LAFCO
Lee Vining Public Utility District
Read the report at Local Agency Formation Commissions ↗
2024
Lee Vining Public Utility 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
Lee Vining Public Utility District
Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................................... ii
Table of Contents
Executive Summary – Municipal Service Review ......................................................................................... iv
1. Growth and Population Projections for the Affected Area ............................................................... iv
2. Location & Characteristics of Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities ................................... iv
3. Infrastructure Needs and Deficiencies .............................................................................................. iv
4. Financial Ability of Agencies to Provide Services ............................................................................... v
5. Opportunities for Shared Facilities and Resources ........................................................................... vi
6. Accountability for Community Service Needs, Including Governmental Structure and Operational
Efficiencies. ............................................................................................................................................ vi
Executive Summary – Sphere of Influence Findings ................................................................................... vii
1. Present and Planned Land Uses ....................................................................................................... vii
.................................................... vii
23.. PPrreesseenntt Caanpda Pcirtoy boaf bPlueb Nliec eFda cfiolirt iPeus banlidc FAadceiqliutiaecsy a onfd P Suebrlivci Sceesrvices ............................................ vii
4. Social or Economic Communities of Interest ................................................................................... vii
5. Present and Probable Need for District Public Facilities and Services of Any DUCs ........................ vii
Executive Summary – Sphere of Influence Recommendation ................................................................... viii
Executive Summary – Reorganization Recommendation .......................................................................... viii
I. Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 1
Municipal Service Reviews ..................................................................................................................... 1
Relationship Between Municipal Service Reviews and Spheres of Influence ........................................ 1
Revised MSR Requirements ................................................................................................................... 1
2023-2025 MSR/SOI Update Process and Approach.............................................................................. 1
Public Utility Districts ............................................................................................................................. 2
II. District Overview ....................................................................................................................................... 3
Figure 1 – District Boundaries ................................................................................................................ 4
III. Municipal Service Review Analysis and Determinations ......................................................................... 5
1. Growth and Population Projections for the Affected Area ................................................................ 5
Table 1 – Buildout Figures ...................................................................................................................... 6
Figure 2 – Land Use Designations Map .................................................................................................. 7
Determinations ....................................................................................................................................... 8
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2. Location & Characteristics of Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities .................................... 8
Figure 3: CaLAFCO Statewide DUC Map ................................................................................................. 9
Determinations ....................................................................................................................................... 9
3. Infrastructure Needs and Deficiencies ............................................................................................... 9
Determinations ..................................................................................................................................... 12
4. Financial Ability of Agencies to Provide Services ............................................................................. 13
Table 2 – Water Activity Revenues and Expenses – Fiscal Year 2020-2021 ......................................... 14
Determinations ..................................................................................................................................... 15
5. Opportunities for Shared Facilities ................................................................................................... 16
Determinations ..................................................................................................................................... 16
6. Accountability for Community Service Needs, Including Governmental Structure and Operational
Efficiencies. ........................................................................................................................................... 16
Table 3 – Board Roster ......................................................................................................................... 17
Table 4. Website Compliance Checklist ................................................................................................ 17
Determinations ..................................................................................................................................... 20
IV. Sphere of Influence Recommendation .................................................................................................. 21
1. Present and Planned Land Uses ....................................................................................................... 21
2. Present and Probable Need for Public Facilities and Services ......................................................... 22
3. Present Capacity of Public Facilities and Adequacy of Public Services ............................................ 22
4. Social or Economic Communities of Interest ................................................................................... 22
5. Present and Probable Need for Public Facilities and Services of Any DUCs .................................... 23
V. Sphere of Influence Recommendation ................................................................................................... 23
VI. Reorganization Recommendation ......................................................................................................... 23
Figure 4 – District SOI ........................................................................................................................... 24
VII. References ............................................................................................................................................ 25
References Consulted ........................................................................................................................... 25
Persons Consulted ................................................................................................................................ 25
VIII. Endnotes ............................................................................................................................................... 26
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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 Lpeeu Vlaintiinogn P uPbrlioc Ujetcilittiyo Dnisst rficotr. the Affected Area
Growth is anticipated to occur primarily in and adjacent to existing developed areas.
The population in Lee Vining is projected to increase to 228 by 2030. 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 Housing Element identifies one parcel in Lee Vining (totaling approximately
32.1-acres) as a key housing site with the potential to provide more than 100 additional units of
future housing stock.
Recent changes to State law create a potential for increased density on residential parcels in Lee
Vining (up to three units: a main residence, an ADU and JADU). These changes have the potential
to increase the demand for LVPUD's services.
No part of Lee Vining, nor any area contiguous to it, is designated as a DUC per the CaLAFCO
2. Locasttaitoenw i&de CDhUCa rmaacpt.e ristics 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 a service-providing district and not
receive services from such district.
The district needs to develop long-term planning documents that project current and future water
3. Infrdaesmtrauncd twuirthei nN tehee ddiss tarinctd’s Dboeufnidcaierinesc aiends analyze the water and sewer systems in terms of
supply, distribution capabilities, and treatment capabilities.
The expansion and renovation of existing facilities may be needed to maintain or increase the
quality of service provided by the district, as well as to serve development at build-out. The district
has no long-term plans.
The replacement of existing equipment and/or the purchase of additional equipment may be
needed to maintain or increase the quality of service provided by the district. The district has
long-term plans for drilling and adding a well to the water system.
The CDBG Grant-funded Phase 2 “Special District Needs Assessment Report” for Lee Vining made
the following conclusions about the capacity constraints and opportunities of the LVPUD (below).
• “The current water system has adequate production capacity for all scenarios during average
day demand. When considering the maximum day demand, however, water production has
the capacity to serve current development plus vacant lot development, plus an additional 47
residential units/households. The storage capacity for the system provides less than 2 hours
of 1,500 gpm fire flow during maximum day demand. This scenario presents an opportunity
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Lee Vining Public Utility District
for capital improvement such as an additional tank and/or exploring additional water sources
such as a well. As discussed below, the best option would be to develop an additional,
redundant, supply, as in a well.”
• “Aside from production and storage values, the primary concern for the water system in Lee
Vining is that there is a single water source with no backup. All community water systems
should have at least two sources for drinking water for system redundancy. The consideration
of a new well is recommended as a possible Capital Improvement project and will be discussed
in more detail in Phase 3 of this study.”
• “The sewer system capacity in Lee Vining is adequate for the current discharge plus vacant
properties and a portion of key site development. None of the scenarios for the maximum day
discharge are below the existing wastewater treatment capacity. This may indicate that the
reported discharge is greater than the average discharge. The sewer capacity could be
improved by expanding the disposal ponds with appropriate permitting.”
• This study concludes that for Lee Vining to consider additional development, and/or
compliance with ADU provisions of the State Statutes, the following capital improvements
might be considered:
1) Develop a second and redundant source of domestic water supply, such as a new well to
be used together with the existing spring.
2) As a part of item 1 above, construct additional storage (tanks) associated with a new
water source to provide fire protection water storage.
3) Construct distribution system connections from new water source to existing systems.
4) Expanded disposal ponds for increase sewer capacity.
5) Key Sites Consideration. Expand the sphere of influence to include the Tioga Inn Specific
Plan.
a. Interconnect the water system and possibly combine with Tioga Mart system,
construct an inter-tie with the water main that serves Lee Vining.
b. Construct approximately 4000+ L.F. of sewer line to provide connection to Lee Vining
PUD and expand disposal ponds.”
The CDBG Grant funded Phase 3 “CIP” identified two potential capacity improvement priority
projects to increase the water and sewer system capacity. Mono County LAFCO recommends the
district review the analysis and recommendations in the final CIP.
The PUD’s future financing will continue to rely heavily on use charges and property tax revenues.
4. Financial Ability of Agencies to Provide Services
The adequacy of property tax revenues to fund local facilities and services has steadily declined
over time. There is a need to ensure that property tax assessments are kept current.
The district has no long-term planning documents that identify needed capital facilities and the
costs associated with developing those facilities.
The district should consider developing a long-term financial planning documents to ensure that
it will have adequate funding sources both in the short-term and long-term.
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Lee Vining Public Utility District
All funding mechanisms have inherent limitations that may prevent their implementation, use or
restructure.
The district’s revenues will continue to rely on use charges and property tax revenues.
The district should continue to seek grant funding.
Mono Basin is a discrete geographic area within Mono County with distinct community areas—
Lee Vining, Mono City, and Lundy Canyon.
Integrated planning, especially long range planning, is an important part of cost avoidance. The
district has no comprehensive long-range plan to address the demands imposed by growth within
the district.
There are several small water service providers in the Mono Basin. They could potentially benefit
from being combined into one entity, with separate facilities in various community areas
The existing Sphere of Influence Report for the Lee Vining PUD notes that the PUD could
ultimately serve as the primary service provider for the area. Such a consolidation should occur
only with the concurrence of all affected entities.
Due to geographic distances between communities in the county, sharing facilities among water
5. Oppaonrdt suenwietri eprso vfoidre rSs hisa nroet dpo Fssaibcliel.i ties and Resources
Lee Vining includes other special district service providers, as well as the County, that require
facilities to support their services. There may be other opportunities for shared facilities among
the districts and the County. Further studies would be necessary to determine whether there are
opportunities to reduce costs.
6. Ac coThuen PtUaDb diloietys n footr c oCmopmly mwiuthn tihtey m Sineirmvuimce r eNqueieredmse, nItns cfolur odpienng m Geeotvinegrs nanmd epnubtlaicl records.
StructTuhree P aUnDd la cOkps ae wraetbisoitne aanl dE tfhfeicreifeonrec dieose.s not comply with any of the mandatory requirements
in the “Website Compliance Checklist” from the Golden State Risk Management Authority.
Resources to bring the District into compliance are available and cited in this MSR.
The LVPUD currently lacks a website. LAFCO encourages the District to consider establishing a
website to enhance public outreach and transparency. If a website is established, LAFCO also
encourages the District to post budgets, audits, meeting agendas, and minutes on the site to
increase ease of access for residents. Additional resources to assist in the endeavor are cited in
this report.
The district seeks to inform the community of district activities and services. However,
the PUD currently conducts outreach to its customers predominately via its annual report
and posts meeting notices and agendas at the post office and local market. Digital
outreach tools (including a formal website) may allow for a more efficient and wider
distribution of timely information about the District.
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Lee Vining Public Utility District
The PUD is managed by an elected Board of Directors.
The district has no long-term planning documents that address how to maintain current service
levels while providing for the needs of future development.
In regions of the county with separate, distinct communities that are geographically remote from
each other, public services are most logically provided by single purpose special districts rather
than by a larger entity such as the county.
In regions of the county that have several small districts serving separate communities within the
region, such as Mono Basin, an opportunity exists to merge the districts to create a regional
district with facilities in each community.
Creating a regional district in Mono Basin could reduce administrative costs, eliminate duplication
of services, and create a more financially stable district and one that would enjoy greater
economies of scale than the smaller districts. One district that was planning for future
development in the Mono Basin would also create a more cohesive approach to the long-term
provision of services in the region.
Executive Summary – Sphere of Influence Findings
Land use within Lee Vining is a mix of commercial uses and single-family residential uses. The planned
1. Plarneds uesnets faonr dth eP alarenan aered a lLsoa cnodm Umserecsia l and single-family residential uses. Development will occur
within and adjacent to existing development.
Lee Vining has an existing and continuing need for public facilities and services to serve existing and
2. Pprlaensneend td eavnedlo pPmreonbt ainb tlhee Nareeea.d for Public Facilities and Services
The district currently provides an adequate level of service but needs to develop long-term planning
3. Pdroecsumenent tCs atop parcoijetcyt ofuft uPrue bwlaitce rF aancdi lsietwieesr daenmda nAdds eanqdu iamcpyro ovef mPeunbtsl ince eSdeerdv tioc emse et current
and future projected demand.
The district area exhibits social and economic interdependence with residents of Mono City and Lundy
4. SCoacniyaoln .o rT hEecseo ncoommmicun Citoiems omf uinnteitrieests oarfe Inretleevraenstt to the determination of an appropriate
governmental structure for service provision in the Mono Basin.
5. PTrhees Deinsttri catn pdro Pvirdoesb wabatleer Nanede sde wfoerr sDerivsictersi ctto Pthueb Lleiec VFiancinigl ittoiewsn saitne.d T Sheerrev aircee nso o Df UACns,y a s
DdeUfinCesd by CaLAFCO DUC Map, within or adjacent to the existing SOI.
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MONO COUNTY LAFCO Final Report | Approved October 10, 2024
Lee Vining Public Utility District
The Sphere of Influence for the Lee Vining Public Utility District consists of the current district area along
Ewixthe thceu Mtoinvoe B aSsinu Nmatimonaal Froyre s–t SScepnihc Aererae V iositfo rI Cnefnlteur,e thne cCoeu nRtye Pcarok,m andm ane anreda aadtjaicoennt to
the district that is owned by Southern California Edison.
Section 56001 of the California Government Code states that:
Executive Summary – Reorganization Recommendation
The Legislature also finds that, whether governmental services are proposed to be provided by a
single-purpose agency, several agencies, or a multipurpose agency, responsibility should be given
to the agency or agencies that can best provide government services.
Currently, the Lee Vining PUD provides adequate services within its boundaries. As more development
occurs within the area, a regional water and sewer provider might best provide services to the Mono Basin
area. Small private and mutual water companies could ultimately transfer service responsibilities to a
regional service provider. When reorganization is being considered, a reorganization study should be
conducted to determine what governmental structure would best provide services for the region. Such a
reorganization should occur only with the concurrence of the involved districts’ Boards of Directors.
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Lee Vining Public Utility 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 rMovuidnesic siepravilc eSse orrv ifcacei liRtieesv ireelwatesd a tnod d Sevpehloeprmeesn to. fG Ionvfelrunemnecnet 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.
Service reviews 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.”
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 Local Agency Formation Commission Municipal Service Review 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 LnAdFC AO pisp ursionga 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
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Lee Vining Public Utility District
MONO COUNTY LAFCO Final Report | Approved October 10, 2024
Lee Vining Public Utility District
6. Hilton Creek 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 in May 2024 and went to the Board of Supervisors in June 2024 for review and potential
approval. 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.
As a Public Utility District (PUD), the district is authorized to provide lighting, power, heat, transportation,
Public Utility Districts
telephone service, other methods of communication, garbage disposal, golf courses, fire protection,
mosquito abatement, parks and recreation, building for public purposes, and drainage improvements.
Mono County has three PUDs, all three provide services to the unincorporated Mono County communities
of Bridgeport, Lee Vining, and June Lake.
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MONO COUNTY LAFCO Final Report | Approved October 10, 2024
Lee Vining Public Utility District
GENERAL INFORMATION
II. District Overview
Agency Type Public Utility District (PUD)
Date Formed 1947
Location/Community The district boundaries include approximately 88 acres of land within the
community of Lee Vining (see Figure 1). Lee Vining is located in the Mono
Basin in the center of Mono County, approximately 15 miles south of
Bridgeport and 15 miles north of June Lake.
Population Served The district includes approximately 87 parcels, including 70 developed
parcels. Population data from the 2020 US Census and California
Department of Finance population estimates show the population within
the district boundaries to be 217 in 2020 (Census 2020). In 2020, there
were 60 households in Lee Vining.
Last MSR/SOI Update 2009
Services Provided The district provides water and sewer services to the Lee Vining townsite.
Other Services As a PUD, the district is authorized to provide lighting, power, heat,
transportation, telephone service, other methods of communication,
garbage disposal, golf courses, fire protection, mosquito abatement, parks
and recreation, building for public purposes, and drainage improvements.
Website None
Independent/Dependent Independent
District Personnel The district has no employees. It contracts with the June Lake PUD for the
ongoing monitoring and maintenance of district facilities. The district also
periodically contracts with the Mammoth Community Water District to
clean out district sewer lines. District board members have historically
played an active role in the day-to-day administrative and maintenance
activities of the PUD.
District Issues/Concerns The district has indicated the primary issues of concern include:
• Establishing a second water supply for the water system.
• Existing water source vulnerability to wildfire.
• Difficulty finding qualified staff for administrative tasks.
• Sewage disposal relies on infiltration ponds.
• Sewer permits are very old, and it is expensive to renew permits.
• Being able to provide long-term capacity improvements.
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MONO COUNTY LAFCO Final Report | Approved October 10, 2024
Lee Vining Public Utility District
Figure 1 – District Boundaries
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Lee Vining Public Utility District
MONO COUNTY LAFCO Final Report | Approved October 10, 2024
Lee Vining Public Utility 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 sphere of influence.
3. Present and planned capacity of public facilities, adequacy of public services, and infrastructure
needs or deficiencies including needs or deficiencies related to sewers, municipal and industrial
water, and structural fire protection in any disadvantaged, unincorporated communities within or
contiguous to the sphere of influence.
4. Financial ability of agencies to provide services.
5. Status of, and opportunities for, shared facilities.
6. Accountability for community service needs, including governmental structure and operational
efficiencies.
7. Any other matter related to effective or efficient service delivery, as required by commission
policy.
These 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
Lee Vining is a popular recreation destination as well as a year-round residential community. The
Ecoxmismtiunngit ya nindcl uAdnest iccoipmamteerdci aGl ruoswes,t hsc hPoaotltse, rvnisist oinr c Lenetee rVs ifnoirn Mgo no Lake, community uses such as a
fire department, community center, and ballfields, residential development, limited industrial uses, and
a small airport.
The Mono County General Plan, Housing Element 2019-2027 provides for the following buildout in the
Mono Basin:
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Lee Vining Public Utility District
MONO COUNTY LAFCO Final Report | Approved October 10, 2024
Lee Vining Public Utility District
Table 1 – Buildout Figures
The Mono County Land Use Element provides for additional development in Lee Vining. The additional
dPelavenlonpemde Lnat nadllo Uwseeds b y the plan would be a mix of commercial and single-family residential uses.
Development would occur in existing community areas along Highway 395.
Figure 2 shows land use designations in Lee Vining. As the gateway to Yosemite National Park, Lee Vining
primarily consists of Commercial (C) parcels along the Highway 395 corridor, with a small cluster of Single
Family Residential (SFR) parcels located away from main street. The community is surrounded by U.S.
Forest Service and State Park Resource Management (RM) parcels as well as Los Angeles Department of
Water and Power Open Space (OS) parcels.
The Mono County Housing Element identifies one parcel in Lee Vining (totaling approximately 32.1-acres)
as a key housing site with the potential to provide more than 100 additional units of future housing stock.i
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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 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.”
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Lee Vining Public Utility District
"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 Lee
Vining.
In addition to the projected residential growth, Lee Vining’s population experiences significant seasonal
Sinecaresaosnesa dl uPeo tpou tloautriiosmn. Lee Vining is a vacation destination for Mono Lake, Bodie State Historic Park,
and Yosemite National Park.
Population data from the 2020 US Census and California Department of Finance population estimates
Pshoopwu tlhaet ipoonpu Plartoiojne cint iLoene sV ining to be 217 in 2020. In 2020, there were 60 households in Lee Vining. The
population in Lee Vining is projected to increase to 228 by 2030. 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 Lee Vining Public Utility District.
Growth is anticipated to occur primarily in and adjacent to existing developed areas.
The population in Lee Vining is projected to increase to 228 by 2030. 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 Housing Element identifies one parcel in Lee Vining (totaling approximately
32.1-acres) as a key housing site with the potential to provide more than 100 additional units of
future housing stock.
Recent changes to State law create a potential for increased density on residential parcels in Lee
Vining (up to three units: a main residence, an ADU and JADU). These changes have the potential
to increase the demand for LVPUD's services.
Senate Bill 244, passed in 2011, requires LAFCO to identify Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities
2(D.U LCos)c awthieonn m &a kCinhga MraScR tdeertiesrtmicinsa toiof 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.”
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MONO COUNTY LAFCO Final Report | Approved October 10, 2024
Lee Vining Public Utility District
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 Lee Vining, nor any area contiguous to it, is designated as a DUC (See Figure 3, below).
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 the Lee Vining, nor any area contiguous to it, is designated as a DUC per the CaLAFCO
Determstainteawtiidoen DsU C 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 and sewer services to the Lee Vining townsite.
Services Provided
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Lee Vining Public Utility District
MONO COUNTY LAFCO Final Report | Approved October 10, 2024
Lee Vining Public Utility District
The district has water rights to two springs in Lee Vining Canyon, from which water is transported via a
Wgraavtiteyr f lSouwp 8p-ilnyc h pipe to an 180,000-gallon storage tank. In addition, the district uses some of Southern
California Edison’s water rights through an informal agreement with SCE; in return, the district provides
water service to SCE’s facilities, which are located outside the district’s boundaries.
The district has one 180,000-gallon storage tank. The district’s storage capacity is adequate to meet
dWomateesrti cS atondr afigree flow needs.
The district’s water is treated with chlorine at the storage tank and is tested regularly.
Water Quality and Treatment
The district’s water distribution system includes a 10-inch main line from the storage tank to the
cWomatmeurn Dityis atnrdib 6u-itnicohn l ateral lines.
The district averages approximately 220,000 gallons per day of water use. Yearly water consumption is
Whigahteestr Udusrein g the summer due to increased tourism and irrigation uses. The district serves 100
connections, and has 21 dry hydrants and four two-inch standing pipes. The district has adequate water
pressure to meet fire flow needs; the district also has the ability to tap into the Los Angeles aqueduct for
emergency purposes if necessary.
The district has no meters and no formal requirements for conservation. Largescale users such as the
schools are encouraged to water at night and to use timers. The capacity of the district’s water source has
not been quantified and the district has no long-term planning documents to identify future water
demand.
The district provides sewage collection and treatment service to the same area served by the district’s
Sweawtere sry Ssteermv.i cThee PUD has 100 sewer service connections. Sewage is collected through 6-inch lines and
is transported by gravity flow to the district’s treatment facility located on Los Angeles Department of
Water and Power land north of the townsite. The district’s treatment facility consists of a three tank septic
system with five percolation ponds. The district estimates that approximately 50,000 gallons per day of
sewage are treated on average. The district has adequate treatment capacity to meet existing and future
service demands.
The district has no employees. It contracts with the June Lake PUD for the ongoing monitoring and
Dmiasintrteicnta nPceer osfo dnisntreicl t facilities. The district also periodically contracts with the Mammoth Community
Water District to clean out district sewer lines. District board members have historically played an active
role in the day-to-day administrative and maintenance activities of the PUD.
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Lee Vining Public Utility District
MONO COUNTY LAFCO Final Report | Approved October 10, 2024
Lee Vining Public Utility District
The district has long-term plans for drilling and adding a well to the water system.
District Planning
The district has indicated the primary issues of concern include:
District Issues of Concern
• Establishing a second water supply for the water system.
• Existing water source vulnerability to wildfire.
• Difficulty finding qualified staff for administrative tasks.
• Sewage disposal relies on infiltration ponds.
• Sewer permits are very old, and it is expensive to renew permits. Being able to provide long-term
capacity improvements.
The CDBG Grant funded Phase 2 “Special District Needs Assessment Report” for Lee Vining made the
2fo0llo2w4i nSgp ceocnicalul sDioinsts raibcot uNt etheed csa pAascsiteys csomnsetrnatin Rtse apnodr otp apnordt uCnIitPie s of the LVPUD (below).
• “The current water system has adequate production capacity for all scenarios during average day
demand. When considering the maximum day demand, however, water production has the
capacity to serve current development plus vacant lot development, plus an additional 47
residential units/households. The storage capacity for the system provides less than 2 hours of
1,500 gpm fire flow during maximum day demand. This scenario presents an opportunity for
capital improvement such as an additional tank and/or exploring additional water sources such
as a well. As discussed below, the best option would be to develop an additional, redundant,
supply, as in a well.”
• “Aside from production and storage values, the primary concern for the water system in Lee Vining
is that there is a single water source with no backup. All community water systems should have
at least two sources for drinking water for system redundancy. The consideration of a new well is
recommended as a possible Capital Improvement project and will be discussed in more detail in
Phase 3 of this study.”
• “The sewer system capacity in Lee Vining is adequate for the current discharge plus vacant
properties and a portion of key site development. None of the scenarios for the maximum day
discharge are below the existing wastewater treatment capacity. This may indicate that the
reported discharge is greater than the average discharge. The sewer capacity could be improved
by expanding the disposal ponds with appropriate permitting.”
• This study concludes that for Lee Vining to consider additional development, and/or compliance
with ADU provisions of the State Statutes, the following capital improvements might be
considered:
1) Develop a second and redundant source of domestic water supply, such as a new well to
be used together with the existing spring.
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MONO COUNTY LAFCO Final Report | Approved October 10, 2024
Lee Vining Public Utility District
2) As a part of item 1 above, construct additional storage (tanks) associated with a new
water source to provide fire protection water storage.
3) Construct distribution system connections from new water source to existing systems.
4) Expanded disposal ponds for increase sewer capacity.
5) Key Sites Consideration. Expand the sphere of influence to include the Tioga Inn Specific
Plan.
a. Interconnect the water system and possibly combine with Tioga Mart system,
construct an inter-tie with the water main that serves Lee Vining.
b. Construct approximately 4000+ L.F. of sewer line to provide connection to Lee Vining
PUD and expand disposal ponds.”
The CDBG Grant funded Phase 3 “CIP” identified two potential capacity improvement priority projects to
increase the sewer system capacity. Mono County LAFCO recommends the district review the analysis and
recommendations in the final CIP.
The district needs to develop long-term planning documents that project current and future water
Determdeimnaantdio wnitsh in the district’s boundaries and analyze the water and sewer systems in terms of
supply, distribution capabilities, and treatment capabilities.
The expansion and renovation of existing facilities may be needed to maintain or increase the
quality of service provided by the district, as well as to serve development at build-out. The district
has long-term plans for drilling and adding a well to the water system.
The replacement of existing equipment and/or the purchase of additional equipment may be
needed to maintain or increase the quality of service provided by the district. The district has long-
term plans for drilling and adding a well to the water system.
The CDBG Grant funded Phase 2 “Special District Needs Assessment Report” for Lee Vinning made
the following conclusions about the capacity constraints and opportunities of the LVPUD (below).
• “The current water system has adequate production capacity for all scenarios during average
day demand. When considering the maximum day demand, however, water production has
the capacity to serve current development plus vacant lot development, plus an additional 47
residential units/households. The storage capacity for the system provides less than 2 hours
of 1,500 gpm fire flow during maximum day demand. This scenario presents an opportunity
for capital improvement such as an additional tank and/or exploring additional water sources
such as a well. As discussed below, the best option would be to develop an additional,
redundant, supply, as in a well.”
• “Aside from production and storage values, the primary concern for the water system in Lee
Vining is that there is a single water source with no backup. All community water systems
should have at least two sources for drinking water for system redundancy. The consideration
of a new well is recommended as a possible Capital Improvement project and will be discussed
in more detail in Phase 3 of this study.”
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Lee Vining Public Utility District
MONO COUNTY LAFCO Final Report | Approved October 10, 2024
Lee Vining Public Utility District
• “The sewer system capacity in Lee Vining is adequate for the current discharge plus vacant
properties and a portion of key site development. None of the scenarios for the maximum day
discharge are below the existing wastewater treatment capacity. This may indicate that the
reported discharge is greater than the average discharge. The sewer capacity could be
improved by expanding the disposal ponds with appropriate permitting.”
• This study concludes that for Lee Vining to consider additional development, and/or
compliance with ADU provisions of the State Statutes, the following capital improvements
might be considered:
1) Develop a second and redundant source of domestic water supply, such as a new well to be
used together with the existing spring.
2) As a part of item 1 above, construct additional storage (tanks) associated with a new water
source to provide fire protection water storage.
3) Construct distribution system connections from new water source to existing systems.
4) Expanded disposal ponds for increase sewer capacity.
5) Key Sites Consideration. Expand the sphere of influence to include the Tioga Inn Specific
Plan.
a. Interconnect the water system and possibly combine with Tioga Mart system,
construct an inter-tie with the water main that serves Lee Vining.
b. Construct approximately 4000+ L.F. of sewer line to provide connection to Lee Vining
PUD and expand disposal ponds.”
The CDBG Grant funded Phase 3 “CIP” identified two potential capacity improvement priority
projects to increase the water and sewer system capacity. Mono County LAFCO recommends the
district review the analysis and recommendations in the final CIP.
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 service/use charges and property taxes. The district manager
considers the fiscal health of the district to be fair. The district does not participate in any joint financing,
cost sharing or purchasing. The district periodically applies for and receives grant funding. The PUD is
heavily dependent on use charges and property taxes for its revenue. These fees and charges are reviewed
periodically to ensure that they are adequate. The district has long-term plans for drilling and adding a
well to the water system.
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Lee Vining Public Utility District
MONO COUNTY LAFCO Final Report | Approved October 10, 2024
Lee Vining Public Utility District
Table 2 – OWpeartaetirn gA Rcetvivenituye sR evenues and Expenses – Fiscal Year 2020-2021
Charges for services $129,105
Assessments $58,417
Total Operating Revenues $187,522
Operating Expenses
Salaries and benefits $19,499
Services and supplies $48,526
Depreciation $28,974
Total Operating Expenses $96,999
Operating Income $90,523
Non-Operating Revenues (expenses)
Interest income $7,726
Total Non-Operating Revenues $7,726
Change in net position $98,249
Net position, beginning of year $1,140,385
Net position, end of year $1,238,638
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. The Mono Basin is its own
discrete geographic area with distinct community areas in Mono City, Lundy Canyon, and Lee Vining.
Currently, there are no other special districts providing water in the Mono Basin but there are small
mutual water companies.
Due to the small size of each of these entities, their resources, both physical and financial, are limited. The
existing Sphere of Influence report for the Lee Vining PUD notes that the PUD could ultimately serve as
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Lee Vining Public Utility District
MONO COUNTY LAFCO Final Report | Approved October 10, 2024
Lee Vining Public Utility District
the primary service provider for the area. The report goes on to say that such a consolidation should occur
only with the concurrence of all affected entities.
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.
In California, the maximum property tax assessed on any land is generally 1% of the property’s value.
Property Taxes
The district charges each customer a flat monthly fee for water and sewer services. New customers are
Customer Use/Service Charges
charged a new connection fee. The district periodically reviews and adjusts its water and sewer charges
in order to ensure that the district is collecting sufficient funds to cover its operating costs.
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 district has applied for and received
grant funding in the past.
The PUD’s future financing will continue to rely heavily on use charges and property tax revenues.
Determinations
The adequacy of property tax revenues to fund local facilities and services has steadily declined
over time. There is a need to ensure that property tax assessments are kept current.
The district has long-term plans for drilling and adding a well to the water system. The district
should consider developing a long-term financial planning documents to ensure that it will have
adequate funding sources both in the short-` and long-term.
Mono Basin is a discrete geographic area within Mono County with distinct community areas—
Lee Vining, Mono City, and Lundy Canyon.
Integrated planning, especially long range planning, is an important part of cost avoidance. The
district has no comprehensive long-range plan to address the demands imposed by growth within
the district.
There are several small water service providers in the Mono Basin. They could potentially benefit
from being combined into one entity, with separate facilities in various community areas
The existing Sphere of Influence Report for the Lee Vining PUD notes that the PUD could
ultimately serve as the primary service provider for the area. Such a consolidation should occur
only with the concurrence of all affected entities.
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Lee Vining Public Utility District
MONO COUNTY LAFCO Final Report | Approved October 10, 2024
Lee Vining Public Utility District
All funding mechanisms have inherent limitations that may prevent their implementation, use or
restructure.
The district’s revenues will continue to rely on use charges and property tax revenues.
The district should continue to seek grant funding.
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. Lee Vining includes other special district service
Sprhoavridienrgs, Faasc iwlietille sa sw tihteh OCotuhnetry ,E tnhtaitt ireesq wuiriet hfianc iLliteiees Vtion isnugp paonrtd tthheeir Mseornvioce Bs.a sTihne re may be
opportunities for shared facilities among the districts and the County. 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
Determanidn saetwioern psr oviders is not possible.
Lee Vining includes other special district service providers, as well as the County, that require
facilities to support their services. There may be other opportunities for shared facilities among
the districts and the County. Further studies would be necessary to determine whether there are
opportunities to reduce costs.
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
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MONO COUNTY LAFCO Final Report | Approved October 10, 2024
Lee Vining Public Utility District
and accountability. Outreach efforts, including convenient meeting times, additional notice of
meetings and dissemination of district information, are desirable.
The district is governed by a five-member Board of Directors that meets monthly. Meeting notices and
agendas are posted at the post office, and at the local market. The district disseminates information to its
customers through an annual report.
RCI completed a Capacity Improvement Plan (CIP) for local special districts as part of Phase 3 of the CDBG
Grant in June 2024. The CIP provides community focused and countywide recommendations related to
capacity issues and opportunities for special districts. LAFCO recommends the District review and utilize
the additional resources and recommendations in the CIP to implement additional efficiency measures.
BOARD MEMBER POSITION TERM EXPIRES
Table 3 – Board Roster
Tom Strazdins Chair 11/30/2022
Rebecca Watkins Member 11/30/2024
Joey Audenried Member 11/30/2024
Timothy A Banta Member 11/30/2024
Paul McFarland Member 11/30/2024
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.ii 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.
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.iii
YES NO SB 272 – THE SPECIAL DISTRICT’S ENTERPRISE SYSTEM CATALOG IS
☐ ☒
POSTED ON THEIR WEBSITE
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Lee Vining Public Utility District
• 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
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.
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Lee Vining Public Utility District
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 PUD is managed by an elected Board of Directors. The district has long-term plans for drilling and
adding a well to the water system.
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
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.
Generally, in Mono County each community is a discrete geographic area and, as a result, there is no
duplication of service efforts or overlapping or inefficient service boundaries. Mono Basin is its own
discrete geographic area with distinct community areas in Lee Vining, Mono City, and Lundy Canyon.
Currently, Lee Vining and Mono City are served by several small water providers, with separate facilities,
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Lee Vining Public Utility District
equipment and administration, located approximately three miles apart. Due to the small size of each of
these entities, their resources, both physical and financial, are limited.
Communities in Mono County are unincorporated, except for the Town of Mammoth Lakes. Government
for a variety of services is provided for those areas by Mono County. The county has several distinct
regions, i.e. Antelope Valley, Bridgeport Valley, Mono Basin, June Lake, Long Valley, Wheeler
Crest/Paradise, and the Tri-Valley. Due to the geographical distance between these regions, and between
some of the communities within certain regions, there needs to be separate services in each community
area. Local governance of those services is generally desired by residents in each region and is generally
the most sensible approach since funding generated within a region is then spent in that region. However,
some regions of the county, such as Mono Basin, have several small service providers serving separate
communities within the region. It would be possible to merge those districts into a regional service
provider with facilities in each community. Creating a regional service provider in Mono Basin could
reduce administrative costs, eliminate duplication of services, and create a more financially stable district
and one that would enjoy greater economies of scale than the smaller districts. One district that was
planning for future development in Mono Basin would also create a more cohesive approach to the long-
term provision of services in the region.
The PUD does not comply with the minimum requirements for open meetings and public records.
DetermThien PaUtDio lancsk s a website and therefore does not comply with any of the mandatory requirements
in the “Website Compliance Checklist” from the Golden State Risk Management Authority.
Resources to bring the District into compliance are available and cited in this MSR.
The LVPUD currently lacks a website. LAFCO encourages the District to establish a website to
enhance public outreach and transparency. If a website is established, LAFCO also encourages the
District to post budgets, audits, meeting agendas and minutes on the site to increase ease of
access for residents. Additional resources to assist in the endeavor are cited in this report.
The district seeks to inform the community of district activities and services. However,
the PUD currently conducts outreach to its customers predominately via its annual report
and posts meeting notices and agendas at the post office and local market. Digital
outreach tools (including a formal website) may allow for a more efficient and wider
distribution of timely information about the District.
The PUD is managed by an elected Board of Directors.
The district has no long-term planning documents that address how to maintain current service
levels while providing for the needs of future development. The district has long-term plans for
drilling and adding a well to the water system.
In regions of the county with separate, distinct communities that are geographically remote from
each other, public services are most logically provided by single purpose special districts rather
than by a larger entity such as the county.
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Lee Vining Public Utility District
In regions of the county that have several small districts serving separate communities within the
region, such as Mono Basin, an opportunity exists to merge the districts to create a regional
district with facilities in each community.
Creating a regional district in Mono Basin could reduce administrative costs, eliminate duplication
of services, and create a more financially stable district and one that would enjoy greater
economies of scale than the smaller districts. One district that was planning for future
development in the Mono Basin would also create a more cohesive approach to the long-term
provision of services in the region.
In determining the sphere of influence for each local agency, Government Code §56425 requires the Local
IAVge.n Scyp Fhoremraeti oonf CIonmfmluisesionnc teo Rcoenscidoemr amnd epnredpaaret iao wnritten statement of its determination with
respect to four required findings. Each of the required findings is discussed below as it pertains to the Lee
Vining Public Utility District.
1. Present and Planned Land Uses
Lee Vining is a popular recreation destination as well as a year-round residential community. The
Dcoimscmuusnsiitoy nin cludes commercial uses, schools, visitor centers for Mono Lake, community uses such as a
fire department, community center, and ballfields, residential development, limited industrial uses, and
a small airport. State Route 120 over Tioga Pass is heavily used in the summer as an entrance to Yosemite
National Park. Lee Vining Creek runs past Lee Vining before entering Mono Lake. Vegetation in the area is
primarily juniper-pine scrub, sagebrush-bitterbrush scrub, and lodgepole pine.
The Mono County GIS estimates 87 parcels in the district, including approximately 70 developed parcels.
Population data from the 2020 U.S. Census and California Department of Finance population estimates
show the population within the district boundaries to be 217 in 2020. (Census 2020). In 2020, there were
60 households in Lee Vining. Table 1 (above) shows the buildout figures for Mono Basin.
Land use within Lee Vining is a mix of commercial uses and single-family residential uses. The planned
lFainndd uinsegs for the area are also commercial and single-family residential uses. Development will occur
within and adjacent to existing development.
The Mono County Housing Element identifies one parcel in Lee Vining (totaling approximately 32.1-acres)
as a key housing site with the potential to provide more than 100 additional units of future housing stock.
Recent changes to State law create a potential for increased density on residential parcels in Lee Vining
(up to three units: a main residence, an ADU and JADU). These changes have the potential to increase the
demand for LVPUD's services.
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2. Present and Probable Need for Public Facilities and Services
Development in Lee Vining is limited by the amount of undeveloped private land in the area. However, as
Dtoiusrcisums shiaosn in creased at Mono Lake and en route to Yosemite, visitor demand for emergency medical
services has increased. Resident and visitor demand will continue to create a need for water and sewer
services. The buildout allowed by the General Plan will create a greater demand for those services in the
future.
Lee Vining has an existing and continuing need for public facilities and services to serve residents and
Fviisnitdorisn ign the area.
3. Present Capacity of Public Facilities and Adequacy of Public Services
The district provides an adequate level of water and sewer services to its customers. The district has no
Dlonisgc-tuesrmsi opnla nning documents and has only minimally identified needed improvements to meet present
demands.
The district has a number of latent powers that would allow it to provide additional services within Lee
Vining, i.e. lighting, power, heat, transportation, telephone service, other methods of communication,
mosquito abatement, garbage disposal, golf courses, fire protection, parks and recreation, building for
public purposes, and drainage improvements.
The district currently provides an adequate level of service but has needs to develop long-term planning
Fdoincudminegnt s to project future water and sewer demands and improvements needed to meet current and
future projected demand. Mono County LAFCO recommends the district review the analysis and
recommendations in the final CIP.
4. Social or Economic Communities of Interest
Residents of Lee Vining, Mono City, and Lundy Canyon share social and economic communities of interest.
DCoimscmuusnsiitoiens in the Mono Basin are isolated from other communities in the county; interaction with other
communities in the county is limited due to the geographic distance between communities. Residents of
Lee Vining, Mono City, and Lundy Canyon share school facilities, shopping, and public facilities located in
the Mono Basin.
The district area exhibits social and economic interdependence with residents of Mono City and Lundy
FCainnydoinn.g T hese communities of interest are relevant to the determination of an appropriate governmental
structure for service provision in the Mono Basin.
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5. Present and Probable Need for Public Facilities and Services of Any DUCs
For an update of a sphere of influence of a special district that provides public facilities or services related
Dtoi ssecwuesrssi,o mnu nicipal and industrial water, or structural fire protection, that occurs pursuant to subdivision
(g) on or after July 1, 2012, the present and probable need for those public facilities and services of any
disadvantaged unincorporated communities within the existing sphere of influence.
There are no DUCs, as defined by CaLAFCO DUC Map, within or adjacent to the existing SOI.
Finding
The Sphere of Influence for the Lee Vining Public Utility District consists of the current district area along
Vwit.h S thpe hMeonroe B aosifn NInatifolnuale Fnorecset S cReneicc Aorema Vmisiteorn Cednatetr,i tohen C ounty Park, and an area adjacent to
the district that is owned by Southern California Edison.
Section 56001 of the California Government Code states that:
VI. Reorganization Recommendation
The Legislature also finds that, whether governmental services are proposed to be provided by a
single-purpose agency, several agencies, or a multipurpose agency, responsibility should be given
to the agency or agencies that can best provide government services.
Currently, the Lee Vining PUD provides adequate services within its boundaries. As more development
occurs within the area, a regional water and sewer provider might best provide services to the Mono Basin
area. Small private and mutual water companies could ultimately transfer service responsibilities to a
regional service provider. When reorganization is being considered, a reorganization study should be
conducted to determine what governmental structure would best provide services for the region. Such a
reorganization should occur only with the concurrence of the involved districts’ Boards of Directors.
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Figure 4 – District SOI
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VII. References
Boyle Engineering Corporation
References Consulted
Lee Vining Public Utility District Wastewater System Evaluation. March 2005.
California State Controller’s Office
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.
LVPUD Records
Mono County Local Agency Formation Commission
Lee Vining Public Utility District Sphere of Influence Report. 2009.
Mono County Planning Department
Mono County General Plan. 2023.
Mono County General Plan, Revised Land Use Element and Land Development Regulations. 2023.
Mono County Housing Element. 20042019-2027.
Mono County Master Environmental Assessment. 2009.
Senate Bill 244, California Legislative Information:
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201120120SB244
U.S. Census. 2020 Decennial Census.
Lee Vining Public Utility District
Persons Consulted
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Paul McFarland
VIII. Endnotes
i Mono County Housing Element 2019-2027, “Lee Vining Community Profile – Key Sites,” Pages 61-63.
ii Golden State Risk Management Authority “California Website Compliance Checklist”
https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/4515944/website-compliance-8.5x11-single-side.pdf
iii Golden State Risk Management Authority “California Website Compliance – SB 929” https://gsrma.org/news-
and-information/california-website-compliance-sb-929/
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