LAFCO
Wheeler Crest Community Services District
Read the report at Local Agency Formation Commissions ↗
2024
Wheeler Crest Community
Services District
Municipal Service Review & Sphere of Influence Report
Approved | October 10, 2024
PREPARED BY:
Mono County Local Agency Formation Commission
PO Box 347
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
(760) 924-1800
https://monocounty.ca.gov/lafco
Contract Staff
Resource Concepts Inc.
Bauer Planning and Environmental Services, Inc.
MONO COUNTY LAFCO Final Report | Approved October 10, 2024
Wheeler Crest Community Services District
Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................................... i
Table of Contents
Executive Summary – Municipal Service Review ......................................................................................... iii
1. Growth and Population Projections for the Affected Area ............................................................... iii
2. Location & Characteristics of Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities ................................... iii
3. Infrastructure Needs and Deficiencies .............................................................................................. iii
4. Financial Ability of Agencies to Provide Services .............................................................................. iii
5. Opportunities for Shared Facilities and Resources ........................................................................... iv
6. Accountability for Community Service Needs, Including Governmental Structure and Operational
Efficiencies. ............................................................................................................................................ iv
Executive Summary – Sphere of Influence Findings ..................................................................................... v
1. Present and Planned Land Uses ......................................................................................................... v
2. Present and Probable Need for Public Facilities and Services ........................................................... v
3. Present Capacity of Public Facilities and Adequacy of Public Services .............................................. v
4. Social or Economic Communities of Interest ..................................................................................... v
5. Present and Probable Need for District Services of Any DUCs ........................................................... v
Executive Summary – Sphere of Influence Recommendation ...................................................................... v
I. Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 1
Municipal Service Reviews ..................................................................................................................... 1
Relationship Between MSRs and Spheres of Influence .......................................................................... 1
Revised MSR Requirements ................................................................................................................... 1
2023-2025 MSR/SOI Update Process and Approach.............................................................................. 1
Community Services Districts ................................................................................................................. 3
II. District Overview ....................................................................................................................................... 4
Figure 1 – District Boundaries ............................................................................................................... 5
III. Municipal Service Review Analysis and Determinations ......................................................................... 6
1. Growth and Population Projections for the Affected Area ................................................................ 6
Table 1 – Buildout Figures ...................................................................................................................... 7
Figure 2 – Land Use Designations Map .................................................................................................. 7
Determinations ....................................................................................................................................... 9
2. Location & Characteristics of Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities .................................... 9
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MONO COUNTY LAFCO Final Report | Approved October 10, 2024
Wheeler Crest Community Services District
Figure 3: CaLAFCO Statewide DUC Map ............................................................................................... 10
3. Infrastructure Needs and Deficiencies ............................................................................................. 10
Determinations ..................................................................................................................................... 11
4. Financial Ability of Agencies to Provide Services ............................................................................. 12
Table 2 – Water Activity Revenues and Expenses – Fiscal Year 2019-2020 ......................................... 12
Determinations ..................................................................................................................................... 13
5. Opportunities for Shared Facilities ................................................................................................... 14
Determinations ..................................................................................................................................... 14
6. Accountability for Community Service Needs, Including Governmental Structure and Operational
Efficiencies. ........................................................................................................................................... 15
Table 3 – Board Roster ......................................................................................................................... 15
Table 4. Website Compliance Checklist ................................................................................................ 16
Determinations ..................................................................................................................................... 18
IV. SOI Recommendation ............................................................................................................................ 19
..................................................................................................... 19
12.. PPrreesseenntt aanndd P Prloabnanbelde NLaenedd fUosre Psublic Facilities and Services ......................................................... 19
3. Present Capacity of Public Facilities and Adequacy of Public Services ............................................ 19
4. Social or Economic Communities of Interest ................................................................................... 20
5. Present and Probable Need for Public Facilities and Services of Any DUCs .................................... 20
V. SOI Recommendation ............................................................................................................................. 20
Figure 4 –District SOI ............................................................................................................................ 21
VII. References ............................................................................................................................................ 22
References Consulted ........................................................................................................................... 22
Persons Consulted ................................................................................................................................ 22
VIII. Endnotes ............................................................................................................................................... 23
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MONO COUNTY LAFCO Final Report | Approved October 10, 2024
Wheeler Crest Community Services District
Executive Summary – Municipal Service Review
The Mono County General Plan Land Use Element allows for additional development in the area
1. Growsertvhe da bnyd t hPeo WpCuClSaDt.i on Projections for the Affected Area
Growth is anticipated to occur primarily in existing developed areas.
The population in Swall Meadows is projected to increase to 187 by 2030, creating an increased
demand for services. This growth is based on a 0.5% population increase year over year. This
figure was used as a conservative estimate based on the population declining slightly between
2010 and 2020.
Policies in the Wheeler Crest Area Plan in the Mono County General Plan Land Use Element
require the county to allow additional residential development only when adequate services,
including water, are available.
Recent changes to State law create a potential for increased density on residential parcels in Swall
Meadows (up to three units: a main residence, an ADU and JADU). These changes have the
potential to increase the demand for WCCSD's services.
No part of Swall Meadows, nor any area contiguous to it, is designated as a DUC per the CaLAFCO
2. Locasttaitoenw i&de CDhUCa rmaacpt. eristics of Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities
Communities in Mono County are geographically isolated from one another, so it is rare for
communities to be located within or adjacent to the SOI of service-providing district and not
receive services from such district.
Development in Wheeler Crest is limited to the existing private land base and one community
3. Infrpaasrtcreul fcotru three fNiree deedpsa ratmnedn tD. Tehfeic diiestnriccti ehsas indicated that the physical infrastructure required
for the area is largely in place and operating to the satisfaction of most residents.
The district completed drilling and placing a new well into service between 2010 and 2012. The
new well is referred to as Well 5 and provides redundancy in the system.
The district analyzes water supply data and monthly water use data to provide for the area’s
projected buildout.
The CSD’s future financing will continue to rely on property assessments, excess water use
4. Finacnhacrigaels ,A abndil hitoyo koufp A fegees.n cies to Provide Services
The district has a long-term planning document that identifies needed capital facilities and the
costs associated with developing those facilities.
The district belongs to several water associations in California and these present low-cost
financing opportunities for capital improvements.
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MONO COUNTY LAFCO Final Report | Approved October 10, 2024
Wheeler Crest Community Services District
The Wheeler Crest area is a discrete geographic area within Mono County; there is no duplication
of service efforts or overlapping or inefficient service boundaries.
Integrated planning, especially long-range planning, is an important part of cost avoidance.
Southwestern Mono County (Wheeler Crest and Paradise) includes other special district service
providers that have administrative costs associated with the overall management of those
districts. There could be some duplication of services among the districts, particularly in areas
such as personnel management, insurance, risk management, financial management services, etc.
Further studies would be necessary to determine whether there are opportunities to reduce
costs.
Customers in the district pay an annual assessment. Depending in which Zone of Benefit the
customer is located, they also pay excess water use charges. The district periodically reviews and
adjusts its fees and assessments in order to ensure that they are sufficient to cover present and
future operating costs.
Due to geographic distances between communities in the county, sharing facilities among water
5. Opppororvtuidnerist iise nso fto pro sSshibaler. ed Facilities and Resources
Wheeler Crest includes other special district service providers that require facilities to support
their services. There may be opportunities for shared facilities among the districts. Further studies
would be necessary to determine whether there are opportunities to reduce costs.
6. Ac coThuen CtSaDb icloimtyp lfieosr w Citohm thme muniniimtyu mSe rrevqiuciree mNeenetsd fso,r Ionpcelnu mdienetgin Ggso avnedr pnumbliec nretacol rds. The
Structduirsteri catn mda Ointpaeinrsa at iownebasli tEe fwfihceireen tchiee sp.u blic can access overviews of the current systems,
procedures, consumer confidence reports, recent correspondence, and information about recent
projects.
Per the results of the “Website Compliance Checklist” from the Golden State Risk Management
Authority, there is room for improvement regarding the following elements:
Compliance with State Controller Reports:
o
(1) The Financial Transaction Report (a link to the controller’s “By The
Numbers” website posted on the district website);
(2) Compensation Report (a link to the controller’s public pay website posted in
a conspicuous location on the website). A separate evaluation of compliance
with CA Gov Code 7405 is needed. This code section requires state
governmental entities to comply with the accessibility requirements of section
508 of the Federal rehabilitation act of 1973.
The district seeks to inform the community of district activities and services. Technical and fiscal
data for the district are provided to all customers on an annual basis as a minimum.
The CSD is managed by an elected Board of Directors.
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Wheeler Crest Community Services District
The district plans for the future based on buildout of the service area, analysis of historical
household water usage, and records of current usage within the district.
In regions of the county with separate, distinct communities that are geographically remote from
each other, public services are most logically provided by a combination of several single purpose
special districts.
If further study indicated that consolidation of services in Wheeler Crest under one service
provider could save money and if Wheeler Crest residents were in favor of consolidation, fire
protection, water services, and other local services could be provided by one multi-purpose
agency in the future.
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Executive Summary Sphere of Influence Findings
Land use within Wheeler Crest is predominantly single-family residential. The planned land uses for
1. Pthree saerenat a raen sdin gPlel-afanmnielyd re Lsiadenndti aUl usseess . Development will occur within the existing developed area.
Recent changes to State law create a potential for increased density on residential parcels in Swall
Meadows (up to three units: a main residence, an ADU and JADU). These changes have the potential
to increase the demand for WCCSD's services.
Wheeler Crest has an existing and continuing need for public facilities and services to serve the
2. Prreseidseennttia la dnedve Plorpombeantb ilne t hNee aereda .f or Public Facilities and Services
The district currently provides a good level of service to its customers. As a Community Service District,
3. Pitr ies saeutnhto rCizaepd atoc iptryo voidfe P au vbarliiecty F oaf coitlhietri esesr vainceds. Adequacy of Public Services
The district area exhibits social and economic interdependence with communities in Inyo County. An
4. Sinotceiradle poern dEecnocen owmithi cth Cosoem commumnuintiitieess ohafs I nnot ererleesvatn ce in determining the SOI for the district
since special districts cannot provide services outside of their county.
The District provides domestic water and fire flow services to Swall Meadows. However, there are no
5. DPUreCss,e ans td eafinnded P bryo CbaLaAbFlCeO NDUeCe dM afop,r w Ditihsint roirc atd Sjaecrevnti ctoe sth oe fe xAisntiyng D SOUIC. s
–
The SOI for the WCCSD encompasses the existing district area along with additional private lands in the
EWhxeeelceru Ctreisvt eco mSmuumnitym. ary Sphere of Influence Recommendation
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MONO COUNTY LAFCO Final Report | Approved October 10, 2024
Wheeler Crest Community Services District
I. Introduction
The Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000 (CKH) requires Local Agency
MForumnaitcioinp aClo mSemrivssiicones R (LeAvFiCeOws)s t o conduct comprehensive reviews of all municipal services in each
county in California and to periodically update that information. The purpose of the Municipal Service
Reviews (MSR) is to gather detailed information on public service capacities and issues.
The CKH requires LAFCOs to develop and determine the Sphere of Influence (SOI) for each applicable local
Rgoevlearntimoennstahl iapg eBnecyt wtheaet np rMovSidRess saenrvdic eSsp ohre fraecsili toiefs Inreflaluteedn tcoe d evelopment. Government Code
Section 56076 defines a SOI as “a plan for the probable physical boundaries and service area of a local
agency.” MSRs must be completed prior to the establishment or update of SOIs (§56430(a)). SOIs must be
reviewed and updated as necessary, but not less than once every five years (§56425).
The information and determinations contained in an MSR are intended to guide and inform SOI decisions.
MSRs enable LAFCO to determine SOI boundaries and to establish the most efficient service provider for
areas needing new service. They also function as the basis for other government reorganizations. Section
56430, as noted above, states that LAFCO can conduct these reviews “before, in conjunction with, but no
later than the time it is considering an action to establish a SOI.”
The Wheeler Crest Community Service District (WCCSD) MSR is being conducted in response to, and in
conjunction with, an update of the SOI for the district.
California Senate Bill 244, passed in 2011 and in effect since 2012, significantly revised the requirements
Rfoer MviSsResd. S MincSeR th Re perqeuviiorues mMSeRn ftosr the district dates to 2009, this is the first review written to the new
requirements.
The 2003 LAFCO MSR Guidelines detailed nine determinations necessary to an MSR, each consisting of
between five and forty-nine elements. These requirements have been streamlined. The new
requirements, pared down to a list of seven, still review land use, demographics, present and future
service needs as compared with capacity, and the financial ability of agencies to provide services. They
additionally require agencies to give special consideration to Communities of Interest and Disadvantaged
Unincorporated Communities (DUCs) during the review.
The last comprehensive update of the MSRs & SOIs for all Special Districts in Mono County occurred in
2200029.3 D-u2e0 t2o 5th eM leSnRgt/hS oOf Iti mUep bdeatwtee ePnr uopcdeatsess ,a LnAFdC OA pis pursionga ca hu nique approach to update the MSRs
and SOIs of sixteen Special Districts in unincorporated Mono County (list below).
1. Antelope Valley Fire Protection District
2. Birchim Community Services District
3. Bridgeport Fire Protection District
4. Bridgeport Public Utility District
5. Chalfant Valley Fire/Community Services District
6. Hilton Creek Community Services District
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MONO COUNTY LAFCO Final Report | Approved October 10, 2024
Wheeler Crest Community Services District
7. June Lake Fire Protection District
8. June Lake Public Utility District
9. Lee Vining Fire Protection District
10. Lee Vining Public Utility District
11. Long Valley Fire Protection District
12. Mono City Fire Protection District
13. Paradise Fire Protection District
14. Wheeler Crest Community Services District
15. Wheeler Crest Fire Protection District
16. White Mountain Fire Protection District
This work was partially funded by a California Development Block Grant (CDBG) awarded to the County
by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) in February 2021. Resource
Concepts, Inc. (RCI) was awarded the contract for this work through an RFP process approved by the Board
of Supervisors on May 10, 2022. The intent of this three-phase project was to better understand the exact
opportunities and limitations of special districts, as these limitations are a potential barrier to housing
production in unincorporated Mono County. The final CIP deliverable was finalized and approved by the
Board of Supervisors in June 2024. The deadline for grant funds to be expended was June 16, 2024.
• Phase One conducted extensive data gathering from Districts and summarize (in table form) the
updates necessary for 2023/2024 Reports for sixteen Special Districts. Implementing the revisions
was not part of RCI’s scope of work so updates were made by LAFCO staff.
• Phase two included a needs assessment for the key sites (identified in the Mono County Housing
Element) and communities within each special district. RCI performed a more thorough
investigation of infrastructure barriers and opportunities within the communities of Bridgeport,
Crowley Lake, June Lake, and Lee Vining, and the key sites identified in the Housing Element.
• Phase 3 included developing a key sites Capacity Improvement Plan (CIP) with recommendations
for Bridgeport, Crowley Lake, June Lake, and Lee Vining communities.
The remaining eleven Special Districts in both the unincorporated County and the Town of Mammoth
Lakes will be completed via a contract with Bauer Planning and Environmental Services, Inc. (BPES, Inc.)
and LAFCO staff time (as needed).
1. Mammoth Community Water District
2. Mammoth Lakes Fire Protection District
3. Mammoth Lakes Mosquito Abatement District
4. Southern Mono Hospital District
5. Town of Mammoth Lakes
6. Mammoth Lakes Community Service Area
7. County Service Area #1
8. County Service Area #2
9. County Service Area #5
10. Countywide CSA
11. Antelope Valley Water District (LAFCO Staff)
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MONO COUNTY LAFCO Final Report | Approved October 10, 2024
Wheeler Crest Community Services District
Community Services Districts
A Community Services District (CSD) is a Special District, a form of local government created by a local
cOovmemrvuineitwy to meet a specific need or needs. Unlike most special districts that provide a single service,
CSD’s are formed via California Government Code §61000 (originally passed in 1951 and commonly
referred to as “Community Services District Law”) and can provide multiple services to a community. In
fact, CSD’s can provide up to 32 different services, such as water, garbage collection, wastewater
management, security, fire protection, public recreation, street lighting, mosquito abatement services,
library services, etc. CSD’s are governed by a board of five directors, elected by resident voter to four-year
terms. CSD’s are particularly helpful as a local government option for communities in the unincorporated
areas of California.
California Government Code §61115, grants CSD’s the authority to establish rates or other charges for
Fseirnvaicnesc ianngd fTaociolitlise s that the district provides. Charges can be either collected on the tax roll in the same
manner as property taxes or collected with the rates or charges for any other services and facilities
provided by the district.
CSD’s have two financing tools, the first is fees or charges for services provided by the district and the
second are special assessments based on the specific benefit each parcel receives from the improvements.
Assessments are a levy against district lands that receive special benefits from operation of the district
works. The approval of Proposition 218 in 1997 requires any new or increased assessments may be
imposed only if proportional to the special benefits provided supported by a detailed engineer’s report,
and approved by a majority vote of the affected landowners.
Mono County has five CSDs (listed below), four that provide services to the unincorporated communities
Mof oSunnon yC oSluopnetsy, CChSaDlfa’sn t Valley, Crowley Lake, and Swall Meadows and one that provides service to the
incorporated Town of Mammoth Lakes.
1. Birchim CSD
2. Chalfant Valley CSD & Fire
3. Hilton Creek CSD
4. Wheeler Crest CSD
5. Mammoth Lakes CSD
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MONO COUNTY LAFCO Final Report | Approved October 10, 2024
Wheeler Crest Community Services District
GENERAL INFORMATION
II. District Overview
Agency Type Community Services District (CSD)
Date Formed Established in 1984 to manage a new water system in the Pinon Ranch
subdivision. The district expanded in 1988 to include the existing water
system for the Hilltop Estates subdivision.
Location/Community The district boundaries include portions of the development in Wheeler Crest
and cover approximately 460 acres. The district’s service areas are smaller
than the district boundaries and cover approximately 250 acres (see Figure 1).
Population Served Mono County GIS estimates there are 236 parcels in the district, including
approximately 118 developed parcels. Population data from the 2020 US
Census and California Department of Finance population estimates show the
population of the Wheeler Crest area, including areas outside of the district’s
boundaries, to be 178 in 2020. (Census 2020).
Last MSR/SOI Update 2009
Services Provided The district provides water service to a full- and part-time residential
population in the community of Wheeler Crest. The district currently has 49
water connections, in two separate water systems.
Other Services As a Community Service District, the district is authorized to provide a wide
array of services, including water treatment and distribution, fire protection,
parks and recreational services, street lighting, police protection, and library
services.
Website
https://www.wheelercrestcsd.org/index.html
Independent/ Independent
Dependent
District Personnel The district has no employees but relies on volunteers. The district has two
Certified Water Distribution Operators. District personnel utilize California
Rural Water Association classes for various training, as needed or available.
District Issues/ The district has indicated that its future growth is limited by the limited private
Concerns land base in the area. Residents of the Wheeler Crest area who are not within
one of the service areas of the district have individual wells and little incentive
to pay to join the WCCSD systems. Over the long-term, the district is
concerned about maintaining sources of safe, clean water for the region.
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MONO COUNTY LAFCO Final Report | Approved October 10, 2024
Wheeler Crest Community Services District
Figure 1 – District Boundaries
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MONO COUNTY LAFCO Final Report | Approved October 10, 2024
Wheeler Crest Community Services District
In order to prepare and to update SOIs in accordance with California Senate Bill 244, CKH §56425 &
§I5I6I4. 3M0(au) rneqiuciriep thael cSomemrivssiiocne t oR coenvduicet wa se Arvincea relvyieswi sof athne dmu Dniceiptael sremrviciens parotviiodend sin the
county or other appropriate area designated by the commission. The commission shall include in the area
designated for service review the county, the region, the subregion, 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.
2. Location & characteristics of any disadvantaged unincorporated communities in or contiguous to
the SOI.
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 SOI.
4. Financial ability of agencies to provide services.
5. Status of, and opportunities for, shared facilities.
6. Accountability for community service needs, including governmental structure and operational
efficiencies.
7. Any other matter related to effective or efficient service delivery, as required by commission
policy.
These seven factors are listed below and analyzed in the discussions that follow.
Purpose: To evaluate service needs based on existing and anticipated growth patterns and
1. Growpotphul aatniodn pProojpecutiloantsi.o n Projections for the Affected Area
The Wheeler Crest area is a small, contained area of residential development. There are currently 233 lots
Einx tihset ienngti raen dde vAelnotpimciepnat,t eindcl uRdeinsgid aerenatsi aolu tGsridoew oft hth Pe adtistterircnt’ss binou Lnodnargie Vs;a alplepryo ximately 50 percent
of the lots are developed. The remaining acreage is designated for single-family residential development
with one or two-acre minimum lot sizes. The Mono County General Plan Housing Element 2019-2027
provides for the following buildout in Wheeler Crest:
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MONO COUNTY LAFCO Final Report | Approved October 10, 2024
Wheeler Crest Community Services District
Table 1 – Buildout Figures
The Wheeler Crest area is a small, contained area of residential development (see Figure 2). There are
cPulrarnenntelyd 2L3a3n ldo tUs sine st h e entire development, including areas outside of the district’s boundaries;
approximately 50 percent of the lots are developed. Mono County GIS estimates that there are 126 parcels
within the district’s boundaries, including approximately 63 developed parcels. Additional acreage in the
area has a one- or two-acre minimum lot size that can be developed with single-family residential
development.
Figure 2 – Land Use Designations Map
In
response to the State-wide housing crisis, recent changes in State law have streamlined the regulations
and simplified the process necessary to construct Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU). A new type of
dwelling unit, a Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) has been established in State law that would
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MONO COUNTY LAFCO Final Report | Approved October 10, 2024
Wheeler Crest Community Services District
allow residential land use designated parcels to construct a total of three housing units: a main
residence an ADU, and a JADU. Mono County General Plan Land Use Element, Chapter 16 – Accessory
Dwelling Units reflects these changes and defines a JADU and ADU as:
“Junior accessory dwelling unit” means a unit that is no more than 500 square feet in size and
contained entirely within an existing single-family structure. A junior accessory dwelling unit may
include separate sanitation facilities, or may share sanitation facilities with the existing structure.
The junior accessory dwelling unit must contain cooking facilities.”
"Accessory Dwelling Unit” (also referred to as "dependent," “Secondary Housing,” or "granny
unit") means residential occupancy of a living unit located on the same parcel as the primary
residential unit. It provides complete, independent living facilities for one or more persons
including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same
parcel as the primary unit is situated. An Accessory Dwelling Unit shall meet the minimum
regulations for an efficiency dwelling unit in the California Building Code.”
The implementation of these regulations has the potential to increase the demand for services in Swall
Meadows.
The Wheeler Crest Area Plan in the Mono County General Plan Land Use Element contains several
pAorleicaie Ps tlahant Dadedvreeslso ppumbleicn fta cPiloitlieics iaensd services in Wheeler Crest, i.e.:
“GOAL 24. Retain, as nearly as possible, the character and quality of life presently enjoyed in the
community.
Objective 24.A. Prevent incompatible or conflicting uses within the Wheeler Crest community.
Policy 24.A.1. The timing and location of new residential developments shall be directed
to areas with existing services or adjacent to areas with existing services (i.e., fire
protection, water supply, sewage and utilities).
Action 24.A.1.a. In-fill, to the greatest extent possible, developed private land to
the residential densities specified in this plan (i.e., Estate Residential designation,
one-acre minimum lot size). Overall densities for areas outside existing developed
areas shall not exceed one unit per two acres (Estate Residential designation, two-
acre minimum lot size). As specified in the Plan EIR and other Plan policies, larger
minimum lot sizes may be appropriate for sensitive resource areas.
Action 24.A.1.b. Require developers, at time of application submittal, to
demonstrate adequate service availability (water supply, fire flow, sewage/septic,
utilities).
Action 24.A.1.c. If any extension of services will be required for a proposed project,
an economic analysis, including projected public costs, shall be required.
Action 24.A.1.d. Consider, and mitigate, the cumulative impact of any new
development prior to project approval.
Objective 24.D. Ensure adequate public services (e.g., fire protection) and infrastructure (e.g.,
water supply, sewage treatment, utilities) for the area.
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Wheeler Crest Community Services District
Policy 24.D.1. Ensure that necessary public facilities are planned for as new residential
development is proposed. Ensure that adequate land, in appropriate locations, is set aside
for public facilities.
Action 24.D.1.a. The Mono County Health Department and the Wheeler Crest
Community Services District shall evaluate, as the community expands, the need
for community water systems in the planning area.
Action 24.D.1.b. Maximize groundwater recharge by protecting natural drainage
areas and encouraging their preservation as open space.
Action 24.D.1.c. Encourage use of all water saving devices, above and beyond
CalGreen building code requirements at building construction.”
Population data from the 2020 US Census and California Department of Finance population estimates
Pshoopwu tlhaet ipoonp uPlartoiojne cotfi tohne sW heeler Crest area to be 178 in 2020. The population is projected to increase
to 187 by 2030, creating an increased demand for services. This growth is based on a 0.5% population
increase year over year. This figure was used as a conservative estimate based on the population declining
slightly between 2010 and 2020.
The Mono County General Plan Land Use Element allows for additional development in the area
Determseirnveadt iboy nthse WCCSD.
Growth is anticipated to occur primarily in existing developed areas.
The population in Wheeler Crest is projected to increase to 187 by 2030, creating an increased
demand for services.
Policies in the Wheeler Crest Area Plan in the Mono County General Plan Land Use Element
require the county to allow additional residential development only when adequate services,
including water, are available.
Recent changes to State law create a potential for increased density on residential parcels in
Swall Meadows (up to three units: a main residence, an ADU and JADU). These changes have the
potential to increase the demand for WCCSD's services.
Senate Bill 244, passed in 2011, requires LAFCO identify Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities
2(D.U LCos)c awthieonn m &a kCinhga MraScR tdeertiesrtmicinsa otiof nDs i(sGaodvevrannmteangt eCdod Ue nseinctcioonr p56o4r3a0t(ae)d), CSOoIm demteurmniintaietiso ns
(Government Code section 56425(e)(5)) and certain city annexations. DUCs are defined in the bill as “a
fringe, island, or legacy community in which the median household income is 80 percent or less than the
statewide median household income.
CaLAFCO created an online map identifying DUCs in every California county based on the most recent and
accurate household income data released by the Census Bureau on December 10, 2020. The purpose of
CaLAFCO’s DUC Map is to enable any LAFCO that has not already identified DUCs within their respective
county to utilize it as the source of the most recent household income data and DUC designations. No part
of the Swall Meadows, nor any area contiguous to it, is designated as a DUC (See Figure 3, below).
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MONO COUNTY LAFCO Final Report | Approved October 10, 2024
Wheeler Crest Community Services District
The intent of SB 244 is “to encourage investment in these communities and address the complex legal,
financial, and political barriers that contribute to regional inequity and infrastructure deficits within
disadvantaged unincorporated communities.” As communities in Mono County are geographically
isolated from one another, it is rare for communities to be located within or adjacent to the SOI of a
service-providing district and not receive services from such district.
Figure 3: CaLAFCO Statewide DUC Map
No part of Swall Meadows, nor any area contiguous to it, is designated as a DUC per the CaLAFCO
Determstiantaewtiiodne sD UC map.
Communities in Mono County are geographically isolated from one another, so it is rare for
communities to be located within or adjacent to the SOI of service-providing district and not
receive services from such district.
Purpose: To evaluate the infrastructure needs and deficiencies of a district in terms of capacity,
3. Infrcaosntdriutiocnt uorf efa Ncileiteieds,s s aernvdice D qeufailcitiye, nancdie lsev els of service and its relationship to existing and
planned service users.
The district provides water service to a full- and part-time residential population in the community of
WSehreveilceer sC rPesrto. vThidee ddis trict currently has 49 water connections, in two separate water systems.
The Hilltop Estates water system serves 14 lots in Hilltop Estates, all of which are developed. Water from
an artesian well in the west end of Swall Meadows is gravity fed to a 7,500-gallon underground reservoir
and from there to individual residences.
The Lower Swall Meadows water system serves 81 lots in the Pinon Ranch and Rimrock Ranch
subdivisions. Thirty-five of those lots are developed. The system includes 2 wells, a 100,000- gallon
reservoir at the top of Pinon Ranch, a 120,000-gallon reservoir at the top of Rimrock Ranch, and a gravity-
fed distribution system with 22 fire hydrants.
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Wheeler Crest Community Services District
The district does not serve any areas outside of its boundaries but does donate water for the Wheeler
Crest Fire Protection District’s training exercises.
All of the district’s water is groundwater. Water for the Hilltop Estates water system is provided by an
Wartaestiearn Swuepll patl yth e west end of Swall Meadows. Water for the Pinon Ranch water system is provided by
two wells with capacities of approximately 55 and 95 gallons per minute. The district completed drilling
and placing a new well into service between 2010 and 2012. The new well is referred to as Well 5 and
provides redundancy in the system, to maintain capacity while providing flexibility in system maintenance.
The Hilltop Estates water system has a 7,500-gallon underground storage tank. The Pinon Ranch water
sWysatetmer hSatso ornaeg ea b&o vDe igsrtoruibndu tsitoonra ge t anks of 100,000 gallons and one underground storage tank of
120,000 gallons. Both systems utilize gravity fed distribution systems.
The district also has 22 fire hydrants, each fed by 6-inch mains and having one 4.5-inch outlet and two 2.5
inch outlets. The hydrants are operated and flow-cleaned twice a year.
Water is chlorinated monthly in the Hilltop Estates water system and quarterly in the Pinon Ranch water
Wsysatetmer. BQoutha lsiytsyt e&m Ts arreea mtmoneitnotr ed by t he Mono County Health Department and are routinely sampled
for water quality and characteristics.
Annual water demand is approximately 5 million gallons.
Water Demand
The district has no employees but relies on volunteers. The district has two Certified Water Distribution
DOpisetrraitcotrs P. eDrisstorinctn peelr sonnel utilize California Rural Water Association classes for various training, as
needed or available.
The district has established water supply data for development of new projects, and analyzes water supply
Ddaitsat raincdt mPloannthnliyn wga ter use data to provide for the area’s projected buildout. The district completed
drilling and placing a new well into service between 2010 and 2012. The new well is referred to as Well 5
and provides redundancy in the system.
The WCCSD serves a small area of residential development that is surrounded by public lands and land
Dowisnterdi cbty Itshseu Leoss Aonf gCeolens cDeerpna rtment of Water and Power. Future development in the area is limited by
the small private land base. The district has indicated that the physical infrastructure required for the area
is largely in place and operating to the satisfaction of most residents.
Development in Wheeler Crest is limited to the existing private land base and one community
Determpairnceal tfioor nthse fire department. The district has indicated that the physical infrastructure required
for the area is largely in place and operating to the satisfaction of most residents.
The district completed drilling and placing a new well into service between 2010 and 2012. The
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Wheeler Crest Community Services District
new well is referred to as Well 5 and provides redundancy in the system, to maintain capacity
while providing flexibility in system maintenance.
The district analyzes water supply data and monthly water use data to provide for the area’s
projected buildout.
4. Financial Ability of Agencies to Provide Services
Purpose: To evaluate factors that affect the financing of needed improvements.
Financing Constraints and Opportunities
Overview: Expenses for special districts generally fall into one of three categories: (1) acquisition
of facilities and major capital equipment, (2) employee expenses, and (3) ongoing operations and
maintenance costs. The primary criteria that should be considered when evaluating adequacy of
potential funding sources is availability, adequacy to meet the need, equity between existing and
future residents, stability, and ability to cover on-going operating and maintenance costs.
The district’s main sources of revenue are annual assessments, excess water usage charges, and
connection fees. The district considers its fiscal health to be good. The district does not participate in any
joint financing, cost sharing or purchasing other than the Joint Powers Insurance Agency (JPIA—the
insurance organization of the Association of California Water Agencies), nor does it utilize any shared
facilities.
The CSD is dependent on property assessments, excess water use charges, and hookup fees for its
revenue. These fees are reviewed periodically to ensure that they are adequate. The district has a long-
term financial planning document to ensure that it will have adequate funding sources both in the short-
term and long-term.
Operating Revenues
Table 2 – WaterC Ahacrtgievsi ftoyr sReervviceens ues and E xpens es – F$is2,c0a2l9 Year 2019-2020
Assessments $40,264
Total Operating Revenues $42,293
Operating Expenses
Services and supplies $46,817
Depreciation $37,904
Total Operating Expenses $84,721
Operating Income ($42,428)
Non-Operating Revenues (expenses)
Interest and investment earnings $3,457
Interest expense ($2,569)
Grant revenues $23,588
Total Non-Operating Revenues $24,476
Change in net position ($17,952)
Net position, beginning of year $503,297
Net position, end of year $485,345
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Wheeler Crest Community Services District
Purpose: To identify practices or opportunities that may aid in eliminating unnecessary costs.
Cost Avoidance Opportunities
Overview: Cost avoidance opportunities are defined as actions to eliminate unnecessary costs
derived from, but not limited to, duplication of service efforts, higher than necessary
administration/operation cost ratios, use of outdated or deteriorating infrastructure and
equipment, underutilized equipment or buildings or facilities, overlapping/inefficient service
boundaries, inefficient purchasing or budgeting practices, and lack of economies of scale.
Generally, in Mono County each community area is a discrete geographic area and, as a result, there is no
duplication of service efforts or overlapping or inefficient service boundaries. Southwestern Mono County
is its own discrete geographic area with distinct community areas in Wheeler Crest and Paradise.
The district has a long-term financial planning document to ensure that it will have adequate funding
sources both in the short-term and long-term. Service demand projections for the future are based on
historical usage, current usage, and buildout figures. The CSD is managed and administered by an elected
board of directors and staffed by volunteers. The district has little equipment other than the components
of the water system.
There are two other special districts within the area, the Wheeler Crest Fire Protection District and the
Paradise Fire Protection District. Each of these districts is small with limited physical and financial
resources. However, the focus of the FPDs and the CSD is very different and there is limited physical
overlap of the district boundaries.
Purpose: To identify opportunities to positively impact rates without decreasing service levels.
Opportunities for Rate Restructuring
Overview: As noted in the Financing Constraints and Opportunities Section, the district’s funding
includes property taxes, connection fees, customer use/service charges, and grants. Each of these
categories has inherent constraints that prevent an agency from restructuring them.
The district has two water systems, each of which operates under a separate Zone of Benefit for funding
Customer Use/Service Charges
purposes. Residences in Zone 1 pay an annual water assessment that includes all water use. Residences
in Zone 2 pay an annual water assessment that includes 15,000 gallons of water per month. Water meters
are required for all lots in Zone 2 and the district charges a fee for excess water use. The district also
charges connection fees.
The district periodically reviews and adjusts its fees and assessments in order to insure that the district is
collecting sufficient funds to cover its operating costs. The district considers its fiscal health to be good.
Grant money is a one-time source that is useful in funding certain special projects but may be too
Grants
unreliable or variable for ongoing expenses or recurring needs.
The CSD’s future financing will continue to rely on property assessments, excess water use
Determchianrgaetsi,o annds hookup fees.
The district has a long-term planning document that identifies needed capital facilities and the
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Wheeler Crest Community Services District
costs associated with developing those facilities.
The district belongs to several water associations in California and these present low-cost
financing opportunities for capital improvements.
The Wheeler Crest area is a discrete geographic area within Mono County; there is no duplication
of service efforts or overlapping or inefficient service boundaries.
Integrated planning, especially long-range planning, is an important part of cost avoidance.
Southwestern Mono County (Wheeler Crest and Paradise) includes other special district service
providers that have administrative costs associated with the overall management of those
districts. There could be some duplication of services among the districts, particularly in areas
such as personnel management, insurance, risk management, financial management services, etc.
Further studies would be necessary to determine whether there are opportunities to reduce
costs.
Customers in the district pay an annual assessment. Depending in which Zone of Benefit the
customer is located, they also pay excess water use charges. The district periodically reviews and
adjusts its fees and assessments in order to ensure that they are sufficient to cover present and
future operating costs.
Purpose: To evaluate the opportunities for a jurisdiction to share facilities and resources to develop
5. Oppmoorrteu enffiitciieenst fsoerrv iSceh daerlievedr yF saysctielmitsi.e s
Overview: Sharing facilities and resources can result in a more efficient and cost-effective delivery
of resources.
Due to the geographic distance between most communities in the county, sharing facilities among water
Sanhda sreinwger F daisctirlicittise iss nwoti tpho sOsitbhlee.r Water or Sewer Districts
Currently, the district does not share any facilities. Wheeler Crest includes other special district service
pSrhoavridienrgs tFhaact irleitqiueirse w faictihlit iOest htoe rsu Epnpotirtt itehse iwr sietrhviince Ws. Thheeerele mr aCyr bees ot pportunities for shared facilities
among the districts. Further studies would be necessary to determine whether there are opportunities to
reduce costs.
Due to geographic distances between communities in the county, sharing facilities among water
Determprionviadteiros niss n ot possible.
Wheeler Crest includes other special district service providers that require facilities to support
their services. There may be opportunities for shared facilities among the districts. Further studies
would be necessary to determine whether there are opportunities to reduce costs.
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Wheeler Crest Community Services District
6. Accountability for Community Service Needs, Including Governmental
Structure and Operational Efficiencies.
Purpose: To evaluate the accessibility and levels of public participation associated with an agency’s
Local Adcecciosiuonn-tmabakilinitgy a annd dm Ganoavgeermneannt pcreo cesses.
Overview: Districts are subject to the Ralph M. Brown Act for meetings, agendas and minutes.
They are also subject to the Public Records Act. As such, Special districts are required to adopt
budgets at open public meetings and to file their budgets with the county auditor. They are
required to have annual or biennial independent audits. Complying with the minimum open
meeting and information requirements is not sufficient to allow an adequate amount of visibility
and accountability. Outreach efforts, including convenient meeting times, additional notice of
meetings and dissemination of district information, are desirable.
The CSD complies with the minimum open meetings and public information requirements. The district is
governed by a five-member Board of Directors that meets quarterly. Meeting notices and agendas are
posted at the fire station and on the community bulletin board. The district website meets the
requirements of SB 929 (https://www.wheelercrestcsd.org/index.html).
The district disseminates information to its customers through a Consumer Confidence Report and a
District Information Sheet sent annually to each customer. Customers are notified within 48 hours if a
bacteria sample is out of tolerance.
BOARD MEMBER POSITION TERM EXPIRES
Table 3 – Board Roster
Charles Tucker Chair 11/30/2022
Brent Miller Treasurer 11/30/2024
Dale Schaub Secretary 11/30/2024
Dan Conners Director 11/30/2024
Brian Cashore Director 11/30/2022
Special Districts are required to comply with a variety of local, State, and Federal requirements, including:
1. Adopting budgets at open public meetings;
2. Filing budgets with the County Auditor;
3. Annual or biennial independent audits;
4. Ralph M. Brown Act for meetings, agendas and minutes; and
5. Public Records Act.
Table 4 (below) is the “California Website Compliance Checklist” from the Golden State Risk Management
Authority that outlines the various State and Federal transparency requirements.i Complying with the
minimum open meeting and information requirements is not sufficient to allow an adequate amount of
visibility and accountability. Outreach efforts, including convenient meeting times, additional notice of
meetings and dissemination of district information, are desirable.
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Wheeler Crest Community Services District
PUBLIC RECORDS ACT
Table 4. Website Compliance Checklist
☒YES ☐ NO SB 929 – THE SPECIAL DISTRICT HAS CREATED AND MAINTAINS A
WEBSITE
• Passed in 2018, all independent special districts must have a website
that includes contact information (and all other requirements) by Jan.
2020.
• Hardship exemptions are allowed but they are limited.ii
☒ YES ☐ NO SB 272 – THE SPECIAL DISTRICT’S ENTERPRISE SYSTEM CATALOG IS
POSTED ON THEIR WEBSITE
• All local agencies must publish a catalog listing all software that
meets specific requirements – free tool at
https://www.getstreamline.com/sb272
YES NO AB 2853 (OPTIONAL) - THE SPECIAL DISTRICT POSTS PUBLIC RECORDS
☐ ☒
TO THE WEBSITE.
• This bill allows Districts to refer PRA requests to your site, if the
content is displayed there, potentially saving time and money.
THE BROWN ACT
☒ YES ☐ NO AB 392: AGENDAS ARE POSTED TO OUR WEBSITE AT LEAST 72 HOURS
IN ADVANCE OF REGULAR MEETINGS, 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE OF
SPECIAL MEETINGS.
• This 2011 update to the Act, originally created in 1953, added the
online posting requirement.
☒ YES ☐ NO AB 2257: A LINK TO THE MOST RECENT AGENDA IS ON OUR HOME
PAGE, AND AGENDAS ARE SEARCHABLE, MACHINEREADABLE AND
PLATFORM INDEPENDENT.
• Required by Jan. 2019— text-based PDFs meet this requirement,
Microsoft Word docs do not.
STATE CONTROLLER REPORTS
YES NO FINANCIAL TRANSACTION REPORT: A LINK TO THE CONTROLLER’S “BY
☐ ☒
THE NUMBERS” WEBSITE IS POSTED ON OUR WEBSITE.
• Report must be submitted within seven months after the close of
the fiscal year. Districts can add the report to their website annually,
but posting a link is easier.
YES NO COMPENSATION REPORT: A LINK TO THE CONTROLLER’S PUBLICPAY
☐ ☒
WEBSITE IS POSTED IN A CONSPICUOUS LOCATION ON OUR WEBSITE.
• Report must be submitted by April 30 of each year. Districts can also
add the report to their website annually, but posting a link is easier.
HEALTHCARE DISTRICT WEBSITES
YES NO N/A AB 2019: IF THE SPECIAL DISTRICT IS A HEALTHCARE DISTRICT, A
☐ ☐ ☒
WEBSITE IS MAINTAINED THAT INCLUDES ALL ITEMS ABOVE, PLUS
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Wheeler Crest Community Services District
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS.
• Including budget, board members, MSR, grant policy and recipients,
and audits.
OPEN DATA
YES ☐ NO N/A AB 169: ANYTHING POSTED ON THE SPECIAL DISTRICT’S WEBSITE THAT
☐ ☒
IS CALLED “OPEN DATA” MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS FOR OPEN DATA.
• Defined as “retrievable, downloadable, indexable, and electronically
searchable; platform independent and machine readable” among
other things.
SECTION 508 ADA COMPLIANCE
YES ☐ NO TBD CA GOV CODE 7405: STATE GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES SHALL COMPLY
☐ ☒
WITH THE ACCESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 508 OF THE
FEDERAL REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973
• Requirements were updated in 2018.
Purpose: To evaluate the quality of public services in comparison to cost.
Evaluation of Management Efficiencies
Overview: As defined by OPR, the term “management efficiency,” refers to the organized provision
of the highest quality public services with the lowest necessary expenditure of public funds. An
efficiently managed entity (1) promotes and demonstrates implementation of continuous
improvement plans and strategies for budgeting, managing costs, training and utilizing personnel
and customer service and involvement, (2) has the ability to provide service over the short and
long term, (3) has the resources (fiscal, manpower, equipment, adopted service or work plans) to
provide adequate service, (4) meets or exceeds environmental and industry service standards, as
feasible considering local conditions or circumstances, (5) and maintains adequate contingency
reserves. “Management Efficiency” is generally seen as organizational efficiency including the
potential for consolidation.
The purpose of management is to effectively carry out the principal function and purpose of an
agency. Good management will ensure that the agency’s mission is accomplished and that the
agency’s efforts are sustainable into the future. Unfortunately, “good management” is a relatively
subjective issue, and one that is hard to quantify.
The CSD is managed by an elected Board of Directors. The district has a long-term planning document that
considers future water usage/demand based on buildout of the service area, engineering analysis of
historical household usage, and records of current usage within the district. Wheeler Crest, the area
served by the CSD, is a small community limited by its physical boundaries. The CSD provides water only
to some areas of the community; residences in the remaining areas have individual wells. The
infrastructure necessary to serve residences in the areas served by the CSD is already in place.
Purpose: To consider the advantages and disadvantages of various government structures to
Governpmroevindet Ssetrrvuiccet. ure Options
Overview: Government Code §56001 declares that it is the policy of the State to encourage orderly
growth and development essential to the social, fiscal, and economic well being of the State. The
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Wheeler Crest Community Services District
Code further states that “this policy should be effected by the logical formation and modification
of the boundaries of local agencies, with a preference granted to accommodating additional
growth within, or through the expansion of, the boundaries of those local agencies which can best
accommodate and provide necessary governmental services.”
For local agency consolidations to occur there has to be significant (and popularly desired) cost savings or
an increase in service. Wheeler Crest is isolated from the nearest water district by approximately 15 miles
and in winter is often isolated by severe winter weather. These geographic constraints make it infeasible
to consolidate with another water provider.
Wheeler Crest is currently served by two special districts with overlapping service boundaries, i.e.:
Wheeler Crest Fire Protection District Fire protection and emergency medical services
Wheeler Crest Community Service District Water services
LAFCO law and local LAFCO policies promote the consolidation of services under the authority of one
multi-purpose agency in order to alleviate government overlap and fragmentation. The WCCSD is a multi-
purpose district under which local services could be consolidated. A Community Services District might
also meet overall service needs for Wheeler Crest. If further study indicated that consolidation of services
in Wheeler Crest under one service provider could save money and if Wheeler Crest residents were in
favor of consolidation, fire protection, water services, and other local services could be provided by one
multi-purpose agency in the future.
The CSD complies with the minimum requirements for open meetings and public records. The
Determdisitnriactt imonaisn tains a website where the public can access overviews of the current systems,
procedures, consumer confidence reports, recent correspondence, and information about recent
projects.
Per the results of the “Website Compliance Checklist” from the Golden State Risk Management
Authority, there is room for improvement regarding the following elements:
Compliance with State Controller Reports: Specifically posting the following items:
o
(1) The Financial Transaction Report (a link to the controller’s “By The Numbers”
website posted on the website);
(2) Compensation Report (a link to the controller’s public pay website posted in a
conspicuous location on the website).
A separate evaluation of compliance with CA Gov Code 7405 is needed. This code section
o
requires state governmental entities to comply with the accessibility requirements of
section 508 of the Federal rehabilitation act of 1973.
The district seeks to inform the community of district activities and services. Technical and fiscal
data for the district are provided to all customers on an annual basis as a minimum.
The CSD is managed by an elected Board of Directors.
The district plans for the future based on buildout of the service area, analysis of historical
household water usage, and records of current usage within the district.
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Wheeler Crest Community Services District
In regions of the county with separate, distinct communities that are geographically remote from
each other, public services are most logically provided by a combination of several single purpose
special districts.
If further study indicated that consolidation of services in Wheeler Crest under one service
provider could save money and if Wheeler Crest residents were in favor of consolidation, fire
protection, water services, and other local services could be provided by one multi-purpose
agency in the future.
In determining the SOI for each local agency, Government Code §56425 requires the Local Agency
FIoVr.m SatOioIn RCoemcmoismsiomn teo ncodnasidteior annd prepare a written statement of its determination with respect to
four required findings. Each of the required findings is discussed below as it pertains to the WCCSD.
1. Present and Planned Land Uses
The Wheeler Crest area is a small, contained area of residential development. There are currently 233 lots
Din itshceu esnstiioren d evelopment, including areas outside of the district’s boundaries; approximately 50 percent
of the lots are developed. Mono County GIS estimates there are 236 parcels in the district, including
approximately 118 developed parcels. Population data from the 2020 US Census and California
Department of Finance population estimates show the population of the Wheeler Crest area to be 178 in
2020. Table 1 (above) shows the build out figures for Wheeler Crest.
Land use within Wheeler Crest is predominantly single-family residential. The planned land uses for the
aFrienad airneg s ingle-family residential uses. Development will occur within the existing developed area.
Recent changes to State law create a potential for increased density on residential parcels in Swall
Meadows (up to three units: a main residence, an ADU and JADU). These changes have the potential to
increase the demand for WCCSD's services.
2. Present and Probable Need for Public Facilities and Services
Increased development throughout the district’s service area was taken into consideration at the time the
Ddisistrcicuts’ss fiaocnili ties were developed. Adequate water capacity and distribution systems have been provided
with all new developed parcels. The buildout allowed by the General Plan will not affect the basic facilities
already in existence.
Wheeler Crest has an existing and continuing need for public facilities and services to serve the residential
Fdeinvedloinpgm ent in the area.
3. Present Capacity of Public Facilities and Adequacy of Public Services
The district provides a good level of service to its customers. As a Community Service District, the district
Dis iasuctuhsosriizoend to provide a wide array of services, including water treatment and distribution, sewage
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MONO COUNTY LAFCO Final Report | Approved October 10, 2024
Wheeler Crest Community Services District
collection and disposal, road maintenance, mosquito abatement, fire protection, parks and recreational
services, street lighting, police protection, and library services.
The district currently provides a good level of service to its customers. As a Community Service District, it
iFs ianudthinorgiz ed to provide a variety of other services.
4. Social or Economic Communities of Interest
Due to the physical geography of Southwestern Mono County, residents of the Wheeler Crest area and
DPairsacduisses tieonnd to interact socially and economically with adjacent communities in Inyo County. Interaction
with other communities in Mono County is limited although increasing residential development in the
area may provide housing for residents who work in other Mono County communities.
The district area exhibits social and economic interdependence with communities in Inyo County. An
Finitnerddienpge ndence with those communities has no relevance in determining the SOI for the district since
special districts cannot provide services outside of their county.
5. Present and Probable Need for Public Facilities and Services of Any DUCs
For an update of a SOI of a special district that provides public facilities or services related to sewers,
mDiusncicuipsasli oannd industrial water, or structural fire protection, that occurs pursuant to subdivision (g) on or
after July 1, 2012, the present and probable need for those public facilities and services of any
disadvantaged unincorporated communities within the existing SOI.
The District provides domestic water and fire flow services to Swall Meadows. However, there are no
FDUinCds,i nasg d efined by CaLAFCO DUC Map, within or adjacent to the existing SOI.
The SOI for the Wheeler Crest Community Service District encompasses the existing district area along
Vwit.h S aOddIit ioRnael cproivmate mlanedsn ind thaet Wioheneler Crest community.
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MONO COUNTY LAFCO Final Report | Approved October 10, 2024
Wheeler Crest Community Services District
Figure 4 –District SOI
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Wheeler Crest Community Services District
VII. References
California State Controller
References Consulted
Special Districts Annual Report.
California State Department of Finance
Demographic Research Unit, population and housing estimates and projections
California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research
Cortese-Knox Act
Guidelines on Municipal Service Reviews
California Local Agency Formation Commission
CaLAFCO Statewide DUC Map using ACS 5-Year Data (2015-19) Updated March 2022.
https://www.arcgis.com/apps/View/index.html?appid=4319a8066745442cbe7de6af1d13f98a
CaLAFCO. https://calafco.org/sites/default/files/resources/MSRGuidelines-FINAL.pdf
California Regional Water Quality Control Board.
Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (Basin Plan). 1995.
Mono County Local Agency Formation Commission
Wheeler Crest Community Service District Sphere of Influence Report. June 1988.
Mono County Planning Department
Mono County General Plan. 2023.
Mono County General Plan, Revised Land Use Element and Land Development Regulations. 2001.
Mono County Housing Element. 2019-2027.
Mono County Master Environmental Assessment. 2009.
U.S. Forest Service, Inyo National Forest
Inyo National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan. 1990.
Senate Bill 244, California Legislative Information:
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201120120SB244
U.S. Census. 2020 Decennial Census.
WCCSD Records
Wheeler Crest Community Service District
Persons Consulted
Brent Miller, WCCSD
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Wheeler Crest Community Services District
VIII. Endnotes
i Golden State Risk Management Authority “California Website Compliance Checklist”
https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/4515944/website-compliance-8.5x11-single-side.pdf
ii Golden State Risk Management Authority “California Website Compliance – SB 929” https://gsrma.org/news-and-
information/california-website-compliance-sb-929/
23