Chester Public Utility District and Peninsula Fire Protection District Public Final Draft Municipal Service Review and Sphere of Influence Update

mmuunniicciippaall sseerrvviiccee rreevviieeww aanndd ssooii uuppddaattee ffiinnaall ddrraafftt CChheesstteerr PPuubblliicc UUttiilliittyy DDiissttrriicctt aanndd PPeenniinnssuullaa FFiirree PPrrootteeccttiioonn DDiissttrriicctt Approved December 27, 2024 Prepared by: Policy Consulting Associates, LLC Table of Contents 1 Policy Consulting Associates, LLC TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................................................. 1 LIST OF FIGURES ..................................................................................................................................................... 2 ACRONYMS AND DEFINITIONS ........................................................................................................................... 3 PREFACE 5 CONTEXT .................................................................................................................................................................... 5 CREDITS ..................................................................................................................................................................... 5 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................. 6 OVERVIEW ................................................................................................................................................................. 6 GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE ......................................................................................................................................... 7 SOI UPDATE ............................................................................................................................................................... 7 2. BACKGROUND .............................................................................................................................. 8 LAFCO OVERVIEW .................................................................................................................................................... 8 MUNICIPAL SERVICES REVIEW LEGISLATION ............................................................................................................ 8 MUNICIPAL SERVICES REVIEW PROCESS ................................................................................................................... 9 SPHERE OF INFLUENCE UPDATES ............................................................................................................................... 9 DISADVANTAGED UNINCORPORATED COMMUNITIES .............................................................................................. 11 3. CHESTER PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT (CPUD) ................................................................. 12 AGENCY OVERVIEW ................................................................................................................................................. 12 GOVERNANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY ..................................................................................................................... 15 GROWTH AND POPULATION PROJECTIONS ................................................................................................. 17 DISADVANTAGED UNINCORPORATED COMMUNITIES ............................................................................ 18 FINANCIAL ABILITY TO PROVIDE SERVICES ............................................................................................... 18 FIRE SERVICES OVERVIEW ....................................................................................................................................... 24 GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE OPTIONS ........................................................................................................................ 27 CPUD DETERMINATIONS ......................................................................................................................................... 29 4. SPHERE OF INFLUENCE UPDATE (CPUD) .......................................................................... 31 EXISTING SPHERE OF INFLUENCE BOUNDARY ......................................................................................................... 31 SOI OPTIONS ............................................................................................................................................................ 31 RECOMMENDED SPHERE OF INFLUENCE BOUNDARY ............................................................................................... 31 PROPOSED SOI DETERMINATIONS (CPUD) ............................................................................................................. 32 5. PENINSULA FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT (PFPD) ......................................................... 34 AGENCY OVERVIEW ................................................................................................................................................. 34 GOVERNANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY ..................................................................................................................... 36 GROWTH AND POPULATION PROJECTIONS ................................................................................................. 39 DISADVANTAGED UNINCORPORATED COMMUNITIES ............................................................................ 40 FINANCIAL ABILITY TO PROVIDE SERVICES ............................................................................................... 41 FIRE SERVICE OVERVIEW ......................................................................................................................................... 45 GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE OPTIONS ........................................................................................................................ 50 PFPD MSR DETERMINATIONS ................................................................................................................................. 51 6. SPHERE OF INFLUENCE UPDATE (PFPD) ........................................................................... 54 EXISTING SPHERE OF INFLUENCE BOUNDARY ......................................................................................................... 54 SOI OPTIONS ............................................................................................................................................................ 54 RECOMMENDED SPHERE OF INFLUENCE BOUNDARY ............................................................................................... 54 PROPOSED SPHERE OF INFLUENCE DETERMINATIONS (PFPD) ......................................................................... 55 Table of Contents 1 Policy Consulting Associates, LLC FIGURE 3-1: CHESTER PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT (CPUD) FIRE SERVICES SOI, 2013 ............... 14 FIGURE 3-2: TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY INDICATORS, CPUD ................................. 16 FIGURE 3-3: CHESTER PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT FINANCIAL SUMMARY, FY 22-23 ................ 20 FIGURE 3-4: THE CHESTER FIRE DEPARTMENT SERVICE CALLS BY TYPE, 2023 ....................... 25 FIGURE 5-1: PENINSULA FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT (PFPD) SOI, 2013 ....................................... 35 FIGURE 5-2: TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY INDICATORS, PFPD ................................. 38 FIGURE 5-3: PENINSULA FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT FINANCIAL SUMMARY, FY 20-21. ....... 42 FIGURE 5-4: PFPD FIRE FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT ......................................................................... 46 FIGURE 5-5: PFPD SERVICE CALLS BY TYPE, 2023 .................................................................................. 48 List of Figures 2 Policy Consulting Associates, LLC AAGR: Average Annual Growth Rate ADA: Automatic Deployment of Alarm AICPA: American Institute of Certified Public Accountants ALS: Advanced Life Support CalEMA: California Emergency Management Agency CalPERS: California Public Employees' Retirement System CDP: Census-Designated Place CEQA: California Environmental Quality Act CKH: Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg CPUD: Chester Public Utility District DACs: Disadvantaged Community DOF: California Department of Finance DUCs: Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities DWR: California Department of Water Resources EMS: Emergency Medical Services EMT-B: Emergency Medical Technician-Basic FEMA: Federal Emergency Management Agency FPPC: Fair Political Practices Commission FY: Fiscal Year GAAP: Generally Accepted Accounting Principles GASB: Governmental Accounting Standards Board GC: Government code HBFPD: Hamilton Branch Fire Protection District ISO: Insurance Services Office LAFCO: Local Agency Formation Commission MD&A: Management's Discussion and Analysis MHI: Median Household Income MSR: Municipal Services Review NFPA: National Fire Protection Association OPEB: Other Post-Employment Benefits OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration PEMHCA: Public Employees' Medical and Hospital Care Act 3 Acronyms and Definitions Policy Consulting Associates, LLC PFPD: Peninsula Fire Protection District PSAP: Public Safety Answering Point SCBAs: Self-contained Breathing Apparatuses SIFC: Susanville Interagency Fire Center SOI: Sphere of Influence 4 Acronyms and Definitions Policy Consulting Associates, LLC Prepared for the Plumas Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), this report is a Municipal Services Review (MSR) and Sphere of Influence (SOI) Update Plan covering the Chester Public Utility District (CPUD) and Peninsula Fire Protective District (PFPD). An MSR is a state-required comprehensive study of services within a designated geographic area. This MSR focuses on two special districts in Plumas County that provide fire services. Plumas LAFCO is required to prepare this MSR by the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000 (Government Code 56000, et seq.), which took effect on January 1, 2001. The MSR examines services provided by Chester Public Utility § District (CPUD) and Peninsula Fire Protective District (PFPD), whose boundaries and governance are subject to LAFCO. The authors extend their appreciation to the individuals at Chester Public Utility District (CPUD) and Peninsula Fire Protective District (PFPD) who provided the information and documents used in this report and made time for interviews and document review to ensure the accuracy of the report. Melat Assefa of Policy Consulting Associates was the primary author of this report. Preface 5 Policy Consulting Associates, LLC This report is a municipal service review (MSR) covering the Chester Public Utility District (CPUD) and Peninsula Fire Protective District (PFPD) prepared for the Plumas Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO). An MSR is a State-required comprehensive study of services that special districts or cities provide. The MSR requirement is codified in the Cortese- Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000 (Government Code 56000 et seq.). The most recent MSR for the Districts was adopted on October 3, 2011, as part of § the Lake Almanor region of Plumas County MSR. The Chester Public Utility District (CPUD) is located on the northwestern shore of Lake Almanor in Plumas County, while the Peninsula Fire Protection District (PFPD) is situated in the northwestern corner of the County, near the Lassen County border. PFPD provides fire services to an area of approximately 17 square miles of land and water. Prior to 2024, the Chester Fire Department offered comprehensive fire services, including fire suppression, emergency medical care, and ambulance services to the Chester fire protection service Sphere of Influence (SOI). However, due to recurring budget deficits and the failure to secure stable funding through two ballot measures, the department significantly reduced its services. Currently, the Department operates only about three days per week, providing limited emergency and medical response services but no longer transporting patients. The Chester Fire Department now heavily relies on PFPD for patient transport and coverage on nonoperational days. PFPD reports that the expansion of the District's response area has resulted in a surge in service calls, which is straining current staffing levels. PFPD also indicates difficulties in maintaining adequate service levels and staffing due to challenges in offering competitive wages and benefits. Currently, PFPD is the only provider of Advanced Life Support (ALS) transport in the Basin. PFPD continues to provide a full range of fire and emergency services, including fire suppression, ALS, ambulance services, dive and ice rescue, and fire prevention efforts. Ch.1 Executive Summary 6 Policy Consulting Associates, LLC Both CPUD and PFPD were last included in the 2011 Lake Almanor region of Plumas County MSR. This MSR and SOI update is prepared to provide updated information on the status of fire services provided by the Districts and identify the need for annexation. To address the challenges in fire service delivery identified throughout this MSR, it is recommended that the Chester fire protection services area, presently served by CPUD, is annexed to PFPD. The annexation would allow PFPD to collect the current special assessment from Chester fire service area, enabling the hiring of additional full-time employees to maintain service levels. The annexation process, governed by the Corteze-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000, would involve an application, a public hearing, a protest period, and potential voter approval, depending on the level of opposition. If approved, the annexation would enhance efficiency, promote consistent service delivery in the community, and financial stability for the Districts. Additionally, regionalization of fire services in the Lake Almanor area is recommended as alternative long-term governance option. Such reorganization would involve consolidating existing fire agencies in the Lake Almanor area into a regional fire district or creating a subsidiary district to serve a larger area beyond PFPD and Chester fire protection service SOI. While regionalization could improve efficiency and consistency across the region, it would require considerable time and coordination. The proposed annexation of Chester fire service area into PFPD could serve as a framework for future regionalization efforts, allowing other agencies in the region to collaborate more effectively on fire services. In an anticipation of an annexation application from PFPD and CPUD, it is recommended that the Plumas LAFCO Commission approve a zero SOI for CPUD's fire protection service area and adopt an expanded or annexable SOI for PFPD that includes the Chester Fire service area. Ch.1 Executive Summary 7 Policy Consulting Associates, LLC LAFCO regulates boundary changes proposed by public agencies or individuals through approval, denial, conditions, and modification. It also regulates the extension of public services by cities and special districts outside their boundaries. LAFCO is empowered to initiate updates to the SOIs and proposals involving the dissolution or consolidation of special districts, mergers, the establishment of subsidiary districts, and any reorganization, including such actions. Otherwise, LAFCO actions must originate as petitions or resolutions from affected voters, landowners, cities, or districts. The Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000 requires LAFCO to review and update SOIs every five years, or as necessary, and to review municipal services before updating SOIs. The requirement for service reviews arises from the identified need for a more coordinated and efficient public service structure to support California's anticipated growth. The service review provides LAFCO with a tool to study existing and future public service conditions comprehensively and to evaluate organizational options for accommodating growth, preventing urban sprawl, and ensuring that critical services are provided efficiently. Government Code 56430 requires LAFCO to conduct a review of municipal services provided in the county by region, sub-region, or other designated geographic area, or by type of § service, as appropriate, for the service or services to be reviewed, and prepare a written statement of determination with respect to each of the following topics: •• Growth and population projections for the affected area; •• The location and characteristics of any disadvantaged unincorporated communities (DUCs) within or contiguous to the SOI. •• Present and planned capacity of public facilities and adequacy of public services, including infrastructure needs or deficiencies (including needs or deficiencies related to sewers, Ch. 2 Background 8 Policy Consulting Associates, LLC municipal and industrial water, and structural fire protection in any DUCs within or contiguous to the sphere of influence). •• Financial ability of agencies to provide services. •• Status of and opportunities for shared facilities. •• Accountability for community service needs, including governmental structure and operational efficiencies; and •• Any other matter related to effective or efficient service delivery, as required by commission policy. The MSR process does not require LAFCO to initiate changes in an organization based on service review findings, only that LAFCO identifies potential government structure options. However, LAFCO, other local agencies, and the public may subsequently use the determinations to analyze prospective changes in organization or reorganization or to establish or amend SOIs. Within its legal authorization, LAFCO may act with respect to a recommended change of organization or reorganization on its initiative (e.g., certain types of consolidations) or in response to a proposal (i.e., initiated by resolution or petition by landowners or registered voters). MSRs are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to 15306 (information collection) of the CEQA Guidelines. LAFCO's actions to adopt MSR determinations are not considered "projects" subject to CEQA. § The Commission is charged with developing and updating the SOI for each city and special district within the county. SOIs must be updated every five years or as necessary. In determining the SOI, LAFCO is required to complete an MSR and adopt the seven determinations previously discussed. An SOI is a LAFCO-approved plan that designates an agency's probable future boundary and service area. Spheres are planning tools used to provide guidance for individual boundary change proposals and are intended to encourage efficient provision of organized community services and prevent duplication of service delivery. Territory cannot be annexed by LAFCO to a city or a district unless it is within that agency's sphere. Ch. 2 Background 9 Policy Consulting Associates, LLC The purposes of the SOI include the following: to ensure the efficient provision of services, discourage urban sprawl and premature conversion of agricultural and open space lands, and prevent overlapping jurisdictions and duplication of services. LAFCO cannot regulate land use, dictate internal operations or administration of any local agency, or set rates. LAFCO is empowered to enact policies that indirectly affect land use decisions. On a regional level, LAFCO promotes logical and orderly development of communities as it considers and decides individual proposals. LAFCO has a role in reconciling differences between agency plans so that the most efficient urban service arrangements are created for the benefit of current and future area residents and property owners. The Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg (CKH) Act requires to develop and determine the SOI of each local governmental agency within the county and review and update the SOI every five years. LAFCOs are empowered to adopt, update, and amend the SOI. They may do so with or without an application and any interested person may apply proposing an SOI amendment. LAFCO may recommend government reorganizations to agencies in the county, using the SOIs as the basis for those recommendations. In addition, in adopting or amending an SOI, LAFCO must make the following determinations: Present and planned land uses in the area, including agricultural and open space lands. •• Present and probable need for public facilities and services in the area. •• Present capacity of public facilities and adequacy of public service that the agency provides or is authorized to provide. •• Existence of any social or economic communities of interest in the area if the Commission determines these are relevant to the agency; and •• Present and probable need for water, wastewater, and structural fire protection facilities and services of any DUCs within the existing sphere of influence. By statute, LAFCO must notify affected agencies 21 days before holding the public hearing to consider the SOI and may not update the SOI until after that hearing. The LAFCO Executive Officer must issue a report including recommendations on the SOI amendments and updates under consideration at least five days before the public hearing. Ch. 2 Background 10 Policy Consulting Associates, LLC LAFCO is required to evaluate disadvantaged unincorporated communities (DUCs) as part of this service review, including the location and characteristics of any such communities. The purpose of Senate Bill (SB) 244 (Wolk, 2011) is to begin to address the complex legal, financial, and political barriers that contribute to regional inequity and infrastructure deficits within DUCs. Identifying and including these communities in the long-range planning of a city or a special district is required by SB 244. The CKH requires LAFCO to make determinations regarding DUCs when considering a change of organization, reorganization, sphere of influence expansion, and when conducting municipal service reviews. For any updates to an SOI of a local agency (city or special district) that provides public facilities or services related to sewer, municipal and industrial water, or structural fire protection, LAFCO shall consider and prepare written determinations regarding the present and planned capacity of public facilities and adequacy of public services, and infrastructure needs or deficiencies for any DUC within or contiguous to the SOI of a city or special district. CKH prohibits LAFCO from approving an annexation to a city of any territory greater than 10 acres if a DUC is contiguous to the proposed annexation, unless an application to annex the DUC has been filed with LAFCO. An application to annex a contiguous DUC shall not be required if a prior application for annexation of the same DUC has been made in the preceding five years or if the Commission finds, based upon written evidence, that a majority of the registered voters within the affected territory are opposed to annexation. Government Code 56033.5 defines a DUC as 1) all or a portion of a "disadvantaged community" as defined by 79505.5 of the Water Code, and as 2) "inhabited territory" (12 or § more registered voters), as defined by 56046, or as determined by commission policy. § § Ch. 2 Background 11 Policy Consulting Associates, LLC The Chester Public Utility District (CPUD) was formed in 1947 as an independent special district. It was organized to provide water and wastewater services to the residents of Chester. In 2009, CPUD consolidated with Chester Fire Protection District, and consequently, took on fire protection and ambulance services. In addition, Chester PUD is partially reimbursed from the County for providing street lighting services and administers a solid waste collection franchise for the area. The principal act that governs the District is the Public Utility District Act.1 The principal act empowers the District to acquire, construct, own, operate, control, or use works for supplying light, water, power, heat, transportation, telephone service, or other means of communication or means for the disposal of garbage, sewage, or refuse matter.2 In addition, the District may acquire, construct, own, complete, use, and operate a fire department, street lighting system, public parks, and other recreation facilities, and provide for the drainage of roads, streets, and public places.3 Districts must apply and obtain LAFCO approval to exercise services authorized by the principal act but not already provided (i.e., latent powers) by the district at the end of 2000.4 Although the District is a multi-service provider, this MSR focuses on fire services. CPUD is located on the northwestern shore of Lake Almanor in Plumas County. The District's boundary encompasses approximately 1.75 square miles. Following a Sphere of Influence (SOI) update study for the Lake Almanor area in 2013, the most recent SOI for CPUD's fire protection service area was adopted. CPUD's fire protection 1 Public Utilities Code 15501-17501. 2 Public Utilities Code 16461. 3 Public Utilities Code §16463. 4 Government Code 5§6824.10. § § 12 Ch. 3 CPUD Policy Consulting Associates, LLC services SOI extends beyond the District's boundaries in several directions: south beyond Rogers Field Airport and State Routes 36 and 89; southwest along Chester Ski Road; west along Chester Warner Valley Road; east along Fourth Avenue and Melissa Avenue, reaching towards the southeast of SR 36 near Lake Almanor; and north of Last Chance Creek and Mud Creek.5 5 Plumas LAFCO-Sphere of Influence Updates - Adopted August 12, 2013. Lake Almanor Area Fire Protection and Emergency Services. LAFCO Resolution 2013-0005. p.12. 13 Ch. 3 CPUD Policy Consulting Associates, LLC FFiigguurree 33--11:: CChheesstteerr PPuubblliicc UUttiilliittyy DDiissttrriicctt ((CCPPUUDD)) FFiirree SSeerrvviicceess SSOOII,, 22001133 14 Ch. 3 CPUD Policy Consulting Associates, LLC The Chester Public Utility District (CPUD) is governed by a five-member board of directors who are elected at-large to serve staggered four-year terms. Board meetings are held on the last Tuesday of every month at 5:30 p.m. in the afternoon at the district office at 251 Chester Airport Rd, Chester, CA 96020. Currently, the District does not live-stream board meetings. According to the Brown Act (Government Code 54956 and 54954.2), local agencies are required to post meeting agendas at least 72 hours before regular meetings and 24 hours § § before special meetings in a public location and on the agency's website. Additionally, meeting minutes for any past meetings should be available on the District's website. The District makes agendas and minutes for regular board meetings available online to the public dating back to 2020. Agendas are also posted at the District's office and post office. Additionally, agendas and minutes for special meetings from 2018 to the present can be found on the CPUD's website. In addition to the required agendas and minutes, the District engages with residents through its website and the CPUD/Chester Fire Department Facebook page by posting updates and public notices. The District has also hosted various community meetings and workshops for the public in the past. The District complies with financial reporting practices by making its Annual Compensation Report and Enterprise System Catalogue available on its website. However, the most recent State Controller's Office Financial Transaction Report posted is from FY 16-17. It is recommended that CPUD update the website with the latest financial transaction report. Special districts must also have their financial statements audited annually by a certified public accountant or public accountant. The audit report must be submitted to the State Controller's Office and made available to the public. PFPD's most recent financial audit was completed for FY 22-23. It is recommended that the District make available all up-to-date financial audits and adopted budgets on the PFPD website to ensure transparency and public oversight. The District also makes available the most adopted budget for FY 22-23 and the approved FY 24- 25 preliminary budget. The Political Reform Act (Act) of 1974 prohibits public officials from using their positions to influence governmental decisions in which they have a financial interest. Every state and local agency must adopt a conflict-of-interest code to identify all officials and employees who make governmental decisions based on their positions. 15 Ch. 3 CPUD Policy Consulting Associates, LLC To help identify potential conflicts of interest, the law requires public officials and employees in designated positions to report their financial interests in Form 700, or Statement of Economic Interests, each year, even if their economic interests have remained the same. Ethics training is also required once every two years, beginning with an odd-numbered year (AB 1234, Chapter 700, Statutes of 2005). Training is available online at the State of California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) website. All CPUD's board members have up-to-date Form 700s and have completed ethics training. It is recommended that the District makes these documents available online. Pursuant to the provisions of Government Code sections 87303, 87306 and 87306.5, et.seq, the District has also adopted a Conflict-of-Interest Code. Additionally, California's Public Records Act (Government Code 6250 et seq.) mandates that most public records, including financial records, be available to the public upon request. § The District has a public record request page on its website to facilitate this process. CPUD also maintains an online record of the public record requests it has processed to provide a tracking system for the public, avoid duplication of requests, and ensure transparency. The Chester Public Utility District (CPUD) demonstrated accountability in its disclosure of information and cooperation with the LAFCO questionnaires and other requests for information. FFiigguurree 33--22:: TTrraannssppaarreennccyy aanndd AAccccoouunnttaabbiilliittyy IInnddiiccaattoorrss,, CCPPUUDD TTrraannssppaarreennccyy aanndd AAccccoouunnttaabbiilliittyy CCPPUUDD AAggeennccyy wweebbssiittee11 ((GGCC §5533008877..88)) YYeess CCoonnttaacctt iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn aavvaaiillaabbllee oonn wweebbssiittee ((GGCC §5533008877..88 ((aa))((33)))) YYeess AAnnnnuuaall CCoommppeennssaattiioonn RReeppoorrtt ((GGCC §5533889911 aanndd 5533990088)) YYeess AAddoopptteedd bbuuddggeett aavvaaiillaabbllee oonn wweebbssiittee YYeess MMuusstt bbee uuppddaatteedd ttoo SSttaattee CCoonnttrroolllleerr''ss OOffffiiccee FFiinnaanncciiaall TTrraannssaaccttiioonn RReeppoorrtt aavvaaiillaabbllee oonn rreefflleecctt tthhee mmoosstt wweebbssiittee ((GGCC §5533889911 aanndd 5533889933)) rreecceenntt rreeppoorrtt NNoottiiccee ooff ppuubblliicc mmeeeettiinnggss pprroovviiddeedd YYeess AAggeennddaass ppoosstteedd oonn wweebbssiittee ((GGCC §5544995544..22)) YYeess PPuubblliicc mmeeeettiinnggss aarree lliivvee ssttrreeaammeedd NNoo MMiinnuutteess aanndd//oorr rreeccoorrddiinnggss ooff ppuubblliicc mmeeeettiinnggss aavvaaiillaabbllee oonn wweebbssiittee YYeess 16 Ch. 3 CPUD Policy Consulting Associates, LLC EEnntteerrpprriissee SSyysstteemm CCaattaalloogguuee aavvaaiillaabbllee oonn wweebbssiittee ((GGCC §66227700..55 ((aa)))) YYeess YYeess,, bbuutt tthhee DDiissttrriicctt''ss wweebbssiittee sshhoouulldd bbee uuppddaatteedd wwiitthh rreecceenntt ffiinnaanncciiaall aauuddiittss aanndd ccuurrrreenntt CCoommpplliiaannccee wwiitthh ffiinnaanncciiaall ddooccuummeenntt ccoommppiillaattiioonn,, aaddooppttiioonn,, aanndd ffiinnaanncciiaall ttrraannssaaccttiioonn rreeppoorrttiinngg rreeqquuiirreemmeennttss rreeppoorrttss.. YYeess,, iitt iiss rreeccoommmmeennddeedd uupp ttoo ddaattee FFoorrmm 770000ss aanndd eetthhiiccss ttrraaiinniinngg cceerrttiiffiiccaatteess iiss SSttaaffff aanndd ggoovveerrnniinngg ccoouunncciill mmeemmbbeerrss eetthhiiccss ttrraaiinniinngg aanndd eeccoonnoommiicc uuppllooaaddeedd ttoo tthhee iinntteerreesstt rreeppoorrttiinngg ccoommpplleetteedd DDiissttrriicctt''ss wweebbssiittee.. AAddhheerreennccee ttoo ooppeenn mmeeeettiinngg rreeqquuiirreemmeennttss YYeess According to the 2020 Census, the Chester Public Utility District (CPUD) has a population of 2,187 people.6 Alternately, according to the 2010 Census, the District had a population of approximately 2,144. 7 Accordingly, CPUD's average annual population growth rate (AAGR) from 2010 to 2020 was roughly 0.2 percent. The Department of Finance (DOF) projects a 34 percent decline in Plumas County's population from 2020 (19,847) to 2060 (13,025). This represents an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of negative one percent, indicating an approximate one percent annual population decline from 2020 through 2060. Utilizing the County's AAGR and CPUD's 2020 population estimates, the population within the District is anticipated to decrease to approximately 1,435 by 2060. 6 Department of Finance. Census 2020, Incorporated Cities and Census Designated Places (CDP) by County in California. 7 Plumas LAFCO, Municipal Service Review for Lake Almanor Region of Plumas County, October 2012, p. 76. 17 Ch. 3 CPUD Policy Consulting Associates, LLC LAFCO is required to evaluate disadvantaged unincorporated communities as part of this service review, including the location and characteristics of any such communities. The intent and history of this requirement are outlined in the Background Section of this report. A disadvantaged unincorporated community is defined as any area with 12 or more registered voters, or as determined by commission policy, where the median household income is less than 80 percent of the statewide annual median. The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has developed a mapping tool to assist in determining which communities meet the disadvantaged community's median household income definition. DWR is not bound by the same law as LAFCO to define communities with a minimum threshold of 12 or more registered voters. Because income information is not available for this level of analysis, disadvantaged unincorporated communities with smaller populations that meet LAFCO's definition cannot be identified at this time. The DWR Mapping Tool is an interactive map application that allows users to overlay the following three US Census geographies as separate data layers—Census Place, Census Tract, and Census Block Group. The specific dataset used in the tool is the US Census American Community Survey Five-Year Data: 2016 - 2020. Only those census geographies that meet the disadvantaged community (DAC) definition are shown on the map (i.e., only those with an annual median household income (MHI) that is less than 80 percent of the Statewide annual MHI). The statewide MHI for 2017-2021, according to Census Bureau data, is estimated at $84,097, and hence, the calculated threshold of $67,277 defines whether a community was identified as disadvantaged. Per the DWR Mapping Tool, most of the Chester Public Utility District (CPUD) fire protection service SOI (except areas in the east along Manzanita Mountain) is considered a disadvantaged community. CPUD uses major enterprise funds, a type of proprietary fund, to manage its operations. These funds account for activities that are financed and operated like private businesses, where the goal is that the costs (expenses, including depreciation) of providing goods or services to the general public on a continuing basis be financed or recovered primarily through user charges; or (b) where the governing body has decided that periodic determination of revenues earned, expenses incurred, or net income is appropriate for capital maintenance, public policy, 18 Ch. 3 CPUD Policy Consulting Associates, LLC management control, accountability, or other purpose.8 CPUD operates out of the following funds: •• Street Light Fund — is used to account for street lighting subsidization and related expenses. •• Water Fund — is used to account water sales, fees, property taxes, and water production, treatment, and delivery expenses. •• Sewer Fund — is used to account for sewer fees, and sewage treatment expenses. •• Fire Fund — is used to account for the property taxes and contract fire services associated with fire protection services and costs associated with providing fire protection. •• Contract Fire Revenue Fund — accounts for the reimbursement of services provided to the Office of Emergency Management to staff and operate logistical support for forest fires throughout California. •• Ambulance Fund — is used to account for the ambulance fees and costs associated with providing ambulance services. Per the most recent financial audit completed for FY 22-23, total expenses across all CPUD funds, excluding the contract fire revenue fund, surpassed total revenue by ($1,826,432). For the contract fire revenue fund, operating revenue exceeded expenses by $127,716. The audit reports $3,795,000 in inter-fund transfers during the fiscal year. As of FY 22-23, there is a total balance of $4,908,988 in amounts due to/from other funds (short-term inter- fund loans). It is recommended that the District ensure compliance with existing legal limitations or restrictions on the use of funds collected for specific purposes. For example, fees and rates collected under Prop 2189 cannot be used for purposes other than those explicitly authorized.10 Another highlight from the FY 22-23 audit is that management did not include the management's discussion and analysis (MD&A), which is required by the generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) to supplement the basic financial statements. Although the MD&A is not part of the core financial statements, the Governmental Accounting Standards Board considers it an essential part of financial reporting for placing the basic financial statements in an appropriate operational, economic, or historical context.11 8 Chester Public Utility District, Annual Financial Report. June 30, 2023. p.12. 9 Proposition 218 sets out detailed rules for local governments to follow in levying or increasing fees and assessments. 10 California Constitution Article XIII C & D. 11 Chester Public Utility District, Annual Financial Report. June 30, 2023. p.4. 19 Ch. 3 CPUD Policy Consulting Associates, LLC FFiigguurree 33--33:: CChheesstteerr PPuubblliicc UUttiilliittyy DDiissttrriicctt FFiinnaanncciiaall SSuummmmaarryy,, FFYY 2222--2233 ffyy 2222--2233 CCoonnttrraacctt FFiirree PPrroopprriieettaarryy FFuunnddss LLiigghhttiinngg WWaatteerr SSeewweerr FFiirree RReevveennuuee AAmmbbuullaannccee TToottaall OOppeerraattiinngg RReevveennuuee SSaalleess -- $$558844,,116677 $$556633,,444400 $$223377,,991133 $$554488,,440033 $$334400,,113388 $$22,,227744,,006611 SSeerrvviicceess -- -- -- $$116611,,005577 (($$33,,332211)) -- $$115577,,773366 MMiisscceellllaanneeoouuss -- $$2288,,110033 $$3300,,552200 -- -- $$9944,,886666 $$115533,,448899 TToottaall $$661122,,227700 $$559933,,996600 $$339988,,997700 $$554455,,008822 $$443355,,000044 $$22,,558855,,228866 OOppeerraattiinngg EExxppeennssee SSaallaarriieess -- $$116633,,118822 $$115599,,883377 $$555544,,774466 $$334422,,888822 $$337711,,880066 $$11,,559922,,445533 BBeenneeffiittss -- $$114433,,770077 $$114433,,556644 $$333388,,887744 $$4466,,112233 $$229999,,110044 $$997711,,337722 SSuupppplliieess -- $$3366,,995566 $$8899,,002200 $$2222,,885511 $$55,,662255 $$33,,660088 $$115588,,006600 SSeerrvviicceess aanndd OOtthheerr OOppeerraattiinngg EExxppeennsseess $$2288,,662200 $$335533,,006677 $$334422,,885544 $$229922,,116666 $$2222,,773366 $$222255,,550099 $$11,,226644,,995522 DDeepprreecciiaattiioonn -- $$8822,,112222 $$115544,,660000 $$5599,,774433 -- $$770000 $$229977,,116655 TToottaall $$2288,,662200 $$777799,,003344 $$888899,,887755 $$11,,226688,,338800 $$441177,,336666 $$990000,,772277 $$44,,228844,,000022 OOppeerraattiinngg GGaaiinn// ((LLoossss)) (($$2288,,662200)) (($$116666,,776644)) (($$229955,,991155)) (($$886699,,441100)) $$112277,,771166 (($$446655,,772233)) (($$11,,669988,,771166)) NNoonn--OOppeerraattiinngg RReevveennuueess // ((EExxppeennsseess)) PPrrooppeerrttyy TTaaxxeess -- $$7722,,661144 $$111199,,338811 $$443300,,445555 -- -- $$662222,,444400 IInntteerrggoovveerrnnmmeennttaall ((GGrraannttss aanndd SSttaattee HHoommeeoowwnneerr EExxeemmppttiioonn)) -- $$442277 $$4400,,000011 $$11,,330099 -- -- $$4411,,773377 20 Ch. 3 CPUD Policy Consulting Associates, LLC RReevveennuuee ffrroomm UUssee ooff AAsssseettss -- $$1133 $$4422,,330088 -- -- -- $$4422,,332211 OOtthheerr NNoonn-- OOppeerraattiinngg RReevveennuuee -- -- $$22,,550000 -- -- -- $$22,,550000 IInntteerreesstt EExxppeennssee -- (($$11,,666688)) (($$11,,666688)) -- -- -- (($$33,,333366)) IInntteerrffuunndd TTrraannssffeerr IInn $$3355,,000000 -- -- $$22,,441100,,000000 -- (($$11,,335500,,000000)) $$33,,779955,,000000 IInntteerrffuunndd TTrraannssffeerr OOuutt -- (($$3355,,000000)) -- -- (($$33,,776600,,000000)) -- (($$33,,779955,,000000)) TToottaall $$3355,,000000 $$3366,,338866 $$220022,,552222 $$22,,884411,,775544 (($$33,,776600,,000000)) (($$11,,335500,,000000)) $$770055,,666622 CChhaannggee iinn NNeett PPoossiittiioonn $$66,,338800 (($$9933,,339933)) $$11,,997722,,334444 (($$33,,663322,,228844)) $$888844,,227777 (($$999933,,005544)) BBeeggiinnnniinngg -- $$44,,556655,,992211 (($$116666,,660011)) $$997711,,663333 (($$11,,001199,,661111)) $$55,,556622,,996611 EEnnddiinngg $$66,,338800 $$44,,447722,,552288 $$11,,880055,,774433 (($$22,,666600,,665511)) (($$113355,,333344)) $$44,,556699,,990077 21 Ch. 3 CPUD Policy Consulting Associates, LLC Recurring operating deficits are a warning sign of fiscal distress. In the short term, reserves can backfill deficits and maintain services. However, ongoing deficits eventually will deplete reserves. For FY 22-23, total expenses surpassed total revenue for an operating loss of ($1,698,716). The District's total non-operating revenue for FY 22-23 was $705,662. An agency's "Net Position" represents the amount by which assets (e.g., cash, capital assets, other assets) exceed liabilities (e.g., debts, unfunded pension and OPEB liabilities, other liabilities). A positive Net Position indicates financial soundness over the long term. As of FY 22-23, the District's total assets (including deferred outflows of resources) of $14,164,568 exceed total liabilities (including deferred inflows of resources) of $9,594,661, resulting in a positive net position of $4,569,907. The District has entered into a lease-to-purchase agreement for a Bobcat and trailer, with a historical cost of $87,580 and accumulated depreciation of $1,464. The lease was financed at an annual interest rate of 2.35 percent with a quarterly payment of $4,902. As of FY 22-23, the remaining balance on the lease is $73,565. The Public Agency Cost-Sharing Multiple-Employer Defined Benefit Pension Plan (PERF C), administered by the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), consists of two risk pools — the miscellaneous risk pool and the safety risk pool, which are comprised of individual employer miscellaneous and safety rate plans, respectively. Typically, each rate plan has fewer than 100 active members. As of FY 22-23, CPUD's proportionate share of net pension liabilities was $1,296,000 for the safety risk pool and $854,000 for the miscellaneous risk pool. Additionally, the District reports a pension expense of $292,000 for the fiscal year. Per the Public Employees' Medical and Hospital Care Act (PEMHCA), as outlined in Government Code 22750 - 22948, the District administers a single-employer, defined benefit Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) provided through CalPERS. The District §§ provides medical benefits, covering retirees for the duration of their lives. Eligibility requires at 22 Ch. 3 CPUD Policy Consulting Associates, LLC least 10 years of creditable service, with a minimum age of 50 for Safety Classic members, 55 for Miscellaneous members, and 57 for Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) Safety members. The District contributes 50 percent of the total benefit cost for those with ten years of service, increasing to 100 percent for those with twenty years of service. As of FY 22-23, the District reported a total OPEB liability of $2,275,000 and recognized an OPEB expense of $462,000. 23 Ch. 3 CPUD Policy Consulting Associates, LLC Prior to 2024, the Chester Fire Department provided a range of services including structural and wildland fire suppression, emergency medical care, rescue operations, hazardous material response, fire inspections, airport crash and rescue, burn permit issuance, and ambulance services. The Department offered Advanced Life Support (ALS) EMS across a roughly 1,000- square-mile area, extending into Tehama and Butte Counties, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and other distant regions where they were the closest EMS provider. Due to ongoing funding challenges and the failure of two ballot measures intended to secure stable funding for the fire department in a special election held on May 7, 2024, the department has significantly reduced fire services. Currently, the Chester Fire Department operates about 2.5 days per week, providing emergency response with paramedics and EMTs for on-site treatment however, no longer transporting patients. They no longer have a contract with the Local Emergency Services Authority (LEMSA) for ground transportation and rely on the Peninsula Fire Protection District for patient transport. On the other days of the week, the District relies entirely on PFPD and occasionally receives assistance from West Shore Fire Department. Due to budgetary deficits, the Chester Fire Department laid off its professional firefighting staff in early 2024. Previously, staffing had seen little turnover. Currently, the Department operates with one full-time lieutenant and four reserve volunteer firefighters. Drill nights for fire volunteers are held on the first and third Thursday evenings of the month at 6:30 pm at the Chester Fire Department unless a special drill is held elsewhere. The Chester Fire Department operates two facilities. The main facility, located at 251 Chester Airport Rd, serves as fire headquarters and is shared with the District. The facility is reportedly in good condition.12 This facility houses one Ladder Truck, three Type 1 Fire Engines, one Type 2 Fire Engine, two ambulances, and three utility vehicles. 12 GGoooodd—provides reliable operation in accordance with design parameters and requires only routine maintenance. 24 Ch. 3 CPUD Policy Consulting Associates, LLC The second facility, located at 198 Main St, is currently unstaffed and leased as storage space to Seneca Hospital. This facility is reported to be in fair condition.13 The County Sheriff dispatches most fire providers within the County, except for those in the northern part (including CPUD), which are served by the Susanville Interagency Fire Center (SIFC). SIFC is an Emergency Operations Command Center made up of four cooperating agencies: the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The Forest Service also maintains its own dispatch. SIFC uses a first responder map to determine which provider to dispatch to an incident. The Chester Fire Department received 406 service calls in 2023, of which 75 were mutual aid calls. EMS incidents account for most calls with 305 calls or 75 percent of all calls. In comparison, motor vehicle accounts for the lowest number of calls (five calls or roughly one percent of all calls). Figure 3-4 shows calls received by type. FFiigguurree 33--44:: TThhee CChheesstteerr FFiirree DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt SSeerrvviiccee CCaallllss bbyy TTyyppee,, 22002233 sseerrvviiccee ccaallllss bbyy ttyyppee FFiirree // MMiisscc.. NNoo MMiisscc.. HHaazzaarrddoouuss MMoottoorr EEMMSS EEmmeerrggeenncciieess EEmmeerrggeenncciieess MMaatteerriiaallss VVeehhiiccllee TToottaall CCaallllss 330055 6611 2200 1100 55 440066 From 2021 to 2023, the highest number of service calls was recorded in 2023, with 406 calls, compared to 376 calls in 2021 and 343 calls in 2022. However, mutual aid calls decreased in 2023, totaling 75 calls, a drop from 131 in 2021 and 109 in 2022. Generally, demand for services in the Almanor Basin depends on weather and tourism. During the summer months, the District experiences a high influx of visitors, which increases call volume and types of calls typical for tourist destinations. Additionally, wildland fire seasons occur in the summer, leading to a rise in fire call volume and requests for mutual aid. 13 FFaaiirr—operating at or near design levels; however, non-routine renovation, upgrading and repairs are needed to ensure continued reliable operation. 25 Ch. 3 CPUD Policy Consulting Associates, LLC The Department has not reported any infrastructure needs. The Chester Fire Department has been facing financial distress, operating with a deficit of over $1.2 million. As illustrated in the FY 22-23 audit, revenue from fire services (as accounted for in the fire, contract fire revenue, and ambulance funds) was $1,379,056 while expenditures totaled $2,586,473, reflecting a budget deficit of $1,207,417. The District also reports that the current tax base is inadequate for providing professional fire services. Additionally, changes in healthcare have decreased revenue from ambulance services due to lower reimbursements. On December 27, 2023, the CPUD board approved two ballot measures to address the Department's fiscal challenges in providing services. Measure B offered a model where the Chester Fire Department would maintain some full-time staff while developing a volunteer operation, with a proposed additional tax of $450 per year for each parcel within the district. Measure C proposed retaining a fully professional fire department, ensuring the Chester Fire Department kept its full-time firefighters to guarantee a 24/7 response. Both measures were put to a special election on May 7, 2024, but neither passed, as neither received the required two-thirds approval. As such, the District is now operating about three days a week, relying heavily on the Peninsula Fire Protection District for support. There are many measures of a successful fire protection service. This section focuses on the Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating for the community. The ISO classifies fire services in the communities as an indicator of the general adequacy of coverage. Communities with the best fire department facilities, systems for water distribution, fire alarms and communications, and equipment and personnel receive a rating of 1. The Chester Fire Department has an ISO rating of 3 and was last reviewed in 2020. 26 Ch. 3 CPUD Policy Consulting Associates, LLC As previously mentioned, the Chester Fire Department has been facing significant challenges in providing adequate fire services due to a substantial financial deficit. This has resulted in a minimally staffed department and a drastic reduction in services. Consequently, the department now heavily relies on the Peninsula Fire Protection District (PFPD), located about 20 minutes away, which has increased the service call volume and workload on PFPD's staff due to the expanded response area. To address these issues, a governance restructure is recommended, proposing the annexation of the Chester Fire Services area into the Peninsula Fire Protection District. This annexation would allow PFPD to collect the current special assessment from the Chester fire protection services area, enabling the hiring of additional full-time employees to maintain service levels. The annexation can enhance efficiency, service delivery, and financial stability for both Districts. Annexation can be initiated by a petition from landowners or registered voters in the proposed annexation area, or through a resolution of application by the legislative bodies of the affected local agencies. The Chester Public Utility District (CPUD) and Peninsula Fire Protection District (PFPD) can also adopt a similar resolution such as the dissolution of the Chester Fire Department and its annexation to PFPD. Under the Corteze-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000, a Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) cannot initiate annexation. Instead, per section 56375, LAFCO reviews and approves annexation proposals submitted by cities or special districts, ensuring compliance with state laws and promoting efficient service delivery. A public hearing is conducted in accordance with Section 56661 to give stakeholders the opportunity to express their views. If LAFCO approves the annexation, it may impose conditions to ensure the annexation serves the community's best interests and aligns with orderly growth and development goals, as outlined in Section 56881. After the hearing, a protest period allows registered voters or landowners to file objections. If less than 25 percent of registered voters or landowners protest, the annexation proceeds without an election. If 25 to 50 percent protest, LAFCO must hold an election where residents vote on the annexation. If more than 50 percent protest, the annexation is terminated and does not move forward. Once final approval is granted, a Certificate of Completion is filed, and the annexation is officially recorded, enabling PFPD to begin providing services to the newly annexed area. 27 Ch. 3 CPUD Policy Consulting Associates, LLC It is important to note that CPUD and PFPD are considering the option of annexation, and LAFCO anticipates receiving the annexation application from the Districts. Another governance structure option is the regionalization of fire services in the Lake Almanor area. This could take various forms of reorganization including — consolidation of existing fire agencies in the area into a regional fire district or creating a subsidiary fire district to serve a larger area in the Lake Almanor community. Regionalization can enhance efficiency, ensure consistent service delivery throughout the region, and be cost-effective. Given that the regionalization process can take considerable time and coordination, the annexation of the Chester fire service area to the PFPD could serve as a framework and an opportunity for other agencies in the region to pursue a coordinated approach for fire services. 28 Ch. 3 CPUD Policy Consulting Associates, LLC 33--11:: FFrroomm 22001100 ttoo 22002200,, tthhee CChheesstteerr PPuubblliicc UUttiilliittyy DDiissttrriicctt''ss ((CCPPUUDD)) ppooppuullaattiioonn ggrreeww ffrroomm 22,,114444 ttoo 22,,118877,, rreessuullttiinngg iinn aann aavveerraaggee aannnnuuaall ggrroowwtthh rraattee ooff aabboouutt 00..22 ppeerrcceenntt.. 33--22:: AAccccoorrddiinngg ttoo tthhee DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt ooff FFiinnaannccee ((DDOOFF)),, ccoouunnttyywwiiddee ggrroowwtthh pprroojjeeccttiioonnss ffoorr PPlluummaass CCoouunnttyy aarree eexxppeecctteedd ttoo sseeee aann aapppprrooxxiimmaatteellyy nneeggaattiivvee oonnee ppeerrcceenntt aavveerraaggee aannnnuuaall ggrroowwtthh rraattee ((AAAAGGRR)) ffrroomm 22002200 ((1199,,884477)) tthhrroouugghh 22006600 ((1133,,002255)).. UUttiilliizziinngg tthhee CCoouunnttyy''ss AAAAGGRR aanndd CCPPUUDD''ss 22002200 ppooppuullaattiioonn eessttiimmaatteess,, tthhee ppooppuullaattiioonn wwiitthhiinn tthhee DDiissttrriicctt iiss aannttiicciippaatteedd ttoo ddeeccrreeaassee ttoo 11,,443355 bbyy 22006600.. 33--33:: AAccccoorrddiinngg ttoo CCeennssuuss BBuurreeaauu ddaattaa,, tthhee ssttaatteewwiiddee MMHHII ffoorr 22001177-- 22002211 iiss eessttiimmaatteedd aatt $$8844,,009977,, aanndd hheennccee,, tthhee ccaallccuullaatteedd tthhrreesshhoolldd ooff $$6677,,227777 ((8800 ppeerrcceenntt)) ddeeffiinneess wwhheetthheerr aa ccoommmmuunniittyy iiss iiddeennttiiffiieedd aass ddiissaaddvvaannttaaggeedd.. PPeerr tthhee CCaalliiffoorrnniiaa DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt ooff WWaatteerr RReessoouurrcceess ((DDWWRR)) MMaappppiinngg TTooooll,, mmoosstt ooff tthhee CChheesstteerr PPuubblliicc UUttiilliittyy DDiissttrriicctt ((CCPPUUDD)) SSOOII ((eexxcceepptt aarreeaass iinn tthhee eeaasstt aalloonngg MMaannzzaanniittaa MMoouunnttaaiinn)) iiss ccoonnssiiddeerreedd aa ddiissaaddvvaannttaaggeedd ccoommmmuunniittyy.. 33--44:: TThhee CChheesstteerr FFiirree DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt hhaass ttwwoo ffaacciilliittiieess:: tthhee mmaaiinn ffaacciilliittyy llooccaatteedd aatt 225511 CChheesstteerr AAiirrppoorrtt RRdd,, wwhhiicchh iiss rreeppoorrtteeddllyy iinn ggoooodd ccoonnddiittiioonn hhoouusseess vvaarriioouuss ffiirree aanndd eemmeerrggeennccyy vveehhiicclleess;; aanndd aa sseeccoonndd,, uunnssttaaffffeedd ffaacciilliittyy aatt 119988 MMaaiinn SStt,, lleeaasseedd ttoo SSeenneeccaa HHoossppiittaall ffoorr ssttoorraaggee aanndd iinn ffaaiirr ccoonnddiittiioonn.. 33--55:: TThhee CChheesstteerr FFiirree DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt ffaacceess sseevveerree ffiinnaanncciiaall ddiiffffiiccuullttiieess,, wwiitthh aa ddeeffiicciitt ooff oovveerr $$11..22 mmiilllliioonn.. IInn aann eeffffoorrtt ttoo aaddddrreessss tthheessee iissssuueess aanndd iinnccrreeaassee sseerrvviiccee aaddeeqquuaaccyy,, tthhee DDiissttrriicctt ooffffeerreedd ttwwoo bbaalllloott mmeeaassuurreess iinn aa ssppeecciiaall eelleeccttiioonn oonn MMaayy 22002244:: MMeeaassuurree BB pprrooppoosseedd aa mmiixx ooff ffuullll--ttiimmee ssttaaffff aanndd vvoolluunntteeeerrss wwiitthh aa $$445500 aannnnuuaall ttaaxx iinnccrreeaassee,, wwhhiillee MMeeaassuurree CC aaiimmeedd ttoo rreettaaiinn aa ffuullllyy pprrooffeessssiioonnaall ffiirree ddeeppaarrttmmeenntt.. BBootthh mmeeaassuurreess ffaaiilleedd,, lleeaaddiinngg ttoo rreedduucceedd ooppeerraattiioonnss aanndd iinnccrreeaasseedd rreelliiaannccee oonn tthhee PPeenniinnssuullaa FFiirree PPrrootteeccttiioonn DDiissttrriicctt ((PPFFPPDD)).. 33--66:: TThhee CChheesstteerr FFiirree DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt iiss nnooww ssttaaffffeedd bbyy oonnee ffuullll--ttiimmee lliieeuutteennaanntt aanndd ffoouurr vvoolluunntteeeerr rreesseerrvvee ffiirreeffiigghhtteerrss.. OOppeerraattiinngg rroouugghhllyy tthhrreeee ddaayyss ppeerr wweeeekk,, tthhee DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt pprroovviiddeess eemmeerrggeennccyy rreessppoonnssee sseerrvviicceess wwiitthh ppaarraammeeddiiccss aanndd EEMMTTss bbuutt nnoo lloonnggeerr ttrraannssppoorrttss ppaattiieennttss.. FFoorr ppaattiieenntt ttrraannssppoorrtt,, tthheeyy DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt rreelliieess oonn tthhee PPeenniinnssuullaa FFiirree PPrrootteeccttiioonn DDiissttrriicctt ((PPFFPPDD)),, aass tthheeyy nnoo lloonnggeerr hhaavvee aa ccoonnttrraacctt wwiitthh NNoorr--CCaall EEMMSS,, tthhee LLooccaall EEmmeerrggeennccyy SSeerrvviicceess AAuutthhoorriittyy ((LLEEMMSSAA)),, ffoorr ggrroouunndd ttrraannssppoorrttaattiioonn.. OOnn ddaayyss wwhheenn tthhee CChheesstteerr FFiirree DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt iiss nnoott iinn ooppeerraattiioonn,, tthhee DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt ddeeppeennddss 29 Ch. 3 CPUD Policy Consulting Associates, LLC eennttiirreellyy oonn PPFFPPDD aanndd ooccccaassiioonnaallllyy rreecceeiivveess aassssiissttaannccee ffrroomm tthhee WWeesstt SShhoorree FFiirree DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt.. 33--77:: AAccccoorrddiinngg ttoo tthhee FFYY 2222--2233 aauuddiitt,, tthhee CChheesstteerr FFiirree DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt iiss ffaacciinngg ssiiggnniiffiiccaanntt ffiinnaanncciiaall ddiissttrreessss,, wwiitthh aa bbuuddggeett ddeeffiicciitt eexxcceeeeddiinngg $$11..22 mmiilllliioonn.. RReevveennuueess ffrroomm ffiirree sseerrvviicceess wweerree $$11,,337799,,005566,, wwhhiillee eexxppeennddiittuurreess ttoottaalleedd $$22,,558866,,447733.. TThhee DDiissttrriicctt aallssoo nnootteess tthhaatt tthhee ccuurrrreenntt ttaaxx bbaassee iiss iinnssuuffffiicciieenntt ttoo ssuuppppoorrtt pprrooffeessssiioonnaall ffiirree sseerrvviicceess,, aanndd cchhaannggeess iinn hheeaalltthhccaarree hhaavvee ffuurrtthheerr rreedduucceedd aammbbuullaannccee sseerrvviiccee rreevveennuuee dduuee ttoo lloowweerr rreeiimmbbuurrsseemmeennttss.. 33--88:: AAss pprreevviioouussllyy mmeennttiioonneedd,, tthhee CChheesstteerr FFiirree DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt hheeaavviillyy rreelliieess oonn tthhee PPFFPPDD ffoorr ssuuppppoorrtt aanndd ooccccaassiioonnaallllyy rreecceeiivveess aassssiissttaannccee ffrroomm tthhee WWeesstt SShhoorree FFiirree DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt.. 33--99:: TThhee DDiissttrriicctt hhaass nnoott iiddeennttiiffiieedd aannyy ooppppoorrttuunniittiieess ffoorr sshhaarreedd ffaacciilliittiieess.. 33--1100:: CCPPUUDD ggeenneerraallllyy mmeeeettss tthhee rreeqquuiirreemmeennttss oouuttlliinneedd iinn SSttaattee llaawwss rreeggaarrddiinngg tthhee BBrroowwnn AAcctt,, wweebbssiittee mmaatteerriiaallss,, aanndd bbeesstt pprraaccttiicceess ttoo eennssuurree eeaassyy aacccceessss ttoo ssiiggnniiffiiccaanntt ppllaannnniinngg ddooccuummeennttss aanndd ffiinnaanncciiaall rreeppoorrttss.. 33--1111:: CCPPUUDD ccoommpplliieess wwiitthh ffiinnaanncciiaall rreeppoorrttiinngg rreeqquuiirreemmeennttss bbyy mmaakkiinngg aavvaaiillaabbllee tthhee AAnnnnuuaall CCoommppeennssaattiioonn RReeppoorrtt aanndd EEnntteerrpprriissee SSyysstteemm CCaattaalloogguuee HHoowweevveerr,, iitt iiss rreeccoommmmeennddeedd tthhaatt tthhee DDiissttrriicctt uuppddaatteess tthhee SSttaattee CCoonnttrroolllleerr''ss OOffffiiccee FFiinnaanncciiaall TTrraannssaaccttiioonn RReeppoorrtt oonn iittss wweebbssiittee.. IItt iiss aallssoo rreeccoommmmeennddeedd tthhaatt CCPPUUDD mmaakkeess aavvaaiillaabbllee uuppddaatteedd ffiinnaanncciiaall aauuddiittss oonnlliinnee.. 33--1122:: CCPPUUDD bbooaarrdd mmeemmbbeerrss hhaavvee ffiilleedd uupp--ttoo--ddaattee FFoorrmm 770000 ffoorrmmss aanndd ccoommpplleetteedd eetthhiiccss ttrraaiinniinngg.. IItt iiss rreeccoommmmeennddeedd tthhaatt tthheessee ddooccuummeennttss bbee mmaaddee aavvaaiillaabbllee oonnlliinnee ttoo eennssuurree ttrraannssppaarreennccyy.. TThhee DDiissttrriicctt hhaass aallssoo aaddoopptteedd aa CCoonnfflliicctt--ooff--IInntteerreesstt CCooddee aanndd ffoolllloowwss tthhee PPuubblliicc RReeccoorrddss AAcctt bbyy pprroovviiddiinngg aa ppuubblliicc rreeccoorrdd rreeqquueesstt ppaaggee aanndd ttrraacckkiinngg ssyysstteemm oonn iittss wweebbssiittee.. 33--1133:: CCPPUUDD ddeemmoonnssttrraatteedd aaccccoouunnttaabbiilliittyy iinn iittss ddiisscclloossuurree ooff iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn aanndd ccooooppeerraattiioonn wwiitthh tthhee LLAAFFCCOO qquueessttiioonnnnaaiirreess aanndd ootthheerr rreeqquueessttss ffoorr iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn.. 33--1144:: TToo eennhhaannccee tthhee eeffffiicciieennccyy,, sseerrvviiccee ddeelliivveerryy,, aanndd ffiinnaanncciiaall ssttaabbiilliittyy ooff tthhee CChheesstteerr FFiirree DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt,, aannnneexxaattiioonn ttoo tthhee PPeenniinnssuullaa FFiirree PPrrootteeccttiioonn DDiissttrriicctt ((PPFFPPDD)) iiss rreeccoommmmeennddeedd.. AAddddiittiioonnaallllyy,, tthhee ooppttiioonn ooff rreeggiioonnaalliizzaattiioonn ooff ffiirree sseerrvviicceess iinn tthhee LLaakkee AAllmmaannoorr aarreeaa iiss ddiissccuusssseedd.. 30 Ch. 3 CPUD Policy Consulting Associates, LLC The Chester Public Utility District's (CPUD) fire protection services SOI extends beyond the District's boundaries in several directions: south beyond Rogers Field Airport and State Routes 36 and 89; southwest along Chester Ski Road; west along Chester Warner Valley Road; east along Fourth Avenue and Melissa Avenue, reaching towards the southeast of SR 36 near Lake Almanor; and north of Last Chance Creek and Mud Creek. SOI options for CPUD's fire protection services consist of the following: OOppttiioonn ##11:: ZZeerroo SSOOII — A zero SOI would indicate that LAFCO anticipates the eventual dissolution of the Chester fire department through the annexation of the Chester fire protection service area to the Peninsula Fire Protection District (PFPD) due to the identified challenges in providing services. OOppttiioonn ##22:: AApppprroovvee wwiitthh nnoo cchhaannggee — Given the lack of supported options, the Commission may wish to consider no changes to CPUD's fire service protection SOI. It is recommended that the Commission adopt Option #1 in anticipation of receiving an application for annexation from CPUD and PFPD. 31 Ch. 4 CPUD SOI Update Policy Consulting Associates, LLC LAFCO is required to prepare a written statement of determination with respect to the following areas when updating a special district's Sphere of Influence, as specified by Cortese- Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000. The following determinations are proposed for the Chester Public Utility District's fire protection service. 44--11:: TThhee PPlluummaass CCoouunnttyy iiss tthhee llaanndd uussee aauutthhoorriittyy aanndd hhoolldd pprriimmaarryy rreessppoonnssiibbiilliittyy ffoorr iimmpplleemmeennttiinngg ggrroowwtthh ssttrraatteeggiieess iinn tthhee CChheesstteerr PPuubblliicc UUttiilliittyy DDiissttrriicctt ((CCPPUUDD)) aarreeaa.. 44--22:: AAccccoorrddiinngg ttoo tthhee PPlluummaass CCoouunnttyy 22003355 GGeenneerraall PPllaann,, tthhee CChheesstteerr ffiirree pprrootteeccttiioonn sseerrvviiccee aarreeaa ccoommpprriisseess aa rraannggee ooff llaanndd uusseess,, iinncclluuddiinngg rreessiiddeennttiiaall ((ssiinnggllee--ffaammiillyy,, mmuullttiippllee--ffaammiillyy,, sseeccoonnddaarryy ssuubbuurrbbaann,, aanndd rruurraall)),, ccoommmmeerrcciiaall,, iinndduussttrriiaall,, aaggrriiccuullttuurraall aanndd ggrraazziinngg,, aass wweellll aass rreessoorrtt aanndd rreeccrreeaattiioonnaall aarreeaass.. 44--33:: PPrriioorr ttoo 22002244,, tthhee CChheesstteerr FFiirree DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt pprroovviiddeedd aa rraannggee ooff sseerrvviicceess iinncclluuddiinngg ssttrruuccttuurraall aanndd wwiillddllaanndd ffiirree ssuupppprreessssiioonn,, eemmeerrggeennccyy mmeeddiiccaall ccaarree,, rreessccuuee ooppeerraattiioonnss,, hhaazzaarrddoouuss mmaatteerriiaall rreessppoonnssee,, ffiirree iinnssppeeccttiioonnss,, aaiirrppoorrtt ccrraasshh aanndd rreessccuuee,, bbuurrnn ppeerrmmiitt iissssuuaannccee,, aanndd aammbbuullaannccee sseerrvviicceess.. TThhee DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt ooffffeerreedd AAddvvaanncceedd LLiiffee SSuuppppoorrtt ((AALLSS)) EEMMSS aaccrroossss aa rroouugghhllyy 11,,000000--ssqquuaarree--mmiillee aarreeaa,, eexxtteennddiinngg iinnttoo TTeehhaammaa aanndd BBuuttttee CCoouunnttiieess,, LLaasssseenn VVoollccaanniicc NNaattiioonnaall PPaarrkk,, aanndd ootthheerr ddiissttaanntt rreeggiioonnss wwhheerree tthheeyy wweerree tthhee cclloosseesstt EEMMSS pprroovviiddeerr.. 44--44:: TThhee CChheesstteerr FFiirree DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt ssttrruugggglleess wwiitthh sseevveerree ffiinnaanncciiaall ddeeffiicciitt ooff oovveerr $$11..22 mmiilllliioonn.. 44--55:: AAfftteerr ttwwoo bbaalllloott mmeeaassuurreess aaiimmeedd ttoo sseeccuurree ssttaabbllee ffuunnddiinngg ffaaiilleedd iinn aa ssppeecciiaall eelleeccttiioonn,, tthhee CChheesstteerr FFiirree DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt ssiiggnniiffiiccaannttllyy rreedduucceedd iittss sseerrvviicceess aanndd nnooww ooppeerraatteess 32 Ch. 4 CPUD SOI Update Policy Consulting Associates, LLC oonnllyy aabboouutt tthhrreeee ddaayyss ppeerr wweeeekk,, pprroovviiddiinngg eemmeerrggeennccyy rreessppoonnssee bbuutt nnoo lloonnggeerr ttrraannssppoorrttiinngg ppaattiieennttss.. 44--66:: TThhee CChheesstteerr FFiirree DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt nnoo lloonnggeerr hhaass aa ccoonnttrraacctt wwiitthh NNoorr--CCaall EEMMSS,, tthhee LLooccaall EEmmeerrggeennccyy SSeerrvviicceess AAuutthhoorriittyy ((LLEEMMSSAA)),, ffoorr ggrroouunndd ttrraannssppoorrttaattiioonn.. TThheerreeffoorree,, tthhee DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt rreelliieess hheeaavviillyy oonn PPFFPPDD ffoorr ggrroouunndd ttrraannssppoorrttaattiioonn aanndd ffoorr ccoovveerraaggee oonn tthhee DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt''ss nnoonnooppeerraattiioonnaall ddaayyss.. 44--77:: TThheerree aarree nnoo ccoommmmuunniittiieess ooff iinntteerreesstt iinn tthhee aarreeaa ooff CCPPUUDD,, aass iitt pprroovviiddeess sseerrvviicceess oonnllyy wwiitthhiinn iittss bboouunnddss.. 44--88:: AAccccoorrddiinngg ttoo tthhee CCaalliiffoorrnniiaa DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt ooff WWaatteerr RReessoouurrcceess ((DDWWRR)) mmaappppiinngg ttooooll,, mmoosstt ooff tthhee CChheesstteerr PPuubblliicc UUttiilliittyy DDiissttrriicctt ((CCPPUUDD)) ffiirree pprrootteeccttiioonn sseerrvviiccee aarreeaa,, eexxcceepptt ffoorr aarreeaass ttoo tthhee eeaasstt aalloonngg MMaannzzaanniittaa MMoouunnttaaiinn,, iiss ccoonnssiiddeerreedd aa DDAACC.. IItt iiss rreeccoommmmeennddeedd tthhaatt wwhheenn ccoonnssiiddeerriinngg tthhee aannnneexxaattiioonn ooff tthhee CChheesstteerr ffiirree pprrootteeccttiioonn sseerrvviiccee aarreeaa ttoo PPFFPPDD,, tthhee DDiissttrriiccttss ttaakkee iinnttoo aaccccoouunntt tthhee pprreesseennccee ooff DDAACCss aanndd tthhee ppootteennttiiaall iimmppaaccttss ooff ggrroowwtthh iinn tthheessee ccoommmmuunniittiieess.. 33 Ch. 4 CPUD SOI Update Policy Consulting Associates, LLC The Peninsula Fire Protection District (PFPD) was formed on May 7, 1964. The principal act that governs the District is the Fire Protection District Law of 1987. The principal act empowers fire districts to provide fire protection, rescue, emergency medical, hazardous material response, ambulance, and any other services relating to the protection of lives and property. Districts must apply and obtain LAFCO approval to exercise services authorized by the principal act but not already provided (i.e., latent powers) by the district at the end of 2000.14 PFPD is located in the northwestern corner of Plumas County, near the County's border with Lassen County. The Peninsula FPD encompasses Lake Almanor Country Club and Walker Ranch Community Services District, and borders Hamilton Branch Fire Protection District (HBFPD) in the northeast. The PFPD area boundary encompasses of 6.5 square miles. Following the formation, the District undertook one detachment in 1971 and the territory was transferred to Hamilton Branch Fire Protection District. The only annexation undertaken by the District occurred in 1996 and involved 1,230 acres of an area known as Walker Ranch. The Sphere of Influence (SOI) for PFPD was first established on August 26, 1976, and later amended on January 21, 1983. PFPD's most recent SOI was adopted in 2013. PFPD's current SOI extends beyond the District's boundaries to the south, including p1o5rtions of Lake Almanor immediately adjacent to the District, and to the north, beyond Plumas County A13, extending north of State Route (SR) 36 and the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway. PFPD currently provides fire services beyond its boundaries to approximately 17 square miles of land and water. 14 Government Code 56824.10. 15 Plumas LAFCO-Sphere of Influence Updates - Adopted August 12, 2013. Lake Almanor Area Fire Protection and Emergency Services. L§AFCO Resolution 2013-0005. p.22. 34 Ch. 5 PFPD Policy Consulting Associates, LLC FFiigguurree 55--11:: PPeenniinnssuullaa FFiirree PPrrootteeccttiioonn DDiissttrriicctt ((PPFFPPDD)) SSOOII,, 22001133 35 Ch. 5 PFPD Policy Consulting Associates, LLC The Peninsula Fire Protection District (PFPD) is governed by a five-member board of directors elected by the registered voters of the community to serve four-year terms. The PFPD board meets on the third Wednesday of each month at Edwin S. Butler Fire Hall #2, located at 801 Golf Club Road, Lake Almanor, California 96137. Currently, the District does not live-stream board meetings. According to the Brown Act (Government Code 54956 and 54954.2), local agencies are required to post meeting agendas at least 72 hours before regular meetings and 24 hours § § before special meetings in a public location and on the agency's website. Additionally, meeting minutes for any past meetings should be available on the District's website. The District has made agendas available online to the public for meetings as far back as 2019. However, meeting minutes are not readily accessible online and are available upon request. It is recommended that the District makes minutes available for each board meeting. In addition to the required agendas and minutes, the District reaches its constituents through its website and Facebook page by posting various updates including fire safety tips and evacuation maps. The PFPD also provides information about emergency notification systems available to the public, such as the Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS) and CODE RED that ensure residents are well-informed and can respond effectively during emergencies. IPAWS is the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) national system for local alerting, which delivers authenticated emergency and life-saving information to the public through mobile phones using Wireless Emergency Alerts. While, CODE RED is the County's emergency notification service, capable of distributing emergency messages via automated telephone calls to target areas or the entire county. The District complies with financial reporting practices by making available the State Controller's Office Financial Transaction Report, Annual Compensation Report, and Enterprise System Catalogue on its website. Special districts must also have their financial statements audited annually by a certified public accountant or public accountant. The audit report must be submitted to the State Controller's Office and made available to the public. PFPD's most recent financial audit was completed for FY 21-22. The District also reports that the FY 22-23 audit was recently completed and is 36 Ch. 5 PFPD Policy Consulting Associates, LLC awaiting adoption. It is recommended that the District make available all up-to-date financial audits and adopted budgets on the PFPD website to ensure transparency and public oversight. The Political Reform Act (Act) of 1974 prohibits public officials from using their positions to influence governmental decisions in which they have a financial interest. Every state and local agency must adopt a conflict-of-interest code to identify all officials and employees who make governmental decisions based on their positions. Those in designated positions must disclose their financial interests as specified in the agency's conflict of interest code. To help identify potential conflicts of interest, the law requires public officials and employees in designated positions to report their financial interests in Form 700, or Statement of Economic Interests, each year, even if their economic interests have remained the same. According to the District's Board Manual, the Board of Directors and Fire Chief positions are designated positions.16 Pursuant to the provisions of Government Code sections 87303, 87306 and 87306.5, et.seq, the District has adopted a Conflict of Interest Code. Ethics training is required once every two years, beginning with an odd-numbered year (AB 1234, Chapter 700, Statutes of 2005). Training is available online at the State of California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) website. PFPD's board members have up-to-date Form 700s and have completed ethics training. It is recommended that the District makes these documents available online. Public complaints may first be discussed with an on-duty supervisor with the objective of resolving the matter informally. If an individual filing a complaint is not satisfied with the outcome, the complaint is forwarded to the Fire Chief. In this case, the Chief is obligated to record the issue and outcome in writing and provide a copy to the individual who filed the complaint. If the individual is still not satisfied, the complaint may be brought to the attention of the Board by filing it in writing within ten days of receiving the Chief's decision. The Board's final decision must be in writing. The Peninsula Fire Protection District (PFPD) demonstrated accountability in its disclosure of information and cooperation with the LAFCO questionnaires and other requests for information. 16 Peninsula Fire Protection District Plumas County, California. District Manual. Adopted August 20, 2014. Chapter 1.04. p. 6. 37 Ch. 5 PFPD Policy Consulting Associates, LLC FFiigguurree 55--22:: TTrraannssppaarreennccyy aanndd AAccccoouunnttaabbiilliittyy IInnddiiccaattoorrss,, PPFFPPDD TTrraannssppaarreennccyy aanndd AAccccoouunnttaabbiilliittyy PPFFPPDD AAggeennccyy wweebbssiittee11 ((GGCC §5533008877..88)) YYeess CCoonnttaacctt iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn aavvaaiillaabbllee oonn wweebbssiittee ((GGCC §5533008877..88 ((aa))((33)))) YYeess AAnnnnuuaall CCoommppeennssaattiioonn RReeppoorrtt ((GGCC §5533889911 aanndd 5533990088)) YYeess AAddoopptteedd bbuuddggeett aavvaaiillaabbllee oonn wweebbssiittee NNoo SSttaattee CCoonnttrroolllleerr''ss OOffffiiccee FFiinnaanncciiaall TTrraannssaaccttiioonn RReeppoorrtt aavvaaiillaabbllee oonn wweebbssiittee ((GGCC §5533889911 aanndd 5533889933)) YYeess NNoottiiccee ooff ppuubblliicc mmeeeettiinnggss pprroovviiddeedd YYeess AAggeennddaass ppoosstteedd oonn wweebbssiittee ((GGCC §5544995544..22)) YYeess PPuubblliicc mmeeeettiinnggss aarree lliivvee ssttrreeaammeedd NNoo MMiinnuutteess aanndd//oorr rreeccoorrddiinnggss ooff ppuubblliicc mmeeeettiinnggss aavvaaiillaabbllee oonn wweebbssiittee NNoo EEnntteerrpprriissee SSyysstteemm CCaattaalloogguuee aavvaaiillaabbllee oonn wweebbssiittee ((GGCC §66227700..55 ((aa)))) YYeess YYeess,, ttoo aann eexxtteenntt bbuutt wweebbssiittee sshhoouulldd bbee uuppddaatteedd wwiitthh CCoommpplliiaannccee wwiitthh ffiinnaanncciiaall ddooccuummeenntt ccoommppiillaattiioonn,, aaddooppttiioonn,, aanndd rreecceenntt ffiinnaanncciiaall rreeppoorrttiinngg rreeqquuiirreemmeennttss aauuddiittss aanndd bbuuddggeettss.. YYeess,, iitt iiss rreeccoommmmeennddeedd uupp ttoo ddaattee FFoorrmm 770000ss aanndd eetthhiiccss ttrraaiinniinngg cceerrttiiffiiccaatteess iiss SSttaaffff aanndd ggoovveerrnniinngg ccoouunncciill mmeemmbbeerrss eetthhiiccss ttrraaiinniinngg aanndd eeccoonnoommiicc uuppllooaaddeedd ttoo tthhee iinntteerreesstt rreeppoorrttiinngg ccoommpplleetteedd DDiissttrriicctt''ss wweebbssiittee.. AAddhheerreennccee ttoo ooppeenn mmeeeettiinngg rreeqquuiirreemmeennttss YYeess 38 Ch. 5 PFPD Policy Consulting Associates, LLC According to the 2020 Census, the Peninsula Fire Protection District (PFPD) has a population of 817 people. This is based on the census-designated place (CDP) population for Lake Almanor Country Club CDP (451) and Lake Almanor Peninsula CDP (366). 17Alternately, according to the 2010 Census, the District had a population of approximately 775. 18 Accordingly, PFPD's average annual population growth rate (AAGR) from 2010 to 2020 was roughly 0.53 percent. The Department of Fi nance (DOF) projects a 34 percent decline in Plumas County's population from 2020 (19,847) to 2060 (13,025). This represents an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of negative one percent, indicating an approximate one percent annual population decline from 2020 through 2060. Utilizing the County's AAGR and PFPD's 2020 population estimates, the population within the District is anticipated to decrease to approximately 536 by 2060. 17 Department of Finance. Census 2020, Incorporated Cities and Census Designated Places (CDP) by County in California. 18 Plumas LAFCO, Municipal Service Review for Lake Almanor Region of Plumas County, October 2012, p. 150. 39 Ch. 5 PFPD Policy Consulting Associates, LLC LAFCO is required to evaluate disadvantaged unincorporated communities as part of this service review, including the location and characteristics of any such communities. The intent and history of this requirement are outlined in the Background Section of this report. A disadvantaged unincorporated community is defined as any area with 12 or more registered voters, or as determined by commission policy, where the median household income is less than 80 percent of the statewide annual median. The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has developed a mapping tool to assist in determining which communities meet the disadvantaged community's median household income definition. DWR is not bound by the same law as LAFCO to define communities with a minimum threshold of 12 or more registered voters. Because income information is not available for this level of analysis, disadvantaged unincorporated communities with smaller populations that meet LAFCO's definition cannot be identified at this time. The DWR Mapping Tool is an interactive map application that allows users to overlay the following three US Census geographies as separate data layers—Census Place, Census Tract, and Census Block Group. The specific dataset used in the tool is the US Census American Community Survey Five-Year Data: 2016 - 2020. Only those census geographies that meet the disadvantaged community (DAC) definition are shown on the map (i.e., only those with an annual median household income (MHI) that is less than 80 percent of the Statewide annual MHI). The statewide MHI for 2017-2021, according to Census Bureau data, is estimated at $84,097, and hence, the calculated threshold of $67,277 defines whether a community was identified as disadvantaged. Per the DWR Mapping Tool, the entirety of the PFPD SOI is not considered a disadvantaged community. 40 Ch. 5 PFPD Policy Consulting Associates, LLC The Peninsula Fire Protection District (PFPD) accounts for its financial transactions in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) as prescribed by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). The District has one kind of fund. The District's basic services are included in governmental funds, which generally focus on (1) how cash and other financial assets that can readily be converted to cash flow in and out and (2) the balances left at year-end that are available for spending. The District reports the general fund as its major governmental fund. The general fund serves as the District's primary operating fund, accounting for all financial resources except those required to be accounted for in another fund. The District's most recent financial audit, completed in FY 20-21 highlighted the following weaknesses:19 •• Lack of Segregation of Duties— An inadequate segregation of duties was identified in the areas of cash disbursements, cash receipts, grant management, and the financial reporting &closing process. Due to the number of personnel assigned to duties that involve access to the general ledger and other accounting records and who also have custody of and responsibility for handling cash and other assets, inadequate segregation of duties exists. At the time of the FY 20-21 audit the District offered mitigating factors of password protecting all computers, storing all files in locked drawers, and restricting computer access to the Chief and District Secretary. •• Financial Reporting— Similar to many other small special districts, the District lacks policies and procedures to ensure that complete and accurate financial statements, MD&A, and footnote disclosures are prepared in accordance with GAAP before the annual audit. Management relies on the auditor to recommend footnote disclosures for the financial statements and to prepare adjusting journal entries for approval to report financial information in accordance with GAAP. The District has determined that the costs of correcting this control weakness outweigh the benefits. Therefore, the District will continue to rely on the independent auditor to prepare its annual financial statements. 19 Peninsula Fire Protection District Combined Schedule of Findings and Responses June 30, 2021. p.39-44. 41 Ch. 5 PFPD Policy Consulting Associates, LLC FFiigguurree 55--33:: PPeenniinnssuullaa FFiirree PPrrootteeccttiioonn DDiissttrriicctt FFiinnaanncciiaall SSuummmmaarryy,, FFYY 2200--2211 ffyy 2200--2211 GGoovveerrnnmmeennttaall FFuunnddss ((GGeenneerraall)) RReevveennuueess PPrrooppeerrttyy TTaaxxeess $$11,,555577,,883377 DDoonnaattiioonnss aanndd FFuunnddrraaiisseerrss $$8833,,662222 CChhaarrggeess FFoorr CCuurrrreenntt SSeerrvviicceess $$220000,,331133 CCoonnttrraacctt SSeerrvviicceess $$224455,,660000 IInntteerreesstt $$99,,550099 OOtthheerr LLooccaall IInnccoommee $$9944,,220033 TToottaall RReevveennuueess $$22,,119911,,008844 EExxppeennddiittuurreess SSaallaarriieess,, WWaaggeess aanndd BBeenneeffiittss $$11,,779900,,115599 OOffffiiccee $$3333,,884488 IInnssuurraannccee $$4499,,770088 RReeppaaiirrss aanndd MMaaiinntteennaannccee $$3355,,337777 SSeerrvviicceess aanndd SSuupppplliieess $$6644,,220022 PPrrooffeessssiioonnaall SSeerrvviicceess $$1133,,996644 UUttiilliittiieess $$2222,,994455 DDeebbtt SSeerrvviiccee ((PPrriinncciippaall ++ IInntteerreesstt)) $$4455,,994400 CCaappiittaall OOuuttllaayy $$9966,,999933 CCoonnttiinnggeenncciieess -- TToottaall EExxppeennddiittuurreess $$22,,115533,,113366 EExxcceessss ooff RReevveennuueess OOvveerr ((UUnnddeerr)) EExxppeennddiittuurreess $$3377,,994488 BBeeggiinnnniinngg FFuunndd BBaallaannccee -- JJuullyy 11 $$11,,223355,,339944 EEnnddiinngg FFuunndd BBaallaannccee -- JJuunnee 3300 $$11,,227733,,334422 42 Ch. 5 PFPD Policy Consulting Associates, LLC Recurring operating deficits are a warning sign of fiscal distress. In the short term, reserves can backfill deficits and maintain services. However, ongoing deficits eventually will deplete reserves. For FY 20-21, PFPD's governmental fund revenue of $2,191,084 exceeded total expenditures of $2,153,136 by $37,948 or 1.76 percent. A majority of the revenue comes from County Assessments (71 percent, or $1,557,837), while the District's expenses are predominately related to providing general fire protection services. Charges for services increased in FY 20-21 due to higher ambulance service and strike team revenue. An agency's "Net Position" represents the amount by which assets (e.g., cash, capital assets, other assets) exceed liabilities (e.g., debts, unfunded pension and OPEB liabilities, other liabilities). A positive Net Position indicates financial soundness over the long term. As of FY 20-21, the District's total assets (including deferred outflows of resources) of $2,879,409 exceed total liabilities (including deferred inflows of resources) of $1,858,088, resulting in a positive net position of $1,021,321. The District participates in a cost-sharing, multiple-employer defined benefit pension plan administered by the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), which provides retirement, disability benefits, annual cost-of-living adjustments, and death benefits to members and beneficiaries. Contribution rates for the plan are determined annually by the actuary and become effective on July 1 following notice of a rate change, as established by Section 20814(c) of the California Public Employees' Retirement Law. For the safety pension plan, the District's contribution rate for FY 20-21 was 9.13 percent, amounting to total contributions of $96,494. The net pension liability reported for FY 20-21 was $1,167,339, with the District's share being 0.01752 percent. The recognized pension expense for this plan was $238,609. Similarly, the District participates in another cost-sharing, multiple-employer defined benefit pension plan also administered by CalPERS. For the miscellaneous pension plan, the District's 43 Ch. 5 PFPD Policy Consulting Associates, LLC contribution rate was 6.277 percent, amounting to total contributions of $9,868. The net pension liability reported for FY 20-21 was $53,365 with the District's share of this liability being 0.00127 percent. The recognized pension expense for this plan was $9,868 for the year. During FY 20-21, the District invested $921,532 in a broad range of capital assets, including buildings, improvements, and equipment. On December 26, 2007, the District entered into a capital lease agreement with Oshkosh Capital to purchase two new fire engines in 2008. The loan agreement has a 4.24 percent interest rate with an annual installment of $45,940 until 2023. As of FY 20-21, the balance on the loan was $86,355. 44 Ch. 5 PFPD Policy Consulting Associates, LLC The Peninsula Fire District (PFPD) provides fire suppression, ALS, ambulance services, dive and ice rescue using a 16-foot hovercraft, hazardous material emergency response, fire prevention, and fire investigation services. The District also has fire prevention efforts including educational initiatives through the PFPD website, brochures, displays, and other promotional materials. The District provides management and staffing to the Hamilton Branch Fire Protection District (HBFPD). The District also provides EMS transport service throughout the Lake Almanor Basin and occasionally extends into Tehama County, including parts of Lassen National Park. Currently, the Peninsula Fire Protection District (PFPD) is the sole provider of ALS transport in the Basin. PFPD and HBFPD have a formal automatic aid agreement according to which PFPD provides ambulance services to emergency medical aid responses within the HBFPD service area. The two districts also share resources and conduct joint training. PFPD also maintains informal mutual aid agreements with all fire service providers in Plumas County. It also provides mutual aid statewide through California Emergency Management Agency (CalEMA) with a CalEMA Fire Engine. PFD is a member of the Almanor Basin Fire Chiefs' Association, Plumas County Fire Chiefs' Association, and Special District Association. The District currently has nine full-time firefighters, including five paramedic firefighters, two full- time chief officers, and one full-time administrative staff member. Additionally, the District employs two part-time administrative assistants and 12 Per Diem firefighters.20 Whenever possible, PFPD hires its full-time personnel from the Per Diem pool. 20 Per Diem firefighters are those who work on an as-needed basis rather than as full-time or part-time employees. 45 Ch. 5 PFPD Policy Consulting Associates, LLC All PFPD full-time firefighters are certified as Firefighter I21 and Emergency Medical Technician- Basic (EMT-B) as a minimum standard. Per Diem Firefighters are required to be EMT-B certified and possess a valid wildland firefighter red card at a minimum. The District maintains an annual training calendar managed by the District training officer, ensuring that all materials covered align with state and federal mandates for firefighters. Additionally, PFPD is developing a career development program to train staff for advancement opportunities. The Peninsula Fire Protection District (PFPD) operates from two fire stations and maintains an administrative office and a 501(c)(3) non-profit thrift shop, which supports the District. Additionally, the District has two acres of undeveloped land on Clifford Drive for the future construction of a third fire station.22 PFPD is equipped with various equipment at its facilities: •• Station 1— type1 2015 Ford F550 transport ambulance (ALS), type 1 1999 KME Pumper, and type 4 1991 Zodiac hurricane rescue boat •• Station 2— two type 1 2008 Pierce Contender pumper, type 5 2000 Pierce mini pumper, and type 1 Ford F450 transport ambulance (ALS) •• Admin Office — 2021 Chev Tahoe command Veh icle and a 2015 Ram 2500 command vehicle FFiigguurree 55--44:: PPFFPPDD FFiirree FFaacciilliittiieess aanndd EEqquuiippmmeenntt ffaacciilliittiieess aanndd eeqquuiippmmeenntt FFaacciilliittyy 11 FFaacciilliittyy 22 FFaacciilliittyy 33 FFaacciilliittyy 44 FFaacciilliittyy 55 FFiirree SSiirreennss FFuuttuurree SSiittee NNaammee SSttaattiioonn 11 SSttaattiioonn 22 AAddmmiinn OOffffiiccee TThhrriifftt ooff SSttaattiioonn 33 21 Fire Fighter 1 is the first certification in the California Fire Fighter professional certification series. 22 Peninsula Fire Protection District, Request for Information Response. August 2024. 46 Ch. 5 PFPD Policy Consulting Associates, LLC 449977 880011--AA GGoollff 880011--BB GGoollff FFiirreehhaallll RRdd CClluubb RRdd 880011--CC GGoollff CClluubb RRdd LLaakkee LLaakkee CClluubb RRdd LLaakkee LLaakkee AAllmmaannoorr AAllmmaannoorr AAllmmaannoorr CCAA AAllmmaannoorr CCAA AA--1133 @@ AAddddrreessss CCAA 9966113377 CCAA 9966113377 9966113377 9966113377 CClliiffffoorrdd DDrr HHoouurrss 99::0000--11::0000 oonn SSttaaffffeedd 2244//77 2244//77 99::0000--55::0000 WWeeddnneessddaayyss NN//AA DDaattee AAccqquuiirreedd oorr BBuuiilltt 11996644 11997711 11996644 11996644 11999966 CCoonnddiittiioonn2233 FFaaiirr FFaaiirr GGoooodd GGoooodd NN//AA The County Sheriff dispatches most fire providers within the County, except for those in the northern part (including PFPD), which are served by the Susanville Interagency Fire Center (SIFC). SIFC is an Emergency Operations Command Center made up of four cooperating agencies: the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The Forest Service also maintains its own dispatch. SIFC uses a first responder map to determine which provider to dispatch to an incident. PFPD has provided staffing and administration support to HBFPD for 15 years and reports potential for further shared administration and chief officer support at the PFPD's admin office. 23 Facility condition definitions: EExxcceelllleenntt—relatively new (less than 10 years old) and requires minimal maintenance. GGoooodd— provides reliable operation in accordance with design parameters and requires only routine maintenance. FFaaiirr—operating at or near design levels; however, non-routine renovation, upgrading and repairs are needed to ensure continued reliable operation. PPoooorr—cannot be operated within design parameters; major renovations are required to restore the facility and ensure reliable operation. 47 Ch. 5 PFPD Policy Consulting Associates, LLC PFPD received 369 service calls in 2023, of which 205 were mutual aid calls. EMS incidents account for most calls with 229 calls or 62 percent of all calls. In comparison, motor vehicle accounts for the lowest number of calls (nine calls or roughly 3 percent of all calls). Figure 5-5 shows calls received by type. FFiigguurree 55--55:: PPFFPPDD SSeerrvviiccee CCaallllss bbyy TTyyppee,, 22002233 sseerrvviiccee ccaallllss bbyy ttyyppee FFiirree // MMiisscc.. MMiisscc.. NNoonn-- HHaazzaarrddoouuss FFaallssee MMoottoorr TToottaall EEMMSS EEmmeerrggeenncciieess EEmmeerrggeenncciieess MMaatteerriiaallss AAllaarrmm VVeehhiiccllee CCaallllss 222299 4477 3366 3311 1177 99 336699 From 2021 to 2023, the highest number of service calls was received in 2023, with 369 calls, compared to 290 calls in 2022 and 343 calls in 2021. Mutual aid calls also saw a significant increase in 2023, reaching 205, compared to 123 in 2022 and 127 in 2021. In 2023, mutual aid calls constituted over 55 percent of all service calls, a rise from 42 percent in 2022 and 37 percent in 2021. The surge in mutual aid calls could be attributed to the Chester Public Utility District (CPUD) fire department's reduced staffing and services. PFPD anticipates further increases in service demands due to several proposed developments in the Peninsula's open spaces, which are projected to add around 1,600 homes, retail spaces, and hotels. Developments in Bailey Creek and Fox Wood are also expected to contribute to the growing demand for services. The District reports that the remodeling of two bathrooms at Station 1 is needed, with an estimated cost of approximately $25,000. This project will be financed by the District Budget and is projected to be completed within the next two years. Additionally, the District indicated that various upgrades are needed at Station 2, including Automatic Deployment of Alarm (ADA) upgrades, exterior siding replacement, and new energy-efficient windows. These upgrades are expected to be financed by grant funding and are projected to take five years. 48 Ch. 5 PFPD Policy Consulting Associates, LLC The District reports that challenges in providing competitive wage and benefit packages pose a difficulty in maintaining service levels and meeting staffing needs. Additionally, the significant reduction of fire services provided by Chester PUD's Fire Department has increased call volume for PFPD, further straining the current staffing levels. There are many measures of a successful fire protection service. This section focuses on response times and the Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating for the community. PFPD has adopted a reflex time policy (which is the time between dispatch and the arrival of the first unit) of two minutes during daylight hours and three minutes at night. PFPD reported an average response time of 7 minutes and 34 seconds in 2023 and 6 minutes and 45 seconds in 2022, both exceeding the District's policy. In 2024, the response time increased to 14 minutes and 5 seconds, primarily due to longer response times for Chester and West Shore EMS services. The ISO classifies fire services in the communities as an indicator of the general adequacy of coverage. Communities with the best fire department facilities, systems for water distribution, fire alarms and communications, and equipment and personnel receive a rating of 1. Peninsula Fire Protection District (PFPD) has an ISO rating of 3 and was last revie wed in 2020. 49 Ch. 5 PFPD Policy Consulting Associates, LLC The Peninsula Fire Protection District (PFPD) has indicated recent challenges in providing services due to increased call volumes and a higher workload, resulting from Chester Fire Department's reduced operation to only three days a week and PFPD being the only Advanced Life Support (ALS) transport provider in the Basin. To address these issues, the annexation of the Chester Fire Service area into PFPD is recommended. Additionally, the option of regionalization of fire services in the Lake Almanor area is discussed. For further details on both options, please refer to the Governance Structure Options section in Chapter 3. 50 Ch. 5 PFPD Policy Consulting Associates, LLC 55--11:: FFrroomm 22001100 ttoo 22002200,, tthhee PPeenniinnssuullaa FFiirree PPrrootteeccttiioonn DDiissttrriicctt''ss ((PPFFPPDD)) ppooppuullaattiioonn ggrreeww ffrroomm 777755 ttoo 881177,, rreessuullttiinngg iinn aann aavveerraaggee aannnnuuaall ggrroowwtthh rraattee ooff aabboouutt 00..5533 ppeerrcceenntt.. 55--22:: AAccccoorrddiinngg ttoo tthhee DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt ooff FFiinnaannccee ((DDOOFF)),, ccoouunnttyywwiiddee ggrroowwtthh pprroojjeeccttiioonnss ffoorr PPlluummaass CCoouunnttyy aarree eexxppeecctteedd ttoo sseeee aann aapppprrooxxiimmaatteellyy nneeggaattiivvee oonnee ppeerrcceenntt aavveerraaggee aannnnuuaall ggrroowwtthh rraattee ((AAAAGGRR)) ffrroomm 22002200 ((1199,,884477)) tthhrroouugghh 22006600 ((1133,,002255)).. UUttiilliizziinngg tthhee CCoouunnttyy''ss AAAAGGRR aanndd PPFFPPDD''ss 22002200 ppooppuullaattiioonn eessttiimmaatteess,, tthhee ppooppuullaattiioonn wwiitthhiinn tthhee DDiissttrriicctt iiss aannttiicciippaatteedd ttoo ddeeccrreeaassee ttoo 553366 bbyy 22006600.. 55--33:: AAccccoorrddiinngg ttoo CCeennssuuss BBuurreeaauu ddaattaa,, tthhee ssttaatteewwiiddee MMHHII ffoorr 22001177-- 22002211 iiss eessttiimmaatteedd aatt $$8844,,009977,, aanndd hheennccee,, tthhee ccaallccuullaatteedd tthhrreesshhoolldd ooff $$6677,,227777 ((8800 ppeerrcceenntt)) ddeeffiinneess wwhheetthheerr aa ccoommmmuunniittyy iiss iiddeennttiiffiieedd aass ddiissaaddvvaannttaaggeedd.. PPeerr tthhee CCaalliiffoorrnniiaa DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt ooff WWaatteerr RReessoouurrcceess ((DDWWRR)) MMaappppiinngg TTooooll,, tthhee eennttiirreettyy ooff tthhee PPFFPPDD SSOOII iiss nnoott ccoonnssiiddeerreedd aa ddiissaaddvvaannttaaggeedd ccoommmmuunniittyy.. 55--44:: PPFFPPDD ooppeerraatteess ttwwoo ffiirree ssttaattiioonnss,, mmaaiinnttaaiinnss aann aaddmmiinniissttrraattiivvee ooffffiiccee,, aanndd rruunnss aa 550011((cc))((33)) nnoonn--pprrooffiitt tthhrriifftt sshhoopp ssuuppppoorrttiinngg tthhee DDiissttrriicctt.. TThhee DDiissttrriicctt aallssoo oowwnnss ttwwoo aaccrreess ooff llaanndd oonn CClliiffffoorrdd DDrriivvee ffoorr aa ffuuttuurree tthhiirrdd ffiirree ssttaattiioonn.. 55--55:: TThhee DDiissttrriicctt ppllaannss ttoo rreemmooddeell ttwwoo bbaatthhrroooommss aatt SSttaattiioonn 11,, wwiitthh aann eessttiimmaatteedd ccoosstt ooff $$2255,,000000,, ffuunnddeedd bbyy tthhee DDiissttrriicctt BBuuddggeett.. TThhee pprroojjeecctt iiss eexxppeecctteedd ttoo bbee ccoommpplleetteedd wwiitthhiinn ttwwoo yyeeaarrss.. AAddddiittiioonnaallllyy,, tthhee DDiissttrriicctt rreeppoorrttss tthhaatt SSttaattiioonn 22 rreeqquuiirreess sseevveerraall uuppggrraaddeess,, iinncclluuddiinngg AADDAA iimmpprroovveemmeennttss,, ssiiddiinngg rreeppllaacceemmeenntt,, aanndd nneeww eenneerrggyy-- eeffffiicciieenntt wwiinnddoowwss,, wwhhiicchh aarree eexxppeecctteedd ttoo bbee ffiinnaanncceedd tthhrroouugghh ggrraannttss aanndd ccoommpplleetteedd oovveerr ffiivvee yyeeaarrss.. 55--66:: TThhee DDiissttrriicctt rreeppoorrttss tthhaatt cchhaalllleennggeess iinn pprroovviiddiinngg ccoommppeettiittiivvee wwaaggee aanndd bbeenneeffiitt ppaacckkaaggeess ppoossee aa ddiiffffiiccuullttyy iinn mmaaiinnttaaiinniinngg sseerrvviiccee lleevveellss aanndd mmeeeettiinngg ssttaaffffiinngg nneeeeddss.. AAddddiittiioonnaallllyy,, tthhee ssiiggnniiffiiccaanntt rreedduuccttiioonn ooff ffiirree sseerrvviicceess pprroovviiddeedd bbyy CChheesstteerr PPUUDD''ss FFiirree DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt hhaass iinnccrreeaasseedd ccaallll vvoolluummee ffoorr PPFFPPDD,, ffuurrtthheerr ssttrraaiinniinngg tthhee ccuurrrreenntt ssttaaffffiinngg lleevveellss.. 55--77:: AAlltthhoouugghh PPFFPPDD rreeppoorrttss cchhaalllleennggeess iinn pprroovviiddiinngg sseerrvviicceess,, iittss IISSOO rraattiinngg ooff 33 iinnddiiccaatteess tthhaatt tthhee DDiissttrriicctt iiss ddeelliivveerriinngg aaddeeqquuaattee sseerrvviicceess oovveerraallll.. HHoowweevveerr,, iitt iiss rreeccoommmmeennddeedd tthhaatt tthhee DDiissttrriicctt aaddddrreessss tthhee cchhaalllleennggeess aanndd iinnffrraassttrruuccttuurree nneeeeddss iiddeennttiiffiieedd ttoo ssuussttaaiinn sseerrvviiccee qquuaalliittyy aanndd iimmpprroovvee eeffffiicciieennccyy.. 51 Ch. 5 PFPD Policy Consulting Associates, LLC 55--88:: TThhee mmoosstt rreecceenntt ffiinnaanncciiaall aauuddiitt ccoommpplleetteedd ffoorr FFYY 2200--2211,, rreefflleecctteedd aa bbuuddggeett ssuurrpplluuss aanndd aa ppoossiittiivvee nneett ppoossiittiioonn.. HHoowweevveerr,, tthhee aauuddiitt iiddeennttiiffiieedd aa ffeeww aarreeaass ooff iimmpprroovveemmeenntt iinncclluuddiinngg iinnaaddeeqquuaattee sseeggrreeggaattiioonn ooff dduuttiieess aanndd aa llaacckk ooff ppoolliicciieess aanndd pprroocceedduurreess ttoo eennssuurree ccoommpprreehheennssiivvee ffiinnaanncciiaall rreeppoorrttiinngg.. 55--99:: PPFFPPDD aanndd tthhee HHaammiillttoonn BBrraanncchh FFiirree PPrrootteeccttiioonn DDiissttrriicctt ((HHBBFFPPDD)) hhaavvee aa ffoorrmmaall aauuttoommaattiicc aaiidd aaggrreeeemmeenntt,, uunnddeerr wwhhiicchh PPFFPPDD pprroovviiddeess aammbbuullaannccee sseerrvviicceess wwiitthhiinn tthhee HHBBFFPPDD sseerrvviiccee aarreeaa.. TThheeyy aallssoo sshhaarree rreessoouurrcceess aanndd ccoonndduucctt jjooiinntt ttrraaiinniinngg sseessssiioonnss.. 55--1100:: PPFFPPDD hhaass iinnffoorrmmaall mmuuttuuaall aaiidd aaggrreeeemmeennttss wwiitthh aallll ffiirree sseerrvviiccee pprroovviiddeerrss iinn PPlluummaass CCoouunnttyy aanndd ooffffeerrss mmuuttuuaall aaiidd ssttaatteewwiiddee tthhrroouugghh CCaallEEMMAA wwiitthh aa CCaallEEMMAA FFiirree EEnnggiinnee.. PPFFPPDD iiss aallssoo aa mmeemmbbeerr ooff sseevveerraall aassssoocciiaattiioonnss,, iinncclluuddiinngg tthhee AAllmmaannoorr BBaassiinn FFiirree CChhiieeffss'' AAssssoocciiaattiioonn,, PPlluummaass CCoouunnttyy FFiirree CChhiieeffss'' AAssssoocciiaattiioonn,, aanndd SSppeecciiaall DDiissttrriicctt AAssssoocciiaattiioonn 55--1111:: TThhee DDiissttrriicctt rreeppoorrttss tthheerree iiss aa ppootteennttiiaall ffoorr ffuurrtthheerr sshhaarreedd aaddmmiinniissttrraattiioonn aanndd cchhiieeff ooffffiicceerr ssuuppppoorrtt wwiitthh tthhee HHaammiillttoonn BBrraanncchh FFiirree PPrrootteeccttiioonn DDiissttrriicctt ((HHBBFFPPDD)) aatt PPFFPPDD''ss aaddmmiinn ooffffiiccee.. 55--1122:: PPFFPPDD ggeenneerraallllyy mmeeeettss tthhee rreeqquuiirreemmeennttss oouuttlliinneedd iinn SSttaattee llaawwss rreeggaarrddiinngg tthhee BBrroowwnn AAcctt,, wweebbssiittee mmaatteerriiaallss,, aanndd bbeesstt pprraaccttiicceess ttoo eennssuurree eeaassyy aacccceessss ttoo ssiiggnniiffiiccaanntt ppllaannnniinngg ddooccuummeennttss aanndd ffiinnaanncciiaall rreeppoorrttss.. 55--1133:: TThhee DDiissttrriicctt hhaass mmaaddee aaggeennddaass aavvaaiillaabbllee oonnlliinnee ttoo tthhee ppuubblliicc ffoorr mmeeeettiinnggss aass ffaarr bbaacckk aass 22001199.. HHoowweevveerr,, mmeeeettiinngg mmiinnuutteess aarree nnoott rreeaaddiillyy aacccceessssiibbllee oonnlliinnee aanndd aarree aavvaaiillaabbllee uuppoonn rreeqquueesstt.. IItt iiss rreeccoommmmeennddeedd tthhaatt tthhee DDiissttrriicctt mmaakkeess mmiinnuutteess aavvaaiillaabbllee oonnlliinnee ffoorr eeaacchh bbooaarrdd mmeeeettiinngg aass rreeqquuiirreedd.. 55--1144:: TThhee DDiissttrriicctt ccoommpplliieess wwiitthh ffiinnaanncciiaall rreeppoorrttiinngg pprraaccttiicceess bbyy mmaakkiinngg aavvaaiillaabbllee tthhee SSttaattee CCoonnttrroolllleerr''ss OOffffiiccee FFiinnaanncciiaall TTrraannssaaccttiioonn RReeppoorrtt,, AAnnnnuuaall CCoommppeennssaattiioonn RReeppoorrtt,, aanndd EEnntteerrpprriissee SSyysstteemm CCaattaalloogguuee oonn iittss wweebbssiittee.. HHoowweevveerr,, iitt iiss aallssoo rreeccoommmmeennddeedd tthhaatt tthhee DDiissttrriicctt mmaakkee aavvaaiillaabbllee aallll uupp--ttoo--ddaattee ffiinnaanncciiaall aauuddiittss aanndd aaddoopptteedd bbuuddggeettss oonn tthhee PPFFPPDD wweebbssiittee ttoo eennssuurree ttrraannssppaarreennccyy.. 55--1155:: PPFFPPDD bbooaarrdd mmeemmbbeerrss hhaavvee ffiilleedd uupp--ttoo--ddaattee FFoorrmm 770000 ffoorrmmss aanndd ccoommpplleetteedd eetthhiiccss ttrraaiinniinngg.. IItt iiss rreeccoommmmeennddeedd tthhaatt tthheessee ddooccuummeennttss bbee mmaaddee aavvaaiillaabbllee oonnlliinnee ttoo eennssuurree ttrraannssppaarreennccyy.. TThhee DDiissttrriicctt hhaass aallssoo aaddoopptteedd aa CCoonnfflliicctt--ooff--IInntteerreesstt CCooddee PPuurrssuuaanntt ttoo tthhee pprroovviissiioonnss ooff GGoovveerrnnmmeenntt CCooddee sseeccttiioonnss 8877330033,, 8877330066 aanndd 8877330066..55,, eett..sseeqq.. 55--1166:: PPFFPPDD ddeemmoonnssttrraatteedd aaccccoouunnttaabbiilliittyy iinn iittss ddiisscclloossuurree ooff iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn aanndd ccooooppeerraattiioonn wwiitthh tthhee LLAAFFCCOO qquueessttiioonnnnaaiirreess aanndd ootthheerr rreeqquueessttss ffoorr iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn.. 55--1177:: PPFFPPDD iiss ffaacciinngg cchhaalllleennggeess ffrroomm hhiigghheerr sseerrvviiccee ccaallll vvoolluummeess aanndd wwoorrkkllooaadd dduuee ttoo tthhee CChheesstteerr FFiirree DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt''ss ssiiggnniiffiiccaanntt sseerrvviiccee rreedduuccttiioonn.. TToo aaddddrreessss tthheessee iissssuueess,, 52 Ch. 5 PFPD Policy Consulting Associates, LLC aannnneexxaattiioonn ooff tthhee CChheesstteerr FFiirree SSeerrvviiccee aarreeaa iinnttoo PPFFPPDD iiss rreeccoommmmeennddeedd.. AAddddiittiioonnaallllyy,, tthhee ooppttiioonn ooff rreeggiioonnaalliizzaattiioonn ooff ffiirree sseerrvviicceess iinn tthhee LLaakkee AAllmmaannoorr aarreeaa iiss ddiissccuusssseedd.. 53 Ch. 5 PFPD Policy Consulting Associates, LLC The Peninsula Fire Protection District (PFPD) most recent SOI was adopted following an SOI update study for the Lake Almanor area in 2013. PFPD's current SOI extends beyond the District's boundaries to the south, including portions of Lake Almanor immediately adjacent to the district, and to the north, beyond Plumas County A13, extending north of State Route (SR) 36 and the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway. SOI options for PFPD's fire protection services consist of the following: OOppttiioonn ##11:: AApppprroovveedd wwiitthh aann eexxppaannddeedd SSOOII — An expanded SOI, a sphere larger than PFPD's current SOI, that includes the Chester fire services area can be adopted. This option identifies areas PFPD is expected to annex and suggests that LAFCO anticipates the eventual dissolution of the Chester Fire Department through the annexation of the Chester fire protection service area into the Peninsula Fire Protection District (PFPD) due to the challenges identified in providing services. OOppttiioonn ##22:: AApppprroovvee wwiitthh nnoo cchhaannggee — Given the lack of supported options, the Commission may wish to consider no changes to PFPD's SOI. It is recommended that the Commission adopt Option #1 in anticipation of receiving an application for annexation from CPUD and PFPD. 54 Ch. 4 CPUD SOI Update Policy Consulting Associates, LLC LAFCO is required to prepare a written statement of determination with respect to the following areas when updating a special district's Sphere of Influence, as specified by Cortese- Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000. The following determinations are proposed for the Peninsula Fire Protection District's fire protection service. 66--11:: TThhee PPlluummaass CCoouunnttyy iiss tthhee llaanndd uussee aauutthhoorriittyy aanndd hhoolldd pprriimmaarryy rreessppoonnssiibbiilliittyy ffoorr iimmpplleemmeennttiinngg ggrroowwtthh ssttrraatteeggiieess iinn tthhee PPeenniinnssuullaa FFiirree PPrrootteeccttiioonn DDiissttrriicctt ((PPFFPPDD)) aarreeaa.. 66--22:: AAccccoorrddiinngg ttoo tthhee PPlluummaass CCoouunnttyy 22003355 GGeenneerraall PPllaann,, tthhee PPFFPPDD aarreeaa pprriimmaarriillyy ccoonnssiissttss ooff ssiinnggllee--ffaammiillyy rreessiiddeennttiiaall llaanndd uusseess,, wwiitthh aaddddiittiioonnaall aarreeaass ddeessiiggnnaatteedd ffoorr mmuullttiippllee--ffaammiillyy rreessiiddeennttiiaall,, rruurraall rreessiiddeennttiiaall,, rreessoorrtt aanndd rreeccrreeaattiioonn.. CCoommmmeerrcciiaall ddeessiiggnnaattiioonnss aarree aallssoo pprreesseenntt aalloonngg tthhee nnoorrtthheerrnn ppaarrtt ooff SSttaattee RRoouuttee ((SSRR)) 3366.. 66--33:: PPFFPPDD ooffffeerrss aa rraannggee ooff sseerrvviicceess iinncclluuddiinngg ffiirree ssuupppprreessssiioonn,, AAddvvaanncceedd LLiiffee SSuuppppoorrtt ((AALLSS)),, aammbbuullaannccee sseerrvviicceess,, ddiivvee aanndd iiccee rreessccuuee wwiitthh aa 1166--ffoooott hhoovveerrccrraafftt,, hhaazzaarrddoouuss mmaatteerriiaall rreessppoonnssee,, ffiirree pprreevveennttiioonn,, aanndd ffiirree iinnvveessttiiggaattiioonn.. IItt aallssoo eennggaaggeess iinn ffiirree pprreevveennttiioonn tthhrroouugghh eedduuccaattiioonnaall iinniittiiaattiivveess oonn iittss wweebbssiittee,, bbrroocchhuurreess,, aanndd ootthheerr mmaatteerriiaallss.. PPFFPPDD sseerrvveess aann aarreeaa ooff aapppprrooxxiimmaatteellyy 1177 ssqquuaarree mmiilleess ooff llaanndd aanndd wwaatteerr.. 66--44:: PPFFPPDD ooppeerraatteess ttwwoo ffiirree ssttaattiioonnss,, hhaass aann aaddmmiinniissttrraattiivvee ooffffiiccee,, rruunnss aa nnoonn--pprrooffiitt tthhrriifftt sshhoopp,, aanndd oowwnnss ttwwoo aaccrreess ooff llaanndd ffoorr aa ffuuttuurree tthhiirrdd ffiirree ssttaattiioonn.. 66--55:: DDuuee ttoo tthhee ssiiggnniiffiiccaanntt rreedduuccttiioonn ooff ffiirree sseerrvviicceess pprroovviiddeedd bbyy CChheesstteerr PPUUDD''ss FFiirree DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt,, PPFFPPDD''ss ccaallll vvoolluummee hhaass iinnccrreeaasseedd,, ssttrraaiinniinngg tthhee ccuurrrreenntt ssttaaffffiinngg lleevveellss.. 55 Ch. 6 PFPD SOI Update Policy Consulting Associates, LLC 66--66:: TThhee DDiissttrriicctt rreeppoorrttss tthhaatt cchhaalllleennggeess iinn pprroovviiddiinngg ccoommppeettiittiivvee wwaaggee aanndd bbeenneeffiitt ppaacckkaaggeess ppoossee aa ddiiffffiiccuullttyy iinn mmaaiinnttaaiinniinngg sseerrvviiccee lleevveellss aanndd mmeeeettiinngg ssttaaffffiinngg nneeeeddss.. 66--77:: TThhee DDiissttrriicctt pprroovviiddeess eexxttrraatteerrrriittoorriiaall sseerrvviicceess tthhrroouugghhoouutt tthhee LLaakkee AAllmmaannoorr BBaassiinn aanndd ooccccaassiioonnaallllyy eexxtteennddss iinnttoo TTeehhaammaa CCoouunnttyy,, iinncclluuddiinngg ppaarrttss ooff LLaasssseenn NNaattiioonnaall PPaarrkk.. 66--88:: MMoosstt ooff tthhee CCPPUUDD ffiirree pprrootteeccttiioonn sseerrvviiccee aarreeaa,, aass iiddeennttiiffiieedd bbyy tthhee CCaalliiffoorrnniiaa DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt ooff WWaatteerr RReessoouurrcceess ((DDWWRR)) mmaappppiinngg ttooooll,, iiss ccllaassssiiffiieedd aass aa ddiissaaddvvaannttaaggeedd ccoommmmuunniittyy ((DDAACC)).. IItt iiss rreeccoommmmeennddeedd tthhaatt wwhheenn ccoonnssiiddeerriinngg tthhee aannnneexxaattiioonn ooff tthhee CChheesstteerr ffiirree pprrootteeccttiioonn sseerrvviiccee aarreeaa ttoo PPFFPPDD,, tthhee DDiissttrriiccttss ttaakkee iinnttoo aaccccoouunntt tthhee pprreesseennccee ooff DDAACCss aanndd tthhee ppootteennttiiaall iimmppaaccttss ooff ggrroowwtthh iinn tthheessee ccoommmmuunniittiieess.. 66--99:: PPeerr tthhee CCaalliiffoorrnniiaa DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt ooff WWaatteerr RReessoouurrcceess ((DDWWRR)) MMaappppiinngg TTooooll,, tthhee eennttiirreettyy ooff tthhee PPFFPPDD SSOOII iiss nnoott ccoonnssiiddeerreedd aa ddiissaaddvvaannttaaggeedd ccoommmmuunniittyy.. 56 Ch. 6 PFPD SOI Update Policy Consulting Associates, LLC