LAFCO
Jacoby Creek MSR Adopted 9 16 2020
Read the report at Local Agency Formation Commissions ↗
Jacoby Creek County Water District
Municipal Services Review and
Sphere of Influence Update
Final Adopted MSR/SOI Update
September 16, 2020
www.humboldtlafco.org
HUMBOLDT LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION
Commissioners:
Virginia Bass, District 4 Supervisor
Estelle Fennell, District 2 Supervisor
Stephen Avis, City of Ferndale
Paul Pitino, City of Arcata
Troy Nicolini, Samoa Peninsula Fire Protection District
Debra Lake, Fruitland Ridge Fire Protection District
Ali Lee, Public Member
Alternate Members:
Mike Wilson, District 2 Supervisor
Sue Long, City of Fortuna
Dave Couch, McKinleyville Community Services District
Skip Jorgensen, Public Member
Staff:
Colette Santsche, AICP, Executive Officer
Krystle Heaney, LAFCo Analyst/Clerk
Jason Barnes, GIS Analyst
Ryan Plotz, Legal Council
Acknowledgements:
LAFCo would like to thank Mr. Palmrose of the Jacoby Creek CWD Board of Directors and staff
at the City of Arcata for their assistance during the preparation of this MSR and SOI update.
Jacoby Creek CWD September 2020
MSR/SOI Update – Adopted
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 MSR/SOI Background ................................................................................................................. 1
1.1 Role and Responsibility of LAFCo .................................................................................... 1
1.2 Purpose of Municipal Service Reviews ........................................................................... 1
1.3 Purpose of Spheres of Influence ...................................................................................... 2
1.4 Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities ............................................................. 3
2.0 Jacoby Creek County Water District ........................................................................................ 4
2.1 Agency Overview ............................................................................................................. 4
2.2 Formation and Development .......................................................................................... 4
2.3 Boundary and Sphere of Influence ................................................................................. 5
2.4 Land Use and Zoning ........................................................................................................ 8
2.5 Growth and Population ................................................................................................. 10
2.6 Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities ........................................................... 10
2.7 Municipal Services .......................................................................................................... 10
2.8 Organizational Structure ................................................................................................ 12
2.9 Accountability and Transparency ................................................................................ 12
2.10 Financial Overview ...................................................................................................... 13
3.0 Jacoby Creek MSR Determinations ........................................................................................ 15
4.0 Jacoby Creek SOI Determinations ......................................................................................... 17
List of Figures
Figure 1: Jacoby Creek CWD Boundary and Proposed SOI .............................................................. 6
Figure 2: Jacoby Creek CWD Customers per City of Arcata Records ............................................. 7
Figure 3: Jacoby Creek CWD County Land Use Designations .......................................................... 9
List of Tables
Table 1: Jacoby Creek CWD Overview ............................................................................................... 4
Table 2: Jacoby Creek CWD Water Storage Capacity ................................................................... 11
Table 3: Jacoby Creek CWD Board of Directors ............................................................................... 12
Table 4: Jacoby Creek CWD Financial Audit Summary ................................................................... 13
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1.0 MSR/SOI BACKGROUND
1.1 Role and Responsibility of LAFCo
Local Agency Formation Commissions (LAFCos) are independent regulatory commissions that
were established by the State legislature in 1963 to encourage the orderly growth and
development of local governmental agencies including cities and special districts. Today,
there is a LAFCo in each of California’s 58 counties. Humboldt LAFCo is a seven-member
commission comprised of two members of the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors, two City
Council members, two Special District representatives, and one Public Member-At-Large. The
Commission also includes one alternate member for each represented category.
LAFCo is responsible for implementing the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government
Reorganization Act of 2000 (“CKH Act”) (California Government Code Section 56000 et seq.)
for purposes of facilitating changes in local governmental structure and boundaries that
fosters orderly growth and development, promotes the efficient delivery of services, and
encourages the preservation of open space and agricultural lands. Some of LAFCo’s duties
include regulating jurisdictional boundary changes and the extension of municipal services.
This includes city and special district annexations, incorporations/formations, consolidations,
and other changes of organization. LAFCo seeks to be proactive in raising awareness and
building partnerships to accomplish this through its special studies, programs, and actions.
The CKH Act outlines 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.” SOIs therefore guide both the near-term
and long-term physical and economic growth and development of local agencies, and MSRs
provide the relevant data to inform LAFCo’s SOI determinations.
1.2 Purpose of Municipal Service Reviews
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 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. While LAFCos have no direct regulatory authority over cities
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and special districts, MSR’s provide information concerning the governance structures and
efficiencies of service providers – and may also serve as the basis for subsequent LAFCo
decisions. The MSR is intended to provide information and analysis to support a sphere of
influence update. 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) Location and characteristics of any disadvantaged unincorporated communities within
or continuous to the sphere of influence
(3) Present and planned capacity of public facilities, adequacy of public services, and
infrastructure needs or deficiencies
(4) Financial ability of the agency to provide services
(5) Status of and opportunities for shared facilities
(6) Accountability for community service needs, including governmental structure and
operational efficiencies
(7) Any other matter related to effective or efficient service delivery, as required by
Commission policy
This MSR is organized according to these determinations listed above. Information regarding
each of the above issue areas is provided in this document.
1.3 Purpose of Spheres of Influence
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). All boundary changes, such as annexations, must be consistent with an agency’s
sphere of influence with limited exceptions.
Pursuant to Humboldt LAFCo policy, a MSR is conducted prior to or in conjunction with its
mandate to review and update each local agency’s sphere of influence every five years or as
necessary. The municipal service review process is intended to inform the Commission as to
the availability, capacity, and efficiency of local governmental services prior to making sphere
of influence 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.
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(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.
Service reviews may also contain recommendations for sphere of influence or government
structure changes needed to implement positive service changes. Where more detailed
analysis of service options is necessary, service reviews may contain recommendations for
special studies where there is the potential to reduce service gaps and improve service levels.
1.4 Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities
SB 244 (Chapter 513, Statutes of 2011) made changes to the CKH Act related to
“disadvantaged unincorporated communities,” including the addition of SOI determination
number 5 listed above. Disadvantaged unincorporated communities, or “DUCs,” are
inhabited territories (containing 12 or more registered voters) where the annual median
household income is less than 80 percent of the statewide annual median household income.
Humboldt LAFCo has adopted DUC policy, which identifies 31 inhabited unincorporated
“legacy” communities for purposes of implementing SB 244. These legacy communities were
defined as part of the Humboldt County 2014 Housing Element for areas not located within the
sphere of influence of a city. Therefore, additional review is needed to determine
“disadvantaged unincorporated communities” within and adjacent to city spheres of
influence.
CKH Act Section 56375(a)(8)(A) prohibits LAFCo from approving a city annexation of more
than 10 acres if a DUC is contiguous to the annexation territory but not included in the
proposal, unless an application to annex the DUC has been filed with LAFCo. The legislative
intent is to prohibit selective annexations by cities of tax-generating land uses while leaving out
under-served, inhabited areas with infrastructure deficiencies and lack of access to reliable
potable water and wastewater services. DUCs are recognized as social and economic
communities of interest for purposes of recommending SOI determinations pursuant to Section
56425(c).
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2.0 JACOBY CREEK COUNTY WATER DISTRICT
2.1 Agency Overview
Jacoby Creek County Water District (CWD) is a limited purpose special district located to the
southeast of Arcata along portions of Old Arcata Road and Jacoby Creek Road. The District is
currently responsible for providing a potable water supply to its residents. However, the City of
Arcata operates, maintains and provides water to the district's water distribution system.
Table 1: Jacoby Creek CWD Overview
FORMATION
Formation Date December 30, 1970
Enabling Legislation California State Water Code Section 30000
CONTACT
Primary Contact Wayne Palmrose, Board Chair
E-mail wpalmrose@suddenlink.net
Mailing Address PO Box 122, Bayside, CA 95524
Phone N/A
Website N/A
GOVERNANCE
Governing Body Board of Directors
Meeting Schedule 2nd Monday of each month
Meeting Location Jacoby Creek School: 1617 Old Arcata Road, Bayside, CA
SERVICES
Municipal Services Water
Areas Served ~1.4 sq.mi. in Bayside/Jacoby Creek community
2.2 Formation and Development
Jacoby Creek CWD is an independent special district formed under California State Water
Code Section 30000. The District was declared formed by the Humboldt County Board of
Supervisors on December 30, 1970 under California Water Code Division 12 following a special
election within the proposed district area. The District was formed to provide an eligible entity
for receiving a grant to construct the distribution system. The District was given the power to
provide water services.
Shortly after formation, in 1973, the District entered into an agreement with the City of Arcata
for “management, control and maintenance of the District’s water system”. As part of the
agreement, the City agreed to “furnish maintenance, operation, repair, replacement,
additions, management and physical control pursuant to the Water Ordinance” and other
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conditions set by the agreement1. The terms of the agreement were to remain in effect for
the life of the loan which is scheduled to be paid off in 2033. Since then there have been two
amendments to the original agreement which provides for enacting portions of the Municipal
Water Code in addition to billing and maintenance for a portion of the District included in the
Bayside Heights Reorganization of 1982.
2.3 Boundary and Sphere of Influence
Jacoby Creek County Water District is located adjacent to the southeastern border of the City
of Arcata. The District extends southeast from the Arcata Bay along Jacoby Creek for
approximately four miles. The District is approximately four miles southwest of the City of Blue
Lake and three miles north of Freshwater and covers approximately 3,120 acres (or 4.9 square
miles). The Sphere of Influence (SOI) is currently coterminous with the boundary.
A portion of the District was annexed into the City of Arcata in 1982 as part of the Bayside
Annexation (see Figure 1). This area was not detached from the District at the time due to
outstanding debt from a Davis-Grunsky loan obtained to construct the distribution system2.
During the Commission’s review of the Bayside Heights Reorganization in 1982, it was
determined that the detachment would financially burden the Jacoby Creek CWD’s ability to
pay off its loan. In response, the City and District entered into a second amendment to its
original agreement in 1973, which provides as follows: 1) the ownership of the infrastructure
within the annexation area shall remain the property of the District; 2) the City shall assume full
financial responsibility for the management, operation, and maintenance of the water system
in the annexation area; 3) the City will continue to bill customers within the annexation area
both regular in-city water rates and a fee to retire the existing State loan owned by the District;
and 4) once the existing loan is fully paid, the annexation area shall be detached from the
District and maps of the District shall be redrawn to reflect said detachment. Presently, the
provisions for infrastructure, management, operation, maintenance, and billing (numbers 1-3
above) are being implemented.
1 Agreement between city of Arcata and Jacoby Creek Water District, September 24th 1973.
2 Humboldt County Department of Public Works, Memorandum to City of Arcata City Manager Regarding Jacoby Creek County
Water District. October 28, 1982.
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Figure 1: Jacoby Creek CWD Boundary and Proposed SOI
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Figure 2: Jacoby Creek CWD Customers per City of Arcata Records
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Updated SOI
The current SOI for the District encompasses several large areas of land designated as
Timberland under the Humboldt County General Plan. According to the Jacoby Creek
Community Area Plan policy JCCP-P41, no extension of public water systems is permitted to
these areas3. As such, the updated SOI has been reduced in an effort to exclude Timberlands
while still maintaining logical boundaries. The SOI is also being reduced to maintain
consistency with the City of Arcata SOI as the City is directly responsible for providing water to
the District. The proposed SOI more closely matches the actual service area of the District and
encompasses approximately 1,400 acres (or 2.1 square miles).
On the northwest edge of the District, there are two areas that are within the City of Arcata
boundary. These areas are proposed for removal from the current SOI in anticipation of later
detachment when the Davis-Grunsky loan is paid off. To the northeast there is a residential
area along Buttermilk Lane that is between the City of Arcata and Jacoby Creek CWD
boundaries. As part of any future reorganization involving the two agencies, this area should
be studied in detail to determine which agency will provide services long-term.
2.4 Land Use and Zoning
Land uses within the District are subject to policies included in the Jacoby Creek Community
Plan in addition to the Humboldt County General Plan and Zoning Regulations (Humboldt
County Code Title III, Division 1). The Jacoby Creek Community Planning Area prescribes
policies affecting development activity and infrastructure development by the City and
District. This includes an Urban Development Area designation that includes portions of Jacoby
Creek Road near Bayside and extending north to Buttermilk Lane4.
Land use within the District is primarily Residential Agriculture, Residential Estate, Agricultural
Exclusive, and Timberland (Figure 2). Land use in the surrounding area includes Timberland,
Commercial Recreation, Residential Agriculture, Public Lands and City of Arcata
designations5. The surrounding area is largely forested and does not lend well to higher density
development.
Zoning within the District is primarily Residential Single Family, Rural Residential, Agricultural
Exclusive, Timberland Production, and Unclassified. Zoning around the District includes
Timberland Production, Agricultural General, Residential Single Family, Unclassified, and City of
Arcata classifications.
3 Humboldt County General Plan, Jacoby Creek Community Plan, Community Infrastructure and Services. Adopted October 23,
2017.
4 Humboldt County General Plan, Jacoby Creek Community Plan. Adopted October 23, 2017.
5 Humboldt County Web GIS, Jurisdiction Boundaries & Land Use, Planning Layers, Current General Plan Land Use. Accessed
March 19, 2020.
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Figure 3: Jacoby Creek CWD County Land Use Designations
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2.5 Growth and Population
Jacoby Creek CWD is located within Humboldt County Census Tract 9, Block Groups 2 and 3.
However, the size of these Block Groups is much larger than the District boundary. Utilizing
2010 US Decennial Census data and the District boundary, GIS analysis of the population
provides an estimate of roughly 1,200. Like much of the county, annual growth in the area is
limited. Based on the County’s housing growth projections of between 0.5% and 2.5%, the
Jacoby Creek area county have between 1,261 and 1,536 total residents by 2030.
2.6 Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities
Disadvantaged unincorporated communities, or “DUCs,” are inhabited territories containing
12 or more registered voters where the annual median household income is less than 80
percent of the statewide annual median household income. The District is considered an
inhabited territory but has a 2018 MHI of $79,531 which is 111% of the California MHI of $71,228.
Nearby communities include the City of Arcata and the City of Eureka which are not
considered DUCs because they are incorporated. However, both cities are considered
disadvantaged because they have MHIs that are 44% and 58% of the California MHI,
respectively6.
2.7 Municipal Services
Jacoby Creek CWD is authorized to provide water services to the community of Jacoby
Creek. Through contractual agreement, the City of Arcata sells water directly to District
customers, maintains and repairs the distribution system, and fulfills regulatory requirements for
the District. Water is delivered through direct transfer at the Jacoby Creek flow meter located
near the southeast city limit.
Water Supply and Storage Capacity
Water is supplied by the City of Arcata who purchases wholesale water from the Humboldt
Bay Municipal Water District (HBMWD). HBMWD has water rights permits from the SWRCB
through the year 2029 for surface water storage and diversion7. Arcata has a peak rate
allocation of 3.25 MGD from HBMWD and currently uses only approximately 55% of its
allocation8. This includes water supplied to Jacoby Creek CWD.
In 2015, the District had 326 service connections and was supplied approximately 21 million
gallons of water by the City of Arcata9. Currently the District has 323 residential and 7
commercial/institutional connections for a total of 330, an increase of only 4 connections over
the past 5 years10. Based on the additional capacity available to the District and the limited
amount of growth projected for the area, it is anticipated that there is sufficient water for
current and future needs.
6 American Community Survey 2018 5-year Estimates, Median Income in the Past 12 Months, Table S1903 for California, Arcata,
Eureka, and Humboldt County Census Tract 9 - Block Group 3.
7 Arcata Urban Water Management Plan, 2016. Pg. 23. https://www.cityofarcata.org/DocumentCenter/View/4148
8 Arcata UWMP, pg. 29.
9 Arcata UWMP, pg. 7.
10 City of Arcata. Environmental Services Department - GIS. Personal Communication. July 2020.
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The District has four water storage tanks totaling 189,000 gallons as shown in Table 1 below.
Based on an estimated daily demand of 57,000 gallons, this is enough to support water needs
in the District for up to three days in the event there is an emergency shut off from the City of
Arcata or other water infrastructure failure.
Table 2: Jacoby Creek CWD Water Storage Capacity
Tank Name Capacity (gal)
Baywood Tank #11 10,000
Jacoby Creek Tank #12 106,000
Fairview Tank #15 14,000
Plunkett Tank #13 59,000
Water Distribution Infrastructure
The original infrastructure for the District was installed in 1973. Since that time the system has
undergone regular inspection and maintenance by the City of Arcata. The system consists of
approximately 7.8 miles of water mains, 73% of which is asbestos concrete pipes that are
considered near or at the end of their useful life11. The system is primarily gravity fed from the
connection with the City of Arcata. In the event of a power shutoff or outage, the District can
maintain pressure in the system by gravity flow and the use of backup generators. The system
also supplies water to 30 fire hydrants in the area.
In the next five years, the City of Arcata will be replacing piping along Plunkett Road and
upgrading the Plunkett Pump Station. This work is being funded by a grant obtained from
California Office of Emergency Services and has the potential to save up to 7,500 gallons of
water per week which is the estimated amount of loss from leaks in the current line12.
The District does not currently have a comprehensive water infrastructure plan. However,
according to the Humboldt County General Plan Jacoby Creek Community Plan, the District is
responsible for preparing and maintaining a Water Facilities Plan for all areas of its jurisdiction
to which the District intends to provide water service13. The District is encouraged to work with
the City on development of this plan in order to better prepare for upcoming maintenance
and repair of the system.
Service Rates
Jacoby Creek CWD customers are billed at the normal City of Arcata outside city boundary
water service rates. In order to pay off the outstanding Davis-Grunsky loan, a surcharge of
$6.50 is added to standard City rates. The City recently conducted a water rate study and is
set to increase water rates in Fall 2020. This is described in the City of Arcata MSR.
11 City of Arcata, Department of Environmental Services, GIS. Personal communication August 4, 2020.
12 City of Arcata, City Council Meeting Staff Report, Adopt Resolution No. 189-08. August 16, 2018.
13 Humboldt County General Plan, Jacoby Creek Community Plan, JCCP-P44. Adopted October 23, 2017.
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2.8 Organizational Structure
The Jacoby Creek CWD has a five-member Board of Directors elected by its residents to
oversee the district’s management. The Board of Directors meets on the second Monday of
each month in the multi-purpose room of Jacoby Creek School, 1617 Old Arcata Road in
Bayside. Notice of meetings is posted at the Bayside Post Office located at 1836 Old Arcata
Road in accordance with the Brown Act. The current members of the Board are:
Table 3: Jacoby Creek CWD Board of Directors
Name Term
Wayne Palmrose, Chair December 2022
Timothy Brater December 2022
Joan Dixon December 2020
Sam Rich December 2020
Vacant December 2022
Governance Options
The Jacoby Creek CWD was originally formed with the intention of future annexation into the
City of Arcata upon payoff of the loan. However, the Jacoby Creek community has remained
rural in nature with limited development. Current land use designations are for low density
residential and agricultural uses which is an indicator the area is likely to remain low density.
As such, annexation into the City is unlikely.
The City has expressed interest in turning over responsibility of the Jacoby Creek distribution
system to the District. However, the District currently does not have any staff or trained
operators. In order to take over responsibility of the system the District would need to, at a
minimum, hire trained staff, obtain an office location, and set up an independent rate
structure. The Board of Directors would remain in place as the governing body of the District
with elections of members continuing on the same staggered four-year cycle.
It is recommended that the City and the District discuss potential transition options before the
payoff date of the Davis-Grunsky loan in 2033 as a plan of succession needs to be developed.
This will ensure continued adequate service to customers after payoff of the loan.
2.9 Accountability and Transparency
The District currently does not have a website. As noted above, District notices are posted at
the Bayside Post Office. Consumer confidence reports can be found on the City of Arcata’s
website under Water Quality Reports. Past agendas and meeting minutes are not currently
available except by request to the Board of Directors. Financial information is likewise
unavailable.
In order to provide a higher level of transparency, it is recommended that the Board of
Directors coordinate a location, such as Arcata City Hall, where recent Board agendas and
meeting minutes can be made available to the public along with approved budgets,
financial audits, and other pertinent District information.
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2.10 Financial Overview
As stated previously, the City of Arcata provides administrative services for the Jacoby Creek
CWD and directly bills District customers for water service. The District has a limited budget to
cover accounting services, Board of Director costs, and other minor administrative fees. A
summary of the District’s most recent financial audits is provided below.
Table 4: Jacoby Creek CWD Financial Audit Summary
FY2014 FY2015 FY2016 FY2017
Operating Revenues
Water sales $161,422 $174,343 - -
Flat user fees $23,607 $23,126 $24,371 $24,443
Miscellaneous income $9,118 $9,517 $169 $1,042
Total Operating Revenues $194,147 $206,986 $24,540 $25,485
Operating Expenses
Maintenance and billing
$171,025 $184,281 $585 $588
contract (City of Arcata)
Insurance $2,387 $2,406 $2,143 $1,874
Director fees $1,060 $1,090 $990 $1,365
Secretarial services $0 $440 $0 $370
Accounting and professional
$800 $5,250 $5,700 $900
services
Office and postage $48 $56 $60 $64
Dues and subscriptions $454 $488 $522 $159
Depreciation $10,218 $10,218 $10,218 $10,218
Other $421 $487 $445 $378
Total Operating Expenses $186,413 $204,716 $20,663 $15,916
Net Operating Income (Loss) $7,734 $2,270 $3,877 $9,569
Net Non-Operating Income
($4,791) ($4,151) ($3,693) ($2,821)
(Expense)
Net Income (Loss) $2,943 ($1,881) $184 $6,748
Based on the information provided in the recently available financial audits, the District is able
to provide a generally positive cash flow. This has allowed the District to continue making
regular payments on its outstanding Davis-Grunsky loan. As of January 1, 2020, the
outstanding balance on the loan was scheduled to be $184,475.9914.
The original amount of the Davis-Grunsky loan was $447,500. This amount was used to install
the existing water infrastructure in the District. For the first ten years of the loan, payments were
14 Jacoby Creek CWD, Payment Schedule for Loan No. D50024. Printed 08-01-2006.
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deferred. As such, repayment of the loan began in 198315. Repayments will continue in
amounts ranging from $11,000 to $14,000 over the next ten years. The District could also
choose to make several large lumpsum payments and payoff the loan early.
15 Jackson and Eklund, Jacoby Creek County Water District: Financial Statements June 30, 2017 and 2016. Dated January 3, 2019.
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3.0 JACOBY CREEK MSR DETERMINATIONS
As set forth in Section 56430(a) of the CKH Act- In order to prepare and to update the SOI in
accordance with Section 56425, the commission shall conduct a service review of the
municipal services provided in the county or other appropriate area designated by the
commission. The commission shall include in the area designated for a service review the
county, the region, the sub-region, or any other geographic area as is appropriate for an
analysis of the service or services to be reviewed, and shall prepare a written statement of its
determinations with respect to each of the following:
(1) Growth and population projections for the affected area
a) The estimated population of the District is 1,200 and may grow to approximately 1,500
by 2028 based on a 1.6% growth rate.
(2) The location and characteristics of any disadvantaged unincorporated communities within
or contiguous to the sphere of influence
a) The community of Jacoby Creek has a MHI that is above the California MHI and is
therefore not considered a DUC. The nearby communities of Arcata and Eureka are
incorporated cities and are also not considered DUCs.
(3) Present and planned capacity of public facilities and adequacy of public services,
including infrastructure needs or deficiencies
a) The District currently receives water from the City of Arcata which utilizes approximately
55% of its contracted amount from HBMWD which indicates there is sufficient capacity
to serve current and future water needs for the District.
b) The District currently has enough water storage to continue service to residents for
approximately three days in the event of an emergency water shutoff from the City of
Arcata.
c) Water mains in the District are primarily asbestos cement piping that is near or at the
end of its useful life. Continued replacement will be needed to ensure continued
adequate service throughout the District.
d) The District is responsible for drafting a Water Facilities Plan. The District is encouraged
to work with the City of Arcata to complete this plan.
(4) Financing ability of agencies to provide services
a) The District has been able to maintain a balanced budget with a positive cash flow that
allows for continued payments of the Davis-Grunsky loan.
(5) Status of and, opportunities for, shared facilities
a) The District currently has an agreement with the City of Arcata for the purchase of
water, and maintenance, repair, and administration of the water distribution system.
This agreement is in place until the payoff date of the Davis-Grunsky loan.
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b) Some District customers are served by city wastewater. At this time there is no intent of
the City to annex those parcels served.
(6) Accountability for community service needs, including governmental structure and
operational efficiencies
a) The District is currently served by a five-member Board of Directors that is elected to
staggered four year terms. Board agendas are posted at the Bayside Post Office in
accordance with the Brown Act.
b) The District may consider coordinating a location to make District documents available
to the public for review.
(7) Any other matter related to effective or efficient service delivery
a) The District should develop a plan of succession for when payoff of the Davis-Grunsky
loan occurs. It is uncertain whether the District will be able to maintain the system
without the assistance of the City of Arcata. It is recommended that both agencies
work on a plan for providing services after payoff of the loan.
Jacoby Creek CWD Page 16
MSR/SOI Update – Adopted September 2020
4.0 JACOBY CREEK SOI DETERMINATIONS
In order to carry out its purposes and responsibilities for planning and shaping the logical and
orderly development of local governmental agencies to advantageously provide for the
present and future needs of the county and its communities, the commission shall develop
and determine the sphere of influence of each city, as defined by G.C. Section 56036, and
enact policies designed to promote the logical and orderly development of areas within the
sphere. In determining the sphere of influence of each local agency, the commission shall
consider and prepare a written statement of its determinations with respect to the following:
(1) Present and planned land uses in the area, including agricultural and open-space lands.
a) Land uses surrounding the District are primarily Timberland and City of Arcata
designations with limited probability for higher density designations.
b) Current Humboldt County General Plan policies restrict extension of services to
Timberland designated lands in the Jacoby Creek planning area.
(2) Present and probable need for public facilities and services in the area.
a) There is currently low density residential and agriculture uses surrounding the District which
indicates that there will continue to be a need for a reliable water supply in the area.
(3) Present capacity of public facilities and adequacy of public services that the agency
provides or is authorized to provide.
a) The City of Arcata, which supplies water to the District, currently uses approximately half
of its water allocation from HBMWD indicating that there is enough supply to provide for
additional growth in the District.
b) According to the most recent Consumer Confidence Reports for the District, water quality
remains high.
c) The District currently has 189,000 gallons of water storage which is sufficient to support
District needs.
(4) Existence of any social or economic communities of interest in the area if the commission
determines that they are relevant to the agency.
a) The City of Arcata is directly adjacent to the District boundary and continues to be an
area of social and economic interest for the District.
b) There are limited communities to the east of the District due to the densely forested and
hilly terrain of the area.
(5) For an update of a sphere of influence of a city or special district that provides public facilities
or services related to sewers, municipal and industrial water, or structural fire protection, the
present and probable need for those public facilities and services of any disadvantaged
unincorporated communities within the existing sphere.
Jacoby Creek CWD Page 17
MSR/SOI Update – Adopted September 2020
a) There are no DUC’s near the current District boundary, however, the City of Arcata and
the City of Eureka are considered disadvantaged because they have MHI’s that are less
than 80% of the California MHI.
Jacoby Creek CWD Page 18
MSR/SOI Update – Adopted September 2020