes
General location: Between the towns of Williams and Arbuckle, on the western
margin of the Sacramento Valley
Geomorphic setting: Alluvial fans
Elevation: 75 to 150 feet
Mean annual precipitation: 14 to 16 inches
Mean annual air temperature: 61 to 63 degrees F
Frost-free period: 225 to 250 days
Composition
Westfan loam, clay substratum—80 percent Minor components—20 percent
Major Component Description Westfan loam, clay substratum
Geomorphic setting: Alluvial fans
Parent material: Alluvium
Typical vegetation: Irrigated crops
Properties and qualities
Slope: 0 to 2 percent
Runoff rate: Very low
Percentage of the surface covered by rock fragments: None
Slowest permeability class: Slow
Salinity: Not saline
Sodicity: Not sodic
Available water capacity: About 9.6 inches (high)
Hydrologic properties
Present flooding: Rare
Present ponding: None
Current water table: None noted
Natural drainage class: Well drained
Land capability classification
Irrigated: 2s-3 Nonirrigated: 4s-3
Use and Management
Major use: Irrigated crops
30
COLUSA LAFCO
CORTINA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
MSR-SOI Adopted August 6, 2015
189—Arand very gravelly sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes
General location: Near Sand Creek and Cortina Creek, north of Arbuckle
Geomorphic setting: Alluvial fans and flood plains
Elevation: 45 to 605 feet (15 to 185 meters)
Mean annual precipitation: 14 to 16 inches (355 to 405 millimeters)
Mean annual air temperature: 61 to 63 degrees F (16 to 17 degrees C)
Frost-free period: 225 to 250 days
Composition
Arand very gravelly sandy loam—85 percent Minor components—15 percent
Major Component Description Arand very gravelly sandy loam
Geomorphic setting: Alluvial fans and flood plains
Parent material: Alluvium Typical vegetation: Irrigated crops
Properties and qualities
Slope: 0 to 2 percent
Runoff: Negligible
Percentage of the surface covered by rock fragments: None
Slowest permeability class: Moderately rapid
Salinity: Not saline
Sodicity: Not sodic
Available water capacity: About 3.0 inches (low)
Hydrologic properties
Present flooding: Rare
Present ponding: None
Current water table: None noted
Natural drainage class: Somewhat excessively drained
Land capability classification
Irrigated: 4s-4 Nonirrigated: 4s-4
Use and Management
Major use: Irrigated crops
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COLUSA LAFCO
CORTINA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
MSR-SOI Adopted August 6, 2015
193—Westfan gravelly loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes
General location: Between Arbuckle and Williams
Geomorphic setting: Alluvial fans
Elevation: 75 to 295 feet
Mean annual precipitation: 14 to 16 inches
Mean annual air temperature: 61 to 63 degrees F
Frost-free period: 225 to 250 days
Composition
Westfan gravelly loam—80 percent, Minor components—20 percent
Major Component Description Westfan gravelly loam
Geomorphic setting: Alluvial fans
Parent material: Alluvium
Typical vegetation: Irrigated crops
Properties and qualities
Slope: 0 to 2 percent
Runoff rate: Very low
Percentage of the surface covered by rock fragments: None
Slowest permeability class: Moderate
Salinity: Not saline
Sodicity: Not sodic
Available water capacity: About 7.7 inches (high)
Hydrologic properties
Present flooding: Rare
Present ponding: None
Current water table: None noted
Natural drainage class: Well drained
Land capability classification
Irrigated: 2s-4 Nonirrigated: 4s-4
Use and Management
Major use: Irrigated crops
32
COLUSA LAFCO
CORTINA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
MSR-SOI Adopted August 6, 2015
230—Corning clay loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes
General location: Small scattered areas throughout the foothills
Geomorphic setting: Terraces
Elevation: 150 to 1,295 feet
Mean annual precipitation: 14 to 22 inches
Mean annual air temperature: 57 to 63 degrees F
Frost-free period: 225 to 250 days
Composition
Corning clay loam—90 percent Minor components—10 percent
Major Component Description Corning clay loam
Geomorphic setting: Terraces
Parent material: Alluvium
Typical vegetation: Annual grasses and scattered blue oak
Properties and qualities
Slope: 1 to 5 percent
Runoff rate: Medium
Percentage of the surface covered by rock fragments: None
Depth to restrictive feature: Abrupt textural change—9 inches
Slowest permeability class: Slow
Salinity: Not saline
Sodicity: Not sodic
Available water capacity: About 1.7 inches (very low)
Hydrologic properties
Present flooding: None
Present ponding: None
Current water table: None noted
Natural drainage class: Well drained
Land capability classification
Irrigated: 3e-5 Nonirrigated: 4e-5
Use and Management
Major use: Livestock grazing
33
COLUSA LAFCO
CORTINA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
MSR-SOI Adopted August 6, 2015
APPENDIX B CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTIONS 61020-21022
61020. The initial board of directors of a district formed on or
after January 1, 2006, shall be determined pursuant to this chapter.
61021. (a) Except as provided in this chapter, the initial board of
directors shall be elected.
(b) The directors may be elected by one of the following methods:
(1) At large.
(2) By divisions.
(3) From divisions.
(c) The elections and terms of office shall be determined pursuant
to the Uniform District Election Law, Part 4 (commencing with
Section 10500) of the Elections Code.
61022. (a) In the case of a proposed district which contains only
unincorporated territory in a single county and less than 100 voters,
the local agency formation commission may provide, as a term and
condition of approving the formation of the district, that the county
board of supervisors shall be the initial board of directors until
conversion to an elected board of directors.
(b) The board of supervisors shall adopt a resolution pursuant to
subdivision (b) of Section 61027, placing the question of having an
elected board of directors on the ballot when any of the following
occurs:
(1) When the registrar of voters certifies in writing that the
number of voters in the district has reached or exceeded 500.
(2) When the registrar of voters certifies in writing that the
number of voters in the district has reached or exceeded a lower
number specified by the local agency formation commission as a term
and condition of approving the formation of the district.
(3) Ten years after the effective date of the district's
formation.
(4) The local agency formation commission has required, as a term
and condition of approving the formation of the district, placing the
question of having an elected board of directors on the ballot in
less than 10 years after the effective date of the district's
formation.
(c) At the election, the voters shall also elect members to the
district's board of directors. Those persons shall take office only
if a majority of the voters voting upon the question of having an
elected board are in favor of the question.
(d) If the question is submitted to the voters at a general
district election, the notice required by Section 12112 of the
Elections Code shall contain a statement of the question to appear on
the ballot. If the question is submitted to the voters at a special
election, the notice of election and ballot shall contain a statement
of the question.
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COLUSA LAFCO
CORTINA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
MSR-SOI Adopted August 6, 2015
MAPS
35
COLUSA LAFCO
CORTINA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
MSR-SOI Adopted August 6, 2015
36
COLUSA LAFCO
CORTINA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
MSR-SOI Adopted August 6, 2015
37
COLUSA LAFCO
CORTINA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
MSR-SOI Adopted August 6, 2015
38