Selma-Fowler-Kingsburg County Sanitation

FRESNO LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION (LAFCO)
EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT
CONSENT AGENDA ITEM NO. 13
DATE:
August 22, 2007
TO:
Fresno Local Agency Formation Commission
FROM:
Rick Ballantyne, Executive Officer
Darrel Schmidt, Deputy Executive Officer
SUBJECT:
Consider Adoption – Municipal Service Review and Sphere of
Influence Update Prepared for the Selma-Kingsburg-Fowler County
Sanitation District
Summary / Background
The Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000 requires LAFCo to
review and update, as necessary, special districts’ Spheres of Influence (SOI) before January 1,
2008, and every five years thereafter. Prior to, or in conjunction with an agency’s SOI update,
LAFCo is required to conduct a Municipal Service Review (MSR) for each agency.
On December 13, 2006, the Commission directed staff to enter into a contract with Pacific
Municipal Consultants (PMC) to prepare MSRs and SOI Updates for numerous special districts.
The attached MSR has been prepared for the Selma-Kingsburg-Fowler County Sanitation
District.
Municipal Service Reviews provide a comprehensive review of the services provided by a city or
district and present recommendations with regard to the condition and adequacy of these
services and whether or not any modifications to a city or district’s SOI is necessary. MSRs can
be used as informational tools by LAFCo and local agencies in evaluating the efficiencies of
current district operations and may suggest changes in order to better serve the public.
SOI updates may involve an affirmation of the existing SOI boundary or recommend
modifications to the SOI boundary. LAFCo is not required to initiate changes to an SOI based
on findings and recommendations of the service review, although it does have the power to do
so. Such updates are required by State law to be conducted every five years. MSRs are
required to be prepared prior to, or in conjunction with SOI updates.
State law requires that the Commission in its consideration of the MSRs adopt written
determinations for each of the following nine criteria:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Infrastructure needs or deficiencies
Growth and population projections for the affected area
Financing constraints and opportunities
Cost avoidance opportunities
Opportunities for rate restructuring
Opportunities for shared facilities
Government structure options, including advantages and disadvantages of the
consolidation or reorganization of service providers
8. Evaluation of management efficiencies
9. Local accountability and governance
1
As part of the SOI update, the Commission is required to make appropriate determinations in
relationship to each of the following:
1. The present and planned land uses in the area, including agricultural and open-space
lands
2. The present and probable need for public facilities and services in the area
3. The present capacity of public facilities and adequacy of public services that the agency
provides or is authorized to provide
4. The existence of any social or economic communities of interest in the area if the
commission determines that they are relevant to the agency
County Sanitation Districts are formed pursuant to Health and Safety Code 4700–4859 and are
empowered to provide sewage, solid waste, street cleaning, street sweeping, and water
services.
Environmental Determination
The California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") requires that the Commission undertake and
review an environmental analysis before granting approval of a project, as defined by CEQA.
The MSR is categorically exempt from the preparation of environmental documentation under a
classification related to information gathering (Class 6 - Regulation section 15306), which states:
"Class 6 consists of basic data collection, research, experimental management, and resource
evaluation activities which do not result in a serious or major disturbance to an environmental
resource. These may be strictly for information gathering purposes, or as part of a study leading
to an action which a public agency has not yet approved, adopted, or funded." Indeed,
this MSR collects data for the purpose of evaluating municipal services provided by the agency.
There is no land use change or environmental impact created by such a study.
Furthermore, the MSR qualifies for a general exemption from environmental review based upon
CEQA Regulation section 15061(b)(3), which states: "The activity is covered by the general rule
that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on
the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity
in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to
CEQA." Additionally, the SOI update qualifies for the same general exemption
from environmental review based upon CEQA Regulation section 15061(b)(3).
There is no possibility that this MSR or SOI update may have a significant effect on the
environment because there are no land use changes associated with either document. If the
Commission approves and adopts the MSR and SOI update and determines that the project is
exempt from CEQA, staff will prepare and file a notice of exemption with the County of Fresno,
as required by CEQA Regulation section 15062.
Discussion / Summary of Determinations
The Selma-Kingsburg-Fowler County Sanitation District is located in south-central Fresno
County. The boundary and SOI of the District includes the Cities of Selma, Kingsburg, and
Fowler and their respective Spheres of Influence and the connection corridors between the
Cities, as well as the District’s wastewater treatment facility located west of Kingsburg. The
District encompasses 7,012 acres (10.95 square miles). Its SOI encompasses approximately
17,330 acres (27.08 square miles).
2
The District provides wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal services to the Cities of
Selma, Kingsburg, and Fowler, serving approximately 38,400 people through nearly 10,300
connections. The District also serves about 200 connections located outside the municipal
boundaries of the three Cities.
The District is governed by a five-member Board of Directors made up from three elected
officials representing each of the three cities served by the District and two members of the
Board of Supervisors. It has 32 full-time employees.
District infrastructure includes its wastewater treatment plant, major sewer connecting routes to
the plant, two office buildings, and various vehicles and other equipment necessary to operate
the plant. The treatment plant is located on a 550-acre site, 1 ½ miles west of Kingsburg. The
sewer system consists of approximately 150 miles of sewer lines ranging in size from eight
inches to 42 inches in diameter and 21 wastewater pump stations. The wastewater treatment
plant is a secondary level treatment facility. The District owns the treatment plant and major
connecting routes to the plant. The Cities own the sewer collection systems within their
respective boundaries.
Historically, the District has been able to make upgrades to its infrastructure to accommodate
the average annual 300 – 400 Equivalent Single-Family Residences (ESFR) growth
experienced in the three Cities before the growth became a strain on the system. The three
Cities expect to experience residential growth at three to five times that rate within the next 4 –
10 years. The District’s Board has approved a plan to increase treatment and disposal capacity
from 4.8 million gallons per day (mgd) to 6.3 mgd by November, 2008. This expansion will
accommodate 4,400 additional EFSRs. A plan for expansion beyond this 6.3 mgd capacity will
be developed within 2007. The District is reviewing the availability of funding from developers,
grants, loans, bonds, capacity charges, and user fees to fund these and other improvements.
The District’s FY 2006-07 Budget identified major revenue sources including $5,665,282 for
Operations and Maintenance, $1,067,000 for capital expansion, and $663,090 for Capital
Refurbishment and Replacement. Major expenditures were expected to be $5,865,282 for
Operations and Maintenance, $640,000 for City Collection and System Capital, and $260,000
for Capital Refurbishment and Replacement. The District does not have any long term debt
and, at the end of June 30, 2006, had net assets totaling $35,799,065. Service Fees were last
updated July 1, 2005. Funds are currently sufficient to provide service, although additional
funding may be needed for anticipated expansion.
The District engages in cost avoidance opportunities in that the individual Cities own and are
responsible for their respective local wastewater collection system lines and pump stations and
any expansions of this infrastructure.
The District does not share facilities with any other agencies for daily operations, but its
buildings are occasionally used by other public agencies for personnel trainings and meetings.
The District does not charge other public agencies for use of its facilities.
The District seeks to serve all new territories that are annexed to Selma, Kingsburg, and Fowler.
Additionally, though there is no proposal to expand the District’s SOI at this time, as SOI
amendments are approved for Selma, Fowler, and Kingsburg, the District will seek to expand its
SOI to include the same area.
3
The District states that it has plans underway to provide capacity at the wastewater treatment
plant to serve all future users. The District’s Board has approved a $7.2 million plan to
accommodate growth expected in the next 2–5 years and will prepare a strategy by December,
2007, to expand its infrastructure beyond the current planning level.
In response to the draft MSR prepared for the District, the County of Fresno Department of
Public Works and Planning submitted the following comments:
The SKF District should be encouraged to work with the City of Parlier to provide phasedin service allowing the City to use their existing plant through its effective life and then
transferring the existing flows over to SKF. New development within the City of Parlier
that requires new collection systems should be encouraged to plumb to the existing SKF
facility (comments letter is attached).
These comments are similar to those submitted by the County in response to the draft MSR
prepared for the City of Parlier. No additional information was submitted by the County to
support this request. The District indicates that it is aware of the County’s position regarding the
County’s position on the City of Parlier’s wastewater. If the County has concerns related to the
ability of Parlier to adequately provide wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal services to
its population, staff would encourage the County to present its concerns to the City and the
District so that any potential issues can be addressed. Additionally, if the District and the City of
Parlier believe it would be advantageous for the District to provide wastewater collection,
treatment, and disposal services to the City, staff would encourage the two agencies to discuss
this possibility.
Recommendations:
A.
Acting as Lead Agency pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
Guidelines, find that prior to adopting the written determinations, the Municipal Service
Review and Sphere of Influence determinations under consideration are Categorically
Exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under
Section 15306, “Information Collection” and the general exemption from environmental
review, CEQA Regulation Section 15061(b)(3), and find that the SOI Update qualifies
for the same general exemption from environmental review based upon CEQA
Regulation Section 15061(b)(3).
B.
Find the Municipal Service Review and Sphere of Influence Update prepared for the
Selma-Kingsburg-Fowler County Sanitation District are complete and satisfactory.
C.
Find that the written determinations within the Municipal Service Review and Sphere of
Influence Update satisfy State Law.
D.
Pursuant to Government Code Sections 56425 and 56430 make the required
determinations for the Municipal Service Review and District Sphere of Influence, adopt
the Municipal Service Review prepared for the Selma-Kingsburg-Fowler County
Sanitation District by PMC, and update the Sphere of Influence for said District by
reaffirming the current boundary.
G:\LAFCO WORKING FILES\AUGUST 22, 2007 SPECIAL HEARING\STAFF REPORT - SKF MSR.doc
4
SELMA-KINGSBURG-FOWLER
COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW AND
SPHERE OF INFLUENCE UPDATE
Report to the
Fresno Local Agency Formation Commission
Prepared by:
PMC
1590 Drew Ave., Suite 120
Davis, CA 95616
August 2007
1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1.0
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
I.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY OF LAFCO
The Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg (CKH) Local Government Reorganization Act (Government
Code Section 56000 et seq) requires all Local Agency Formation Commissions (LAFCos),
including Fresno LAFCo, to conduct municipal service reviews (MSR) prior to updating the
spheres of influence (SOI) of the various cities and special districts in the County,
excluding community facility districts and school districts (Government Code Section
56430). The fundamental role of a LAFCo is to implement the CKH Act, providing for the
logical, efficient, and most appropriate formation of local municipalities, service areas,
and special districts. The focus of this MSR is to provide LAFCo with all necessary and
relevant information related to the provision of services by the County’s County
Sanitation Districts.
II.
MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW PROCESS
The Municipal Service Review (MSR) and Sphere of Influence Update (SOI Update)
process is a comprehensive assessment of the ability of government agencies to
effectively and efficiently provide services to residents and users. The form and content
of the MSR/SOI Update is governed by requirements of the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local
Government Reorganization Act of 2000 (CKH Act) and the State of California’s LAFCo
MSR Guidelines (Guidelines), published in August 2003.
This MSR/SOI Update evaluates the structure and operation of the service providers and
discusses possible areas for improvement or coordination. Key sources for this study were
information gathered through research and interviews, as well as the Municipal Service
Review Guidelines published by the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR).
This MSR/SOI Update has been prepared for Fresno LAFCo in accordance with the
requirements of the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of
2000 as a means of identifying and evaluating public service providers within Fresno
County and possible changes to their Sphere of Influence (SOI).
III.
PURPOSE OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW
The MSR contains analysis and conclusions, referred in this document as determinations,
regarding nine topic areas set forth in the CKH Act. These areas of analysis contain the
essential operational and management aspects of each service provider, and together
constitute a review of the ability of each provider to meet the service demands of the
residents within their existing and potentially expanded boundary. The topic areas
represent the nine required topic areas set forth in the CKH act. Each report contains the
following sections:
Growth and Population
This section reviews projected growth within the existing service boundaries of the special
district and analyzes the growth potential within the service area and surrounding areas.
Infrastructure
This section analyzes whether sufficient infrastructure and capital are in place, and
reviews capabilities for accommodating future growth in service demands.
Fresno LAFCo, June 2007
Public Review Draft Municipal Service Review
1.0-1
#.#-1
Financing Constraints and Opportunities
1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This section evaluates the way the district is funded and possible opportunities to
increase funding if needed.
Cost Avoidance Opportunities
This section evaluates factors affecting the financing of needed improvements, including
outstanding opportunities and utilized opportunities for service providers to reduce costs.
Rate Restructuring
The fiscal history of the service provider and rate structure is evaluated to determine
viability and ability to meet existing and expanded service demands.
Opportunities for Shared Facilities
This section evaluates the existing sharing of facilities and the ability to share facilities with
other service providers.
Evaluation of Management Efficiencies
This section evaluates the overall managerial practices.
Government Structure
This section evaluates the ability of the service provider to meet its demands under its
existing government structure. This includes discussion of potential reorganizations or
other forms of governance that may result in the more efficient provision of services to
local residents.
Local Accountability
This section examines how well the service provider makes its processes transparent to
the public and invites and encourages public participation.
IV.
SERVICE PROVIDERS
This document contains a MSR/SOI Update for a County Sanitation Districts. The
determinations and findings reached are based upon surveys of agency representatives,
meetings, and assessments of existing documents.
County Sanitation Districts
County Sanitation Districts are formed pursuant to Health and Safety Code 4700-4859,
and are empowered to provide sewage, solid waste, street cleaning, street sweeping,
and water services, The Selma-Kingsburg-Fowler County Sanitation District is analyzed as
part of this MSR/SOI Update.
1.0-2
Public Review Draft Municipal Service Review
Fresno LAFCo, June 2007
3.1 SELMA-KINGSBURG-FOWLER COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
SELMA-KINGSBURG-FOWLER COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
SEWER SERVICE
Contact Information
Address:
11301 East Conejo Ave, PO Box 158
Kingsburg, CA 93631
Phone:
(559) 897-6500
Website:
www.skfcsd.org
Management Information
Manager:
David Michel, General Manager
Governing Body:
Board of Directors
Board Members:
Leland Bergstrom
David Cardenas
Don Tow
Bob Waterston
Judith Case
Board Meetings:
Meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 4:00
pm
Staffing:
32 authorized full time positions
Expires 2010
Expires 2010
Expires 2010
Expires 2008
Expires 2010
Service Information
Empowered
Services:
Sewer service
Services Provided:
Sanitation services
Latent Powers:
None
Area Served:
Each of the three cities, their spheres of influence and the
connecting transportation corridors
Population Served:
Approximately
connections
Infrastructure:
Treatment plant and the major connecting routes to the plant,
the building its offices are located in as well as two cars, two
SUVs, two vans, five dump trucks, two water trucks, one fuel
truck, two hydraulic vacuum trucks, twelve pickup trucks and a
crane, tractors, backhoes, fork lifts, lawn mowers, utility carts,
and ATVs
38,400
people
through
nearly
10,300
Fiscal Information
Budget:
$7,121,886 (FY 2007-08 approved budget)
Fresno LAFCo, August 2007
Municipal Service Review
3.1-1
#.#-
3.1 SELMA-KINGSBURG-FOWLER COUNTY SANITATION
Sources of Funding:
User fees
Rate Structure:
Operation and maintenance fees are $225.18 per year for
each Equivalent Single Family Residence (ESFR), connection
fees are $3,171 per ESFR and $290 per acre annexed. Fixed
capital charges are $18.64, and $18 per ESFR based on flow for
use of City collection systems.
Administrative Policies
Master Plan: Yes
Policies/Procedures:
Yes
By-laws:
Boundary Updated: No
SOI Updated: No
Other: None
3.1
SELMA-KINGSBURG-FOWLER COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
I.
SETTING
No
Area Served
The Selma-Kingsburg-Fowler County Sanitation District (SKFCSD) was formed in 1971 under
Section 4700 et seq of the California Health and Safety Code by an action of the Fresno
County Board of Supervisors. The boundaries of the District include each of the three
cities, their spheres of influence and the connection transportation corridors. District
boundaries are shown on the map attached as Figure 3.1.
The District serves the three cities of Selma, Kingsburg, and Fowler as well as some
unincorporated areas of Fresno County. There are a few incidental users served outside
the District’s boundaries. The CSD boundaries do not overlap with any other agency
providing similar services.
Services Provided
The District provides sanitation services to its residents.
II.
GROWTH AND POPULATION
The District serves approximately 38,400 people through nearly 10,300 connections. There
are no customers served outside the Spheres of Influence (SOI). The District provides
services to about 200 connections outside the municipal boundaries of the cities.
During the course of the last 25 years the District has experienced growth at the rate
about 300 – 400 Equivalent Single Family Residences (ESFR) per year. Historically the CSD
has been able to make infrastructure upgrades for new customers before the growth
became a strain on the current system.
However, the cities of Selma, Kingsburg and Fowler are expected to experience
residential growth at three to five times that rate within the next four to ten years. Selma
expects to add between 250 and 1,984 ESFR per year, Kingsburg expects to add
between 75 and 247 ESFR per year, and Fowler expects to add between 10 and 170 ESFR
per year. The District’s Board of Directors has approved a plan to increase treatment
3.1-2
Municipal Service Review
Fresno LAFCo, August 2007
Fresno LAFCo, August 2007
Municipal Service Review
3.1 SELMA-KINGSBURG-FOWLER COUNTY SANITATION
and disposal capacity by November 2008. The capacity increase is from 4.8 mgd to 6.3
mgd on an annual average basis. The expanded 1.5 mgd capacity will accommodate
4,400 ESFR. A plan for plant expansion beyond 6.3 mgd is expected to be developed by
the end of 2007.
3.1-3
#.#-3
s
SOUTH AVE
Parlier
MANNING AVE
DINUBA AVE
HUNTSMAN AVE
ROSE AVE
ROSE AVE
SUNNYSIDE AVE
NEBRASKA AVE
NEBRASKA AVE
SAGINAW AVE
SAGINAW AVE
MOUNTAIN VIEW AVE
THOMPSON AVE
MCCALL AVE
NELSON AVE
Kingsburg
BETHEL AVE
County Boundary
ELKHORN AVE
CONEJO AVE
DEL REY AVE
Neighboring District
DEWOLF AVE
LIBERTY WD
District Area
CLARKSON AVE
KAMM AVE
MCCALL AVE
Legend
District SOI
KAMM AVE
HIGHLAND AVE
DEWOLF AVE
CARUTHERS AVE
LOCAN AVE
STROUD AVE
MOUNTAIN VIEW AVE
MADSEN AVE
CLOVIS AVE
VILLA AVE
KAMM AVE
HUNTSMAN AVE
Selma
FLORAL AVE
CLEMENCEAU ST
DINUBA AVE
MENDOCINO AVE
DINUBA AVE
ACADEMY AVE
FOWLER AVE
PEACH AVE
Monterey
PARLIER AVE
MANNING AVE
SPRINGFIELD AVE
Tulare
NEWMARK AVE
PARLIER AVE
Kings
FANTZ AVE
ROSS AVE
MCCALL AVE
SOUTH AVE
LEONARD AVE
DEWOLF AVE
KENNETH AVE
Fowler
ADAMS AVE
Map Extent
NEWMARK AVE
to
CLAYTON AVE
AMERICAN AVE
ACADEMY AVE
Fresno
GREENWOOD AVE
JEFFERSON AVE
i
Ben
CLAYTON AVE
Inyo
Madera
BETHEL AVE
DEL REY AVE
AMERICAN AVE
Mono E
AV
EL
NN
A
CH
Mariposa
INDIANOLA AVE
lau
Merced
LINCOLN AVE
VILLA AVE
nis
DEL REY AVE
LOCAN AVE
FOWLER AVE
CLOVIS AVE
HIGHLAND AVE
LEONARD AVE
MINNEWAWA AVE
PEACH AVE
Sta
Sa n
T:\_GIS\FRESNO_COUNTY\MXDS\FRESNO_LAFCO\WATER DISTRICT MSR\SELMA-KINGSBURG-FOWLER.MXD - 7/23/2007 @ 1:19:01 PM
CENTRAL AVE
Note: A portion of the District
is also located in Tulare County
Source: County of Fresno, 2007; PMC, 2007
1
0
MILES
1
Figure 3.1
Selma-Kingsburg-Fowler County Sanitation District
INFRASTRUCTURE
Existing Infrastructure Facilities and Conditions
The wastewater treatment and disposal facilities are located on a 550-acre site 1.5 miles
west of City of Kingsburg. The sewer system consists of approximately 150 miles of sewer
lines ranging in size from eight inches to 42 inches in diameter plus 21 wastewater pump
stations. The Wastewater Treatment Plant is a secondary treatment plant that discharges
to percolation/evaporation ponds.
The District owns the treatment plant and the major connecting routes to the plant. The
individual cities own the sewer collection systems within their limits.
The California Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) regulates the SKFCSD
under order # 5-01-255. Although the RWQCB permit currently permits a maximum 30
day average flow of 8 million gallons per day (mgd), the treatment and disposal
capacity on a 365-days-per-year basis is 4.8 mgd. The District has generally met the
parameters of the permit and has not received any notices of violation by the CRWQCB.
The average dry weather flow is about 4.0 mgd; the average wet weather flow is about
3.8 mgd. The flows are higher in dry weather due to fruit processing industries in the
District.
The District’s inventory also includes vehicles including: two cars, two SUVs, two vans, five
dump trucks, two water trucks, one fuel truck, two hydraulic vacuum trucks, 12 pickup
trucks and a crane. Additionally, the District’s infrastructure includes tractors, backhoes,
fork lifts, lawn mowers, utility carts, and ATVs among its inventory of heavy equipment.
3.1 SELMA-KINGSBURG-FOWLER COUNTY SANITATION
III.
The SKFCSD owns the two building where its offices are located.
Planned Facilities
The District has a Sewer System Master Plan which was updated in 2006 (Carollo
Engineers, 2006). This Master Plan details the District’s ability to continue to provide
service in the future and the necessity for replacements, upgrades and expansions to its
sewer service system. An expanded treatment plant capacity is being planned and
designed by the SKFCSD to serve future development. Depending on the rate of growth,
it appears that the plant will need to expand specific treatment and disposal processes
within two years, and the entire facility in about five to seven years.
To fund these and all other improvements, the District is reviewing the availability of
funding from developers, grants, loans, bonds, capacity charges, and user fees.
IV.
FINANCING AND RATE RESTRUCTURING
The following information and analysis sections are based on financial statements,
annual budgets, and other supporting documents provided by the SFKCSD in response to
an initial questionnaire survey, information requests, and follow-up phone conversations
and interviews with District personnel.
Fresno LAFCo, August 2007
Municipal Service Review
3.1-5
#.#-5
3.1 SELMA-KINGSBURG-FOWLER COUNTY SANITATION
Selma-Kingsburg-Fowler County Sanitation District provided financial statements,
including an independent auditor’s report for the Fiscal Years (FY) ending in 2005 and
2006. The District also provided a projected budget for the FY ending in 2007 and
projected capital improvements costs as outlined in the District’s Master Plan. Additional
information provided in response to follow up phone-calls by PMC staff, included a
summary of debts and the current service fee rate schedule. All information provided by
the District was analyzed in the preparation of this MSR.
Financial statements from FYs 2005 and 2006 as well as the adopted budget for FY 200607 were reviewed to determine the District’s fiscal status, assess its financial practices,
and review pertinent management findings.
The operating revenues for 2005 and 2006 were $5,481,867 and $5,752,674 respectively,
while the operating expenses were $5,212,318 and $6,264,481 for the same years.
Therefore in 2005 the District had a profit of $269,549 in net operating income, and in
2006 had a loss of $511,807 in its net operating income. This difference is due largely to
increased costs specifically for sewage treatment, but also from increases across the
board for operating costs. Non-operating revenues amounted to $1,232,089 in 2005 and
$1,387,665 in 2006. This increase in non-operating revenues for 2006 allowed the SKFCSD
to increase its net assets between 2005 and 2006.
The financial statement for FY 2005-06 indicates that the District’s net assets for June 30,
2004, 2005 and 2006 were $33,421,569, $34,923,207 and $35,799,065, respectively.
The District provided budget information for FY 2006-2007. Major revenues include
$5,665,282 for Operations and Maintenance, $1,067,000 for capital expansion and
$663,090 for Capital Refurbishment and Replacement. Major expenditures are expected
to be $5,865,282 for Operations and Maintenance, $640,000 for City Collection and
System Capital and $260,000 for Capital Refurbishment and Replacement.
The District does not have any debt other than ordinary accounts payable.
Currently funds are sufficient to provide service although additional funding may be
needed for plan expansion and refurbishment and replacement depending on the rate
of growth.
User fees were last updated on July 1, 2005. See figure Table 3.1-1 below for specific rate
information.
3.1-6
Municipal Service Review
Fresno LAFCo, August 2007
3.1 SELMA-KINGSBURG-FOWLER COUNTY SANITATION
TABLE 3.1-1: SELMA KINGSBURG FOWLER COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT FEE SCHEDULE1
1. Table provided by SKFCSD, in response to PMC questionnaire, 2007
V.
COST AVOIDANCE OPPORTUNITIES
The District has a service agreement with each of the three cities that it serves: Selma,
Kingsburg and Fowler. The SKFCSD owns its treatment plant, major wastewater transport
lines and major wastewater pump stations and is responsible for the operation,
maintenance, refurbishment and replacements of its facilities. The cities each individually
own the local wastewater collection system lines and pump stations and are responsible
for any expansions to these facilities.
Fresno LAFCo, August 2007
Municipal Service Review
3.1-7
#.#-7
3.1 SELMA-KINGSBURG-FOWLER COUNTY SANITATION
VI.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR SHARED FACILITIES
The District’s buildings are occasionally used by other public agencies for personnel
trainings and meetings. There has never been a need in the past to establish fees for the
use of the space by a public group; however, the SKFCSD would charge any private
organization wishing to use the building a fee to offset the cost of keeping the offices
open.
VII.
GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT EFFICIENCIES
California Government Code section 61000 - 61934 enables the formation of Community
Service Districts to provide various services to the community. The SKFCSD currently
provides sanitation services, as an independent special district, with a separate board of
directors not governed by other legislative bodies (either a city council or a county
board of supervisors). The District, under its current legal form, as seen in Figure 3.1-2, is
able to function under its existing government structure. Transitioning the CSD to an
alternative service provider, such as another district or other form of local government,
would be unlikely to result in significant efficiencies. Additionally such a transition to an
alternative government structure would be extremely difficult due to the cost, time, and
administrative complexity. The existing structure of the District as a County Sanitation
District, is sufficient to allow it to continue service provision in the foreseeable future.
Therefore, a reorganization of the current government structure is not likely to significantly
improve services. The current government structure is able to provide adequate service
within district boundaries.
The District is overseen by a five member Board of Directors. The SKFCSD currently has 32
authorized full time positions. See Figure 3.1-2 below for the District’s organizational
chart. These staffing levels are believed to be adequate to provide an appropriate level
of service to the District’s residents. The District does not utilize volunteers.
The District has a close relationship with the County of Fresno. Two County Supervisors
are serving on the District’s Board of Directors. All reserve funds for the District are
deposited in the County treasury and are invested by the County. Additionally the
County collects user fees from most of the District’s users on the County tax roll. The
County solicits information from the District on prospective annexations, development
projects and land use changes. District staff regularly attend the County’s staff-level
planning review committee, and economic development committee meetings. When
the District prepares planning documents such as the Sewer System Master Plan 2006,
growth projections are solicited from each public agency served by the District.
The District serves the three cities of Selma, Kingsburg, and Fowler as well as some
unincorporated areas of Fresno County. There are a few incidental users served outside
the District’s boundaries. The CSD boundaries do not overlap with any other agency
providing similar services.
3.1-8
Municipal Service Review
Fresno LAFCo, August 2007
3.1 SELMA-KINGSBURG-FOWLER COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Legal Counsel
Financial
Auditor
General
Manager
District Engineer
Professional
Consultants
Assistant
Manager
Supervising
Engineer
Maintenance
Eng Tch II
Asst. Maint.
Supv.
Eng Tch I
Maint Tech III
Information
Systems
Analyst
Supervisor
Laboratory
Director
Asst. Plant
Ops.
Supervisor.
Accounting
Technician
Mch. Maint.
Tech. I
SSMT II
Plant Ops
Supervisor
Admin.
Tech. II
Environmental
Technician
3.1 SELMA-KINGSBURG-FOWLER COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
FIGURE 3.1-2: SELMA KINGSBURG FOWLER COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
Oprtr. II
Oprtr. I
SSMT I
SSMT I
Utlty Wrkr.
Fresno LAFCo, August 2007
#.#- Municipal Service Review
3.1-9
3.1 SELMA-KINGSBURG-FOWLER COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
VIII.
LOCAL ACCOUNTABILITY
3.1 SELMA-KINGSBURG-FOWLER COUNTY SANITATION
The mission of the SKFCSD is to operate and maintain District facilities so that it complies
with local, state and federal waste discharge requirements, and that the public health
and environment are protected. The District is also entrusted to provide sufficient
capacity to convey, treat and dispose of all wastewater so as to adequately serve the
developing needs of its member cities and the surrounding areas. Finally, the District is
entrusted to operate and maintain its facilities so that annual costs are reduced to the
lowest possible level that will safely sustain compliance with discharge requirements.
The five members of the Board of Directors are elected officials. Two County Board of
Supervisors sit on the District Board along with an elected official from each city within
the SKFCSD. Members of the Board may serve as long as they hold an elected office in
either one of the cities or the county. Regular meetings are held on the second Thursday
of each month at 4 pm. The times and locations of meetings are posted on the front
door of the administration building at the District offices, in the local newspaper, as well
as being posted on the District’s website; www.skfcsd.org. The District’s office is located
at 11301 East Conejo Avenue, Kingsburg, CA 93631. Meetings are noticed consistent
with the Brown Act requirements and there appear to be ample opportunities for public
involvement and input at regularly scheduled meetings.
The District provides equal service to all customers.
IX.
SPHERE OF INFLUENCE RECOMMENDATIONS
The boundary of the District’s service area is within its SOI. State law requires SOIs to be
updated at least once every five years. As part of this update, State law requires LAFCo
to prepare written statements assessing the District’s capacity to serve its customers with
regard to the following four areas:
1) The present and planned land uses in the area, including agricultural and open
space lands.
There is currently a mix of residential, agricultural, commercial and industrial land
in the District and this will not change in the foreseeable future. Land use
changes may occur within each individual city as they develop.
2) The present and probable need for public facilities and services in the area
The wastewater treatment plant will need to be expanded in about five years
due to the rapid growth that is expected to occur in the District.
3) The present capacity of public facilities and adequacy of public services that the
agency provides or is authorized to provide.
If growth in the District occurs more rapidly than expansions can be made, the
District will not be able to accommodate all new residents. Therefore some new
residents may not be able to utilize District services. The District is currently
planning on expansions of public facilities.
The existence of any social or economic communities of interest in the area if the
commission determines that they are relevant to the agency.
3.1-10
Municipal Service Review
Fresno LAFCo, August 2007
X.
MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW DETERMINATIONS
Growth and Population
The Selma-Kingsburg-Fowler County Sanitation District is expected to experience growth
at an unprecedented rate in the District, and may not be able to serve all of the new
residents due to a lack of capacity at the wastewater treatment plant. The District has
plans to provide additional capacity to serve future users.
Infrastructure
The District has a variety of infrastructure which historically has been adequate to serve
the needs of the District’s residents. This will not hold true if growth within the District
happens at the expected rate over the next five years. Unless the District expands its
sewer infrastructure system, it may have to refuse service to some new residents in order
to continue to serve the existing customers at an acceptable level. The District has plans
to expand the District’s current infrastructure to serve future users.
Financing Constraints and Opportunities
The District is recovering its costs through a rate structure it charges its customers. The
District does not have any long term debt.
3.1 SELMA-KINGSBURG-FOWLER COUNTY SANITATION
The District staff believes there are a variety of economically and socially diverse
communities in the Districts, none of which are any more relevant than another.
Rate Restructuring
The District updated its user rates in 2007 and they are adequate to continue providing
service to the District customers.
Cost Avoidance Opportunities
The District avoids costs by combining the services provided to each of the cities of
Selma, Kingsburg and Fowler.
Opportunities for Shared Facilities
The District allows other public agencies to utilize the District office building for meetings
and trainings.
Government Structure Options
The District is a dependent district which employs a management structure that is
sufficient to account for the necessary services and maintain operations in an effective
manner.
Evaluation of Management Efficiencies
The District appears to operate efficiently and provides an adequate level of service.
Fresno LAFCo, August 2007
Municipal Service Review
3.1-11
Local Accountability
3.1 SELMA-KINGSBURG-FOWLER COUNTY SANITATION
3.1-12
The District appears to maintain an acceptable level of accountability in its governance
and public meetings appear to be held in compliance with the Brown Act. The District
Board consists of elected representatives from each member city and the county. The
Board holds regular meetings at which time the public has the opportunity to comment.
Information relating to the District is readily available to District residents and the public.
XI.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Selma-Kingsburg-Fowler Sanitation District, Approved Budget for Fiscal Year 2006-07,
Adopted July 13, 2006.
Selma-Kingsburg-Fowler Sanitation District, Financial Statements, June 30, 2006 and 2005,
Prepared by Borchardt, Corona and Faeth.
Pacific Municipal Consultants, Survey response from David Michel, February 2007.
Personal interview by PMC staff with David Michel, April 2007.
Carollo Engineers. Selma-Kingsburg-Fowler County Sanitation District 2006 Sewer Master
Plan. September 2006.
Municipal Service Review
Fresno LAFCo, August 2007