District Act Amendment Proposal Summary

Subject

Proposal

Options

1. Water Supply

Strengthen the District’s ability to better manage its water supply.

• Define limits of exportation of water from one area to another.
• Include stronger proactive water conservation management.
• Include tiered pricing as a proactive measure, not reactive to drought or water shortages.
• Amplify the District’s authority with regard to protection of water quality.

2. Capital Projects

Improve definition of what fees the District can impose as impact fees or readiness to serve fees.

• Include language which would better position the District to collect fees with Board approval.

Clarify provisions of the District Act that were originally drafted prior to the enactment of CEQA.

• Clarify provisions of the District Act that deal with preparation of Engineer’s Reports, selection, and institution of projects in connection with CEQA requirements.

3. Tax Exemption for Totally Disabled

Expand the special tax exemption from the Clean, Safe Creeks and Natural Flood Protection Plan Parcel Tax.

• Revise the special tax exemption to include low-income individuals who qualify as totally disabled under the Social Security Act.

4. Board Composition

Districts

Create two new districts that overlay the current 5 districts.

Proposal #1

• Newly proposed District 6 consists of existing Districts 1 and 5, and half of the existing District 4 which will be split in population through the center.
• Newly proposed District 7 consists of existing Districts 2 and 3, and half of the existing District 4 which will be split in population through the center.

-OR-

Proposal #2

• Newly proposed District 6 consists of existing Districts 3 and 5, and half of the existing District 4 which will be split in population through the center.
• Newly proposed District 7 consists of existing Districts 1 and 2, and half of the existing District 4 which will be split in population through the center.

-OR-

Create 7 new electoral districts with roughly equal population.

Proposal #3
The County will be divided into 7 districts with roughly equal population.

Anticipated Vacancies

Extend current at-large positions to maintain a 7-member board.

Extend at-large positions until 2012 for one seat, and 2014 for the second seat.

-OR-

As currently set forth by the District Act, the Board of Directors will make appointments to fill all vacancies on the Board.

• Current appointed seats expire on 12/31/09 as provided under the current District Act.  Before end of 2009, Board will make appointments to the two seats.

• The appointed at-large directors will serve until the newly elected 7 directors take office on the first Monday in January 2013.

5. General Clarifications to Act

Clarify language that is outdated

• Addition of language recognizing the need to consider climate change impacts in carrying out the district mission.
• Identify areas for cost savings and other good governance measures.