Statement of Qualifications
GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION
Open Space and Agricultural Preservation Programs
Intergovernmental Agreements
Special District Formation, Consolidation and Dissolution
Annexation Studies
Municipal Incorporation
Municipal Service Reviews
2012
ABOUT ECONOMIC & PLANNING SYSTEMS
The Firm Economic & Planning Systems, Inc. (EPS) is a land economics consulting firm experienced in the full spectrum of services related to real estate development, the financing of public infrastructure and government services, land use and conservation planning, and government organization.
Guiding Principle EPS was founded on the principle that real estate development and land use-related public policy should be built on realistic assessment of market forces and economic trends, feasible implementation measures, and recognition of public policy objectives, including provisions for required public facilities and services.
Areas of Expertise Government Organization Open Space and Resource Conservation Land Use Planning and Growth Management Public Finance Real Estate Market and Feasibility Analysis Fiscal and Economic Impact Analysis Reuse, Revitalization, and Redevelopment Real Estate Transactions and Negotiations Regional Economics and Industry Analysis Transportation Planning and Analysis Asset Valuation and Repositioning
Clients Served Since 1983 EPS has provided consulting services to hundreds of public- and private-sector clients in California and throughout the United States. Clients include LAFCo cities, counties, special districts, multi- jurisdictional authorities, property owners, developers, financial institutions, and land use attorneys.
Staff Capabilities The professional staff includes specialists in public finance, real estate development, land use and transportation planning, government organization, and computer applications. The firm excels in preparing concise analyses that disclose risks and impacts, support decision making, and provide solutions to real estate development and land use- related problems.
EPS Locations Berkeley, Los Angeles, and Sacramento, California Denver, Colorado
EPS Web Site www.epsys.com
GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION
Local governments, including cities, counties, and special districts, provide a range of essential services to their constituent communities. These services, which include public safety, public health and welfare, education services, parks and recreation, land use regulation and environmental protection, underpin the quality of life and the economy of local communities and regions. Because of the dynamic aspects of urban areas—population growth and development, changing service demands and standards, and desire for improved governance—local government agencies regularly make organizational changes. New districts are created, new cities are incorporated, cities annex territory, and local governments form joint exercise of powers agencies. Most of these actions are regulated in California by Local Agency Formation Commissions (LAFCo) operating within each of the State’s 58 counties.
EPS evaluates the costs, benefits, and feasibility of local government reorganization. As a part of this work, detailed pro forma budget forecasts for the new jurisdiction are prepared, alternative organizational options are evaluated, and impacts upon existing entities are estimated. These government organization studies draw upon EPS’s broader expertise in fiscal analysis, public finance, land use planning, and open space and agricultural preservation, as well as our thorough knowledge of local government forms and options and the mission and functions of LAFCo’s.
Services Provided
Open Space and Agricultural Preservation Programs—EPS prepares policies and programs intended to preserve open space and agriculture as a part of city and county general plan policy development, general plan implementation programs, and CEQA-based mitigation programs. As a central mandate for the State’s LAFCo’s is “…discouraging urban sprawl, preserving open– space and prime agricultural lands…”, EPS also assists LAFCo’s with developing open space and agricultural programs.
Intergovernmental Agreements—EPS assists government agencies, including local, state, and federal agencies, with the formation of intergovernmental agreements. These agreements help to achieve a common interest, including the provision of a regional service such as transit or sewage treatment, the protection of natural resources, or the sharing of public revenues. EPS conducts feasibility analyses, prepares draft agreements, and assists with agreement negotiation.
Special District Formation, Consolidation and Dissolution—EPS prepares financial feasibility studies for proposed special districts and for consolidation proposals. District formations are often necessary to create a municipal service and governance framework for newly developing communities or to improve services in existing communities. EPS feasibility studies are based on a multiyear, pro forma operating budget for the new district. EPS also specializes in preparation of special studies required before consideration of a district dissolution.
Annexation Studies—EPS prepares financial feasibility studies for annexation of territory to existing cities and districts. These annexations are typically proposed to extend municipal services to peripheral areas designated for development or seeking improvements to municipal services.
Economic & Planning Systems, Inc. 2 M:\SOQ\SOQs by PAR\Government Organization\Soq_GovOrg_Nov12.doc Government Organization EPS Statement of Qualifications November 2012
Municipal Incorporation Feasibility—EPS prepares financial feasibility studies for communities seeking municipal incorporation. These studies include initial feasibility studies completed for community-based organizations and comprehensive fiscal analyses legally required for formation. These feasibility studies are based on a multiyear, pro forma operating budget for the new city.
Municipal Service Reviews—EPS prepares “municipal service reviews,” which are comprehensive assessments of local government agencies within a county. Concerns regarding the proliferation of special districts in California led to legislation requiring the Local Agency Formation Commissions to conduct reviews of existing local government entities. These reviews are intended to identify opportunities to improve municipal services through consolidation and other reorganization efforts. EPS also assists with identification and review of Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities (DUCs), per recent State legislation.
Representative Projects
Open Space and Agricultural Preservation
Santa Rosa/Rohnert Park Community Separator Area, Preservation Strategies, Sonoma County, California South Livermore Valley Area Plan Agricultural Preservation Strategy, Livermore, California Davis Agricultural Buffer and Farmland Mitigation Ordinance, Davis, California Yolo County Habitat Conservation Plan Economic Analysis and Financing Plan, Yolo County, California Davis Open Space Implementation Plan, Davis, California Santa Rosa Recreation and Needs Assessment Study, Santa Rosa, California Nicasio Valley Financial Evaluation of Transfer of Development Rights, Nicasio, California Green Valley Area Plan Transfer of Development Program, Solano County, California North Livermore General Plan Amendment, Open Space Strategy, Livermore, California North Natomas Agricultural Land Preservation Strategy, Sacramento, California San Martin/Gilroy Greenbelt Implementation Strategy Report, Gilroy, California
Intergovernmental Agreements
Tiburon/Marin County Cooperative Agreement, Tiburon, California Orange County Fire District Feasibility Study, Orange County, California Regional Transportation Authority Intergovernmental Agreement, Roaring Fork, Colorado Master Property Tax Sharing Agreement, San Joaquin County, California
Special District Formation and Consolidation
Mount Diablo Health Care District Special Study, Concord, California Morgan Hill Fire District Annexation Feasibility Study, Morgan Hill, California Mark West CSD Feasibility, Sonoma County, California
Economic & Planning Systems, Inc. 3 M:\SOQ\SOQs by PAR\Government Organization\Soq_GovOrg_Nov12.doc Government Organization EPS Statement of Qualifications November 2012
Monterey CSD, Monterey County, California East Orange Water and Wastewater Utilities Study, Orange County, California Rancho Mission Viejo Public Services, Orange County, California Victorville Water Consolidation, San Bernardino County, California Victorville District Consolidation and Dissolution, Victorville, California Public Service and Facility Database, Santa Cruz County, California Mountain House Community Services District, San Joaquin County, California Orange County Fire District Feasibility Study, Orange County, California West Marin Septic Management Organizational Options and Feasibility Analysis, Marin County, California Southern Marin Fire Consolidation Study, Marin County, California Graton CSD Updated Financial Feasibility Analysis, Graton, California
Annexation Studies
Sunset Beach Governance Options Peer Review, Sunset Beach, California Martinez Annexation Study, Martinez, California Great Park Annexation Fiscal/Financial Analysis, Orange County, California Annexation Fiscal Analysis for Goleta Valley, Santa Barbara, California Southeast and Southwest Area Plans Financing Plans, Santa Rosa, California Danville Annexation Support, Danville, California North Natomas Neighborhood Landscape Service CFD No. 99-02, Sacramento, CA Sacramento Annexation Economic Analysis, Sacramento, California Murrieta Annexation Fiscal Analysis, Murrieta, California Fiscal Study and Annexation Tax Sharing Agreement, Winters, California City and County Annexation Fiscal Impact Analysis, Hollister, California
Municipal Incorporation Feasibility
East Los Angeles CFA, Los Angeles, California Laughlin Incorporation Feasibility Analysis, Laughlin, Nevada Pahrump Incorporation Feasibility Analysis, Pahrump, Nevada Initial Fiscal Analysis of the West Ranch/Castaic/Tesoro Areas, Los Angeles County, California Carmel Valley Incorporation CFA, Monterey County, California Arden Arcade IFA, Sacramento County, California Menifee Valley CFA, Riverside County, California La Jolla IFA, San Diego County, California Rancho Santa Fe IFA, San Diego County, California Malaga CFA, Fresno County, California San Martin IFA and CFA, Santa Clara County, California
Economic & Planning Systems, Inc. 4 M:\SOQ\SOQs by PAR\Government Organization\Soq_GovOrg_Nov12.doc Government Organization EPS Statement of Qualifications November 2012
Rancho Cordova IFA/CFA, Sacramento County, California Olivehurst IFA, Yuba County, California Castro Valley CFA, Alameda County, California Los Angeles Reorganization, San Fernando Valley, California Carmel Valley IFA, Monterey County, California Oakhurst IFA, Madera County, California Elk Grove CFA, Sacramento County, California Goleta Incorporation CFA, Santa Barbara, California Oakley CFA Technical Support, Contra Costa County, California Rancho Santa Margarita CFA, Orange County, California Windsor Incorporation CFA, Sonoma County, California El Dorado Hills IFA/CFA, El Dorado County, California Pleasant Grove Incorporation CFA, Yolo County, California Alamo IFA, Contra Costa County, California Templeton Incorporation IFA, San Luis Obispo County, California Isla Vista Governance Options, Isla Vista, California Aptos IFA, Santa Cruz County, California Evaluation of Truckee Incorporation Feasibility Studies, Nevada County, California Shasta County Incorporation CFA Review, Shasta County, California Lake Tahoe IFA, Douglas County, Nevada
Municipal Service Reviews
Merced County Municipal Service Reviews (MSR), Merced, California Victorville Municipal Service Review, Victorville, California Sonoma County MSRs for Sanitation, Fire, and Cities, Sonoma County, California Modesto Master Services Element/MSR, Stanislaus County, California Merced County MSRs for Water, Sanitation, Cities, Resource Conservation, and Other Districts, Merced County, California Los Alamitos, Seal Beach MSR, Orange County, California Rancho Mission Viejo MSR, Orange County, California
Project Profiles—Intergovernmental Agreements
Tiburon/Marin County Cooperative Agreement Tiburon, California EPS assisted the Town of Tiburon with negotiating a Cooperative Agreement with Marin County for maintenance of Paradise Drive, a major thoroughfare. This agreement would allow annexation of unincorporated territory to the Town, with the Town providing municipal services, while having Marin County continue its obligation to maintain Paradise Drive as a County road.
Economic & Planning Systems, Inc. 5 M:\SOQ\SOQs by PAR\Government Organization\Soq_GovOrg_Nov12.doc Government Organization EPS Statement of Qualifications November 2012
In addition to preparing the financial forecasting framework to estimate implications for property tax revenues, fee revenue, and service costs, EPS assisted with the evaluation of options.
Orange County Fire District Feasibility Study Orange County, California EPS evaluated the financial feasibility of creating a fire district independent of Orange County. Utilizing population forecasts, EPS estimated station and staffing requirements, as well as cost trends. EPS developed a ten-year cash flow model replicating the proposed District’s revenues and expenditures. Several assumptions were tested, including alternative fee structures and cost-sharing arrangements among the participating cities. The results helped to determine financial feasibility and evaluate the equity of different cost-sharing structures.
San Joaquin County Master Tax Sharing Agreement San Joaquin County, California San Joaquin County’s existing property tax sharing agreement with its jurisdictions was subject to scrutiny within the County as a potential barrier to growth and development. Based on discussions with key stakeholders in the County, it was determined that San Joaquin County would enter into negotiations to modify the tax sharing agreement, in conjunction with a series of potential tradeoffs involving the cities’ possible participation in capital funding initiatives.
EPS assisted the County in the evaluation and negotiation of a revised agreement. EPS conducted a comprehensive analysis of County growth prospects and tested various potential amendments using a detailed fiscal model developed by EPS. In addition, EPS worked with representatives of individual cities, the Building Industry Association, and other economic development stakeholders such as the San Joaquin Partnership to provide information and record concerns. Based on these technical and outreach efforts, the County and its seven cities unanimously adopted the revised agreement.
Project Profiles—Special District Formation, Consolidation, and Dissolution
Mount Diablo Health Care District Special Study Concord, California Contra Costa LAFCO initiated a Special Study in response to past and ongoing community concerns about whether the Mount Diablo Health Care District (MDHCD) should continue as a special district, and in response to recommendations of the Healthcare MSR adopted by Contra Costa LAFCO in 2007. The MDHCD was the subject of Grand Jury Reports in 2001, 2003, 2008 and 2011. The Grand Jury was concerned that the District was no longer fulfilling a useful mission and should be dissolved. Other members of the community had called on LAFCO begin the process of dissolving the District.
Under Government Code (GC) §56375(a)(3), a commission may initiate the dissolution or consolidation of a district only if that change of organization or reorganization is consistent with a recommendation or conclusion of a study prepared pursuant to §56378 (special study), §57425, (SOI update), or §56430 (MSR). EPS prepared the Special Study pursuant to Government Code §56378 to assist LAFCO with their decision and required findings.
Economic & Planning Systems, Inc. 6 M:\SOQ\SOQs by PAR\Government Organization\Soq_GovOrg_Nov12.doc Government Organization EPS Statement of Qualifications November 2012
Morgan Hill Fire District Annexation Feasibility Study Morgan Hill, California The Santa Clara County Central Fire Protection District proposes to improve the delivery of fire protection services in the County by annexing the City of Morgan Hill, which currently contracts with the District for service. In addition to efficiencies gained by creation of a larger regional fire protection entity, the dedication of property tax revenues to fire protection can help to achieve service improvements.
EPS assisted the City and County in analyzing the proposed annexation. The EPS analysis included a Plan for Services. The Plan describes how services would be provided and who would provide the services, what infrastructure and capital improvements would be required, and how the services would be financed. In addition, the Plan demonstrates the District’s capability to provide necessary services without lowering the level of service provided to areas currently served by the District. The report found potential benefits; however, the results are contingent upon State decisions regarding the allocation of property taxes following annexation.
Community Services District for Water Services Mark West, Sonoma County, California At the request of the Sonoma County Water Agency, EPS assessed the feasibility of the formation of a Community Services District (CSD) in the Mark West area to acquire, operate, and manage the area’s water system. California-American Water Company, a privately held company whose operations are regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission, owns and operates the system serving approximately 2,050 residential connections and 280 commercial connections.
EPS’s report provided an initial review of feasibility, describing advantages and drawbacks of public operation of the currently private system, as well as the potential impacts on rates and other costs to residents and property owners related to acquisition and operation. The analysis also discussed options related to the phasing of the CSD formation, bond issuance, and acquisition of the system.
Mark West Community Services District Feasibility Sonoma County, California The Sonoma County Water Agency retained EPS to assess the feasibility of forming a CSD in the Mark West area to provide a range of services, including lighting maintenance, road maintenance, enhanced levels of sheriff protection, solid waste management, parks and recreation, and water service. These services, with the exception of water service, were provided by the County.
The formation of a CSD offered the community an opportunity to address community concerns and desires for enhanced levels of service, while also providing a forum for local management and direction. CSD formation would establish an entity that could manage the acquisition and operation of the local water system, if the community decided to pursue the cost and effort that would be required. The cost of acquiring the water system was evaluated in a prior EPS analysis.
Economic & Planning Systems, Inc. 7 M:\SOQ\SOQs by PAR\Government Organization\Soq_GovOrg_Nov12.doc Government Organization EPS Statement of Qualifications November 2012
East Orange Water and Wastewater Utilities Study Orange County, California A large property owner/developer in Orange County owned a large area of property located partially within the City of Orange and partially within its sphere of influence. This property had been divided into several planning areas. EPS conducted financial analysis as part of a report to LAFCo evaluating options for the provision of domestic water and wastewater service to the proposed development areas. Two water districts and the City of Orange had all expressed a willingness and desire to provide municipal water and wastewater services to at least portions of the same development areas. To assist the Orange County LAFCo in determining the most appropriate provider, EPS reviewed the financial implications of each prospective service provider, including rate implications.
Victorville District Consolidation and Dissolution Victorville, California EPS analyzed options for consolidating water services in the Victorville area, including a budget analysis of the new entity. EPS also assisted the City in its application to LAFCo to consolidate several subsidiary special districts that served the area but were already functionally consolidated into the City organization. The districts included fire, recreation and parks, and sanitation.
Mountain House Community Services District San Joaquin County, California As part of creating the institutional framework for a new community in San Joaquin County, EPS prepared a feasibility analysis of a proposed CSD. This CSD would provide a broad range of municipal services and public facilities to Mountain House, including sewer and water utilities, police and fire protection, parks and recreation, and road maintenance. The feasibility analysis was prepared pursuant to a referral from LAFCo, which requested information about impacts of the formation upon existing agencies (County, fire district, etc.) and the overall financial feasibility of the proposal, especially during the “formative years of the new community.”
Orange County Fire District Feasibility Study Orange County, California EPS evaluated the financial feasibility of creating a fire district independent of Orange County. Using population forecasts, EPS estimated station and staffing requirements and cost trends. EPS developed a ten-year cash flow model replicating the proposed District’s revenues and expenditures. A variety of assumptions were tested, including alternative fee structures and cost-sharing arrangements among the participating cities. The results helped to determine financial feasibility and to evaluate the equity of different cost-sharing structures.
West Marin Septic Management Organizational Options and Feasibility Analysis Marin County, California Wastewater produced by residential and commercial uses in the largely rural areas of western Marin County is treated through the use of septic systems. However, lack of attention to maintenance and repair of aging systems contributed to water quality problems experienced in streams in the region and to pollution problems affecting shellfish in Tomales Bay, which is fed by streams from the watershed. Working with a local citizens’ advisory committee, EPS assisted the County of Marin in evaluating governmental options for improving the management of septic
Economic & Planning Systems, Inc. 8 M:\SOQ\SOQs by PAR\Government Organization\Soq_GovOrg_Nov12.doc Government Organization EPS Statement of Qualifications November 2012
systems in the region. Organizational concepts were tested against several criteria, including financial feasibility, local control and management, and political viability.
Southern Marin Fire Consolidation Study Marin County, California State statutes require that Municipal Service Reviews (MSRs) be prepared by each county LAFCo to assess the provision of local services in each county. One outcome of the MSR prepared in Marin County was the decision to proceed with a study of a potential consolidation of fire protection services in the southern part of the County. EPS assisted this process by preparing a feasibility analysis focusing upon the potential cost savings of consolidating three fire protection entities, compared to the additional costs from reconciling different pension plans.
Graton CSD Updated Financial Feasibility Analysis Graton, California The community of Graton in Sonoma County was seeking independence from the Sonoma County Water District. Primary concerns were whether a new Graton CSD could support itself fiscally and whether the County and Sonoma County LAFCo would approve creation of the new district. EPS established a budgeting model that analyzed the future revenues and cost streams of the proposed CSD. This analysis informed discussions between the citizens of Graton, Sonoma County, and LAFCo.
Public Service and Facility Database Santa Cruz County, California As a part of the update to the County of Santa Cruz’s General Plan, EPS prepared a comprehensive inventory of all public service providers in the County. The inventory included a description of each entity, service area and responsibilities, and funding sources.
Project Profiles—Annexation Studies
Sunset Beach Governance Options Peer Review Sunset Beach, California The small, unincorporated oceanside community of Sunset Beach in southern California was considering a number of options regarding its future governance. The area, populated by fewer than 700 households, was included within the Sphere of Influence of the adjacent and much larger city of Huntington Beach; however, many residents were concerned about maintaining the community’s unique identity if it were to be annexed, and sought to form a new city in lieu of annexation.
Orange County LAFCo requested EPS to conduct an objective peer review of two studies that had been prepared for incorporation and annexation. EPS assessed the veracity of the reports’ data, methodology, and conclusions regarding fiscal feasibility and impacts on other agencies. LAFCo provided the peer review to the City of Huntington Beach to assist in its deliberations and decisions regarding annexation of Sunset Beach. Based on EPS’s analysis, the City concluded that Sunset Beach would not be viable as its own city and that annexation could be financially feasible without an adverse impact on existing services or the community’s identity.
Economic & Planning Systems, Inc. 9 M:\SOQ\SOQs by PAR\Government Organization\Soq_GovOrg_Nov12.doc Government Organization EPS Statement of Qualifications November 2012
Martinez Annexation Study Martinez, California The City of Martinez was interested in potentially annexing two areas located adjacent to the City within its sphere of influence. The City was concerned about the fiscal impacts of this annexation on its operating revenues and costs and needed assistance in negotiating a tax transfer agreement with Contra Costa County.
EPS conducted two separate fiscal analyses for each proposed annexation area, evaluating the potential levels of public service and fiscal impacts of the annexation on Martinez’ General Fund and Road Fund budgets. The findings were utilized to provide the City with an understanding of the potential annexation’s effect on its long-term fiscal stability and to address LAFCo’s annexation requirements.
Great Park Annexation Fiscal/Financial Analysis Orange County, California The City of Irvine created a plan for the former Marine Corps Air Station in El Toro, California. The plan included several thousand homes, an auto mall, retail development, offices, recreational facilities, and a large public park. The City structured the transaction as an auction with the winner agreeing to participate in the planned financing of the public improvements as a condition of receiving the planned zoning. In order to accomplish this, the City needed to annex the former base, an action that must be approved by the Orange County LAFCo. As part of its review of the annexation, LAFCo required the services of a consultant capable of evaluating the financial and practical feasibility of the City’s plan and transaction structure, as well as analyzing the fiscal impact of the Great Park plan on the City of Irvine and County of Orange.
LAFCo hired EPS to evaluate the Great Park plan and prepare a report detailing the fiscal impact of the plan and the feasibility of the public facilities financing mechanisms. EPS assessed the market feasibility of the plan and the likely revenues and costs associated with the development. With EPS’s assistance, LAFCo was able to determine that the Great Park plan had a positive fiscal impact on the City and County and that the financing mechanisms detailed in the plan were sufficient to fund the required public infrastructure.
Annexation Fiscal Analysis for Goleta Valley Santa Barbara, California The City of Santa Barbara has initiated an annexation proposal for Goleta Valley, a 26-square- mile area to the north of the City, with a population of approximately 85,000 and significant commercial and industrial development. If successful, the annexation would nearly double the City’s population, requiring a significant expansion in municipal services. The annexation proposal was taken in response to long-standing concerns regarding local control and governance in the Goleta Valley, especially with regard to growth and the common interests and concerns shared by the residents of the South Coast. However, the area is a major source of net revenue to the County of Santa Barbara and it also represents nearly half of the County’s unincorporated population, raising significant issues related to potential impacts upon the County and upon services in the balance of the unincorporated areas.
For the City of Santa Barbara, EPS prepared a CFA, including a public services plan and budget analysis, to evaluate the feasibility of the annexation proposal and to estimate potential County impacts. As part of this effort, EPS conducted a series of interviews with City staff regarding the
Economic & Planning Systems, Inc. 10 M:\SOQ\SOQs by PAR\Government Organization\Soq_GovOrg_Nov12.doc Government Organization EPS Statement of Qualifications November 2012
revenues and costs associated with providing public services and facilities to the annexation area. EPS also conducted extensive research on the characteristics of the annexation area, including population, employment, and land use trends and existing public facilities and special districts.
Southeast and Southwest Area Plans Financing Plans Santa Rosa, California EPS prepared financing and implementation plans for the Southeast Area and Southwest Area Plans, two large-scale annexation areas in the City of Santa Rosa. EPS prepared development assumptions and tested the overall feasibility of the proposed land use mixes. In conjunction with consulting engineers, the demand for and cost of major infrastructure items, such as sewer, water, storm drains, and roadways, were estimated. The costs for community facilities such as schools, parks, fire stations, and other public facilities were also estimated for each Area Plan.
Cost burden analyses were conducted by allocating the costs of infrastructure and public facilities among future land uses. The financial feasibility of each Plan was then tested based on industry standards of feasibility. Financing strategies and mechanisms were developed based on responses from several workshops conducted with property owners, City staff, and other affected parties. Financing policies and implementation actions, suited to each Plan Area, were adopted by the City as a guide for subsequent implementation efforts.
Danville Annexation Support Danville, California The Town of Danville was considering annexation of an approximately 300-acre site located adjacent to the Town limit and proposed for development of between 500 and 985 new residential units and a 30-acre park. Before approval both the Town and the Contra Costa LAFCo sought to determine the fiscal implications of the project and the proposed annexation.
EPS evaluated the fiscal impacts of the possible annexation for three alternative development scenarios to facilitate a property tax sharing agreement between the City and County. Specifically, EPS considered the projects fiscal impact the Town’s annual General Fund operating revenues and expenditures based on forecasting methods that best approximated the characteristics of each budget line item and its responsiveness to growth. Key issues included the increased costs associated with the provision of police services and the maintenance of the 30-acre park. EPS found that all three scenarios would generate a fiscal surplus to the Town assuming a property tax allocation similar to what existed on nearby parcels. The fiscal analysis was submitted to LAFCo for its Sphere of Influence and annexation review.
North Natomas Neighborhood Landscape Service CFD No. 99-02 Sacramento, California EPS assisted the City of Sacramento in the development of Community Facilities District (CFD) No. 99-02, which will provide landscape and drainage maintenance for three subdivisions. Each subdivision was assigned a different tax zone to take into account differences in maintenance costs. Other subdivisions can be annexed into the CFD if needed. The CFD may also serve as a back-up source of funds if homeowners association fails to provide agreed-upon services.
EPS subsequently assisted with the annexation of Westlake, River View, and Cambay West project areas into CFD No. 99-02. Support for the Westlake annexation process included
Economic & Planning Systems, Inc. 11 M:\SOQ\SOQs by PAR\Government Organization\Soq_GovOrg_Nov12.doc Government Organization EPS Statement of Qualifications November 2012
calculating the maximum special taxes for landscaping maintenance and drainage maintenance of the lake. Westlake proposed a Homeowners Association to provide these services. In this case, the maximum special tax levied will be $0. Should the Homeowners Association fail to provide adequate maintenance services, the maximum special tax may be levied by the City. Annexation of River View and Cambay West project areas into CFD No. 99-02 required estimating annual landscaping maintenance costs, calculating the maximum special taxes for landscaping maintenance, and preparing the Hearing Report.
Sacramento Annexation Economic Analysis Sacramento, California The City of Sacramento was preparing to revise its Sphere of Influence boundaries as part of a General Plan Amendment and asked EPS to advise its Stakeholder Working Group on open space preservation. The City had designated some 25,000 acres as study areas and had adopted open space policies that would allow development to proceed in the largely agricultural area if developers acquired open space as mitigation. The City's objective was to set aside open space as a means of managing land adjacent to the Sacramento River, preserving agriculture, satisfying species requirements in a Habitat Conservation Plan, and creating a community separator at the edge of the City.
EPS outlined relevant zoning and compensatory regulation mechanisms and formulated preservation scenarios for the Working Group. The exercise established critical elements the City must have in its General Plan, introduced the idea of a land bank that would involve land conservancies and foundations, and provided for several techniques that could be used to fund open space purchases from orderly development in the future.
Murrieta Annexation Fiscal Analysis Murrieta, California The City of Murrieta in Riverside County wished to explore the fiscal implications of the annexation of four separate areas surrounding the City, totaling over 10,000 acres. The City engaged a team consisting of EPS and Berryman & Henigar, Inc. to evaluate the feasibility of annexation of the subject areas. These areas varied widely in their land use patterns and level of development, from almost completely built out to virtually empty.
EPS provided an estimation of the effect on the City's general fund of annexation for each area, both at the point of annexation and at full build-out of each area. As part of this analysis, EPS provided modifications to the existing tax sharing agreement between the City and Riverside County that would help to make the proposed annexation fiscally neutral. Based on the EPS fiscal impact analysis, the City decided to proceed with just one of the proposed annexation areas.
Fiscal Study and Annexation Tax Sharing Agreement Winters, California Teichert Readymix Concrete planned to build six acres of Readymix concrete facilities next to Interstate 505, with the immediacy of access ramps. These six acres were contained within 60 acres of industrial zoned land that were planned to be annexed by the City of Winters from Yolo County.
Economic & Planning Systems, Inc. 12 M:\SOQ\SOQs by PAR\Government Organization\Soq_GovOrg_Nov12.doc Government Organization EPS Statement of Qualifications November 2012
EPS prepared a fiscal impact study for Teichert, the City of Winters, and Yolo County. The objective was to determine whether the development would generate adequate revenues to meet the costs of providing City and County maintenance and operation services to the area following annexation. EPS subsequently worked with all parties concerned to negotiate an equitable annexation tax sharing agreement.
City and County Annexation Fiscal Impact Analysis Hollister, California Most new development within the City of Hollister through the year 2010 will be annexed from the unincorporated area of San Benito County. It is anticipated that development will result in over 5,000 new housing units, 2 million square feet of non-residential development, close to 17,000 new residents, and over 4,000 new jobs. The annexations will have a significant impact on both the City and County.
EPS conducted fiscal studies to facilitate a property tax sharing agreement between the City and County. The studies for each entity were tailored to reflect the operating budgets and used forecasting methods that best approximated the characteristics of each line item and its responsiveness to growth and development.
Project Profiles—Municipal Incorporation Feasibility
East Los Angeles CFA Los Angeles, California EPS prepared a Comprehensive Fiscal Analysis (CFA) of the potential formation of a new city, or “incorporation,” of the unincorporated East Los Angeles (ELA) area in Los Angeles County. Incorporation would create a new city of approximately 126,000 residents. This CFA provided the Local Agency Formation Commission for the County of Los Angeles (LAFCO) with information necessary to make the determinations required by State statutes regarding city feasibility, property tax transfers from the county to the new city, and potential impacts on other agencies (“revenue neutrality”).
The analysis provided a detailed, line-item budget for the proposed new city based on comparison to other similar cities, existing costs for services provided by the County, and EPS’s experience with comparable communities. The report found that the community’s limited tax base and recent reductions in revenues provided by the State to new cities precluded city feasibility, even with substantial increases in taxes upon the residents. LAFCO denied the proposal based on EPS’s report.
Laughlin Incorporation Feasibility Analysis Laughlin, Nevada EPS prepared an incorporation feasibility analysis for the proposed city of Laughlin, which is located about 100 miles south of Las Vegas. The analysis estimated costs and revenues for the creation of a new city from a portion of an existing Township. The new city was projected to achieve costs savings through service efficiencies from a locally-based service infrastructure.
Economic & Planning Systems, Inc. 13 M:\SOQ\SOQs by PAR\Government Organization\Soq_GovOrg_Nov12.doc Government Organization EPS Statement of Qualifications November 2012
Pahrump Incorporation Feasibility Analysis Pahrump, Nevada EPS assisted the Town of Pahrump, a rapidly growing rural community outside Las Vegas, in its evaluation to become an incorporated Nevada city. The EPS analysis addressed the full range of issues required by State statutes, as well as concerns expressed by Town residents and leaders. The analysis included a ten-year forecast and addressed alternative economic scenarios, as well as alternative incorporation strategies and operational structures to help answer questions about the viability, advantages, and potential risks and drawbacks to incorporation.
Initial Fiscal Analysis of the West Ranch/Castaic/Tesoro Areas Los Angeles County, California EPS prepared an initial study of the feasibility of the proposed incorporation of three contiguous areas in Los Angeles County. The analysis helped the residents understand the feasibility of incorporation compared to the alternative of annexing to the City of Santa Clarita, and to evaluate potential boundary alternatives. The study highlighted specific areas requiring further analysis if the incorporation effort were to proceed further. The community held an advisory vote on options in November 2009.
Carmel Valley Incorporation Comprehensive Fiscal Analysis Monterey County, California Carmel Valley is an unincorporated community in the central part of the County of Monterey, east of the Town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. The Carmel River transects the proposed area boundary and Carmel Valley Road runs alongside the river, providing primary access into the community from Highway 1. Carmel Valley is home to approximately 11,700 residents and is composed of a mix of housing and commercial and hotel uses.
The proponents of the current incorporation effort sought to gain a number of benefits from incorporation, including local control over land use policies. The area is a major source of net revenue to the County of Monterey, raising significant issues related to potential impacts upon the County and upon services in the balance of the unincorporated areas. EPS prepared a Comprehensive Fiscal Analysis (CFA) for LAFCo of Monterey County. The CFA included a public services plan and budget analysis, and its purpose was to evaluate the feasibility of a new city and to estimate potential County impacts. The results of the CFA served to inform revenue- neutrality negotiations between the County and the proponents, as well as the Terms and Conditions of incorporation developed by LAFCo. The incorporation was approved by LAFCo for a November 2009 election. The incorporation proposal failed at the ballot.
Arden Arcade Initial Fiscal Analysis Sacramento County, California EPS completed an IFA of the incorporation of Arden Arcade as proposed by the Arden Arcade Cityhood Study Team. The purpose of the IFA was to provide an initial evaluation of cityhood feasibility and potential impacts on Sacramento County. The IFA was intended to serve as a “fatal flaw” analysis of incorporation feasibility. A “fatal flaw” analysis can help a community to identify significant issues affecting the potential incorporation before the formal CFA process is undertaken. In addition, the purpose of
Economic & Planning Systems, Inc. 14 M:\SOQ\SOQs by PAR\Government Organization\Soq_GovOrg_Nov12.doc Government Organization EPS Statement of Qualifications November 2012
the IFA was to recommend ways to improve feasibility and identify issues requiring further research as part of a formal CFA required by law (if the incorporation process moves forward). The conclusion of the analysis was that the City of Arden Arcade could be financially feasible.
Malaga Incorporation Comprehensive Fiscal Analysis Fresno County, California Malaga is a small, largely industrial, community located in the southeastern corner of Fresno County. The Malaga Incorporation Committee initiated the incorporation process so the community would gain local control its public services, planning, and public investment. The committee also wanted to promote more citizen participation in local civic affairs. While incorporation proponents did not anticipate major changes to the Community Plan, which focused on industrial, manufacturing, and highway commercial development, they desired local control over land use decisions that affect their community.
Fresno LAFCo retained EPS to prepare a CFA in accordance with the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000. The purpose of the CFA was to examine the fiscal feasibility of the proposed City of Malaga as well as the associated fiscal impacts of incorporation on Fresno County. EPS prepared a CFA for review by Fresno LAFCo, Fresno County, and the incorporation proponents. The proposal was subsequently rejected by LAFCo due to findings of infeasibility, as well as other community and environmental issues.
San Martin Initial Feasibility Analysis and Comprehensive Fiscal Analysis Santa Clara County, California The unincorporated community of San Martin in southern Santa Clara County sought to incorporate to gain control over land use planning issues. EPS prepared the Comprehensive Fiscal Analysis for the area, at the direction of LAFCo. Previously, the proponents of the incorporation effort retained EPS to conduct an IFA to help inform their decision to pursue a formal incorporation petition with the Santa Clara County LAFCo. EPS evaluated measures for improving the fiscal viability of the potential new city. LAFCo determined that a new city could not be viable without additional tax measures (e.g., a utility users tax). The proposed city was not placed on the ballot.
Rancho Cordova Initial Feasibility Analysis/Comprehensive Fiscal Analysis Rancho Cordova, California Similar to other growing communities, the citizens of Rancho Cordova in Sacramento County strongly desire local control over planning and land use decisions and public services. Local control and active citizen participation would ensure that decisions that affect the community’s future are made within the community.
EPS prepared a fiscal analysis for a Rancho Cordova citizens committee to evaluate the financial feasibility of proposed incorporation. Projections of expenses and revenues showed that the City of Rancho Cordova would generate large annual revenue surpluses before the payment of fiscal mitigation to the County. The citizens committee filed a petition to incorporate the proposed city with Sacramento LAFCo. Subsequently, EPS was retained by LAFCo to prepare the Comprehensive Fiscal Analysis. The incorporation was approved by the voters, and the City began operations in July 2003.
Economic & Planning Systems, Inc. 15 M:\SOQ\SOQs by PAR\Government Organization\Soq_GovOrg_Nov12.doc Government Organization EPS Statement of Qualifications November 2012
Olivehurst Initial Feasibility Analysis Yuba County, California The Olivehurst Public Utilities District (OPUD) was considering options for government reorganization to increase local land use control in, and to improve the provision of public services to, the existing community of Olivehurst and the proposed Plumas Lake Specific Plan area in southwestern Yuba County. OPUD retained EPS to conduct an IFA of the incorporation of Olivehurst, as well as to assist in evaluating the feasibility of other governance options. As part of the IFA, EPS prepared a public services plan and budget analysis to evaluate the feasibility of a new city and to estimate potential County impacts. In addition, EPS outlined community development measures for improving the feasibility of a new city. The results of the IFA informed OPUD’s decision to pursue a formal incorporation petition with the Yuba County LAFCo.
Castro Valley Comprehensive Fiscal Analysis Alameda County, California The Castro Valley area is an unincorporated community that has been the subject of several prior attempts at incorporation. Land use planning, which has been within the County’s domain, is one reason why the community continues to seek cityhood as a means to upgrade and improve land use patterns and economic development in its downtown.
EPS prepared a CFA to determine the financial feasibility of a new city and to establish the potential revenue-neutrality impacts upon the County. EPS evaluated the need for an extension to an existing utility users’ tax and a new hotel tax to provide additional funding to achieve feasibility. The incorporation proposal was rejected by the voters.
Los Angeles Reorganization San Fernando Valley, California Residents and business leaders in the San Fernando Valley submitted an application to Los Angeles LAFCo to detach from the City of Los Angeles and incorporate as a new, smaller city. The proponents desired an increased level of local control over municipal services and planning issues; concerns existed that the City of Los Angeles was not responsive to the needs of Valley residents. EPS was part of a team of consultants engaged by the proponents to help in structuring the new city and the terms under which it would split from the City of Los Angeles and reorganize.
EPS was instrumental in reviewing and responding to the CFA prepared by LAFCo, developing a proposed city budget, and preparing Terms and Conditions for the reorganization and a proposed agreement for mitigating impacts on the City of Los Angeles. Key issues addressed included the disposition of infrastructure, assets and liabilities, employee transfers to the new city, and payments for contract services and mitigation. The reorganization proposal failed at the ballot.
Carmel Valley Initial Feasibility Analysis Monterey County, California The Carmel Valley area, which lies to the east of the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea in Monterey County, was the subject of an incorporation effort. The proponents of the effort sought to gain a number of benefits from incorporation, including local control over land use policies. The area is a major source of net revenue to the County of Monterey, raising significant issues related to potential impacts upon the County and upon services in the balance of the unincorporated areas. EPS prepared an IFA for the proponents, including a public services plan and budget analysis, to
Economic & Planning Systems, Inc. 16 M:\SOQ\SOQs by PAR\Government Organization\Soq_GovOrg_Nov12.doc Government Organization EPS Statement of Qualifications November 2012
evaluate the feasibility of a new city and to estimate potential County impacts. The results of the IFA informed the proponents’ decision to pursue a formal incorporation petition with the Monterey County LAFCo.
Oakhurst Initial Feasibility Analysis Madera County, California The Oakhurst area, which lies in the eastern portion of Madera County, was the subject of an incorporation effort. The proponents of the current effort sought to gain a number of benefits from incorporation, including local control over land use policies. The area is a major source of net revenue to the County of Madera, raising significant issues related to potential impacts upon the County and upon services in the balance of the unincorporated areas. EPS prepared an IFA for the proponents, including a public services plan and budget analysis, to evaluate the feasibility of a new city and to estimate potential County impacts. The results of the IFA informed the proponents’ decision to pursue a formal incorporation petition with the Madera LAFCo.
Elk Grove Incorporation Fiscal and Feasibility Review and Comprehensive Fiscal Analysis Elk Grove, California The concept of incorporation was not new to the Elk Grove community located in south Sacramento County. Three attempts in two decades were indicative of a strong desire for local land use and planning control. The area proposed for incorporation had seen considerable growth. In 1998, the proposed City of Elk Grove had an estimated 54,650 residents and 8,840 employees working within the proposed incorporation boundaries.
A citizens group retained EPS in 1993 to objectively review a fiscal analysis of the incorporation to see whether there were any significant issues regarding feasibility and to address a number of issues regarding the fiscal analysis. In 1997, Sacramento County LAFCo retained EPS to prepare the CFA required by law to evaluate the financial feasibility of the proposed incorporation, and to assist with the public and official review of the incorporation proposal. EPS prepared long-term revenue and expense projections for this study. EPS’s analyses concluded that the proposed City would be fiscally viable after making fiscal mitigation payments to Sacramento County. Incorporation was approved by voters and the City of Elk Grove was formed in July 2000.
Goleta Incorporation Comprehensive Fiscal Analysis Goleta, California The Goleta area, which lies to the west of the City of Santa Barbara, had been the subject of several incorporation efforts over several years. The proponents sought to gain a number of benefits from incorporation, including local control over land use policies. The area is a major source of net revenue to the County of Santa Barbara and also represents nearly half of the County’s unincorporated population, raising significant issues related to potential impacts upon the County and upon services in the balance of the unincorporated areas. EPS prepared a Comprehensive Fiscal Analysis, including a public services plan and budget analysis, to evaluate the feasibility of a new city and to estimate potential County impacts. The voters approved the incorporation, and city operations began in 2002.
Economic & Planning Systems, Inc. 17 M:\SOQ\SOQs by PAR\Government Organization\Soq_GovOrg_Nov12.doc Government Organization EPS Statement of Qualifications November 2012
Oakley Comprehensive Fiscal Analysis Technical Support Oakley, California The residents of the community of Oakley in Contra Costa County sought for years to gain local control over planning and governance. Despite the County’s efforts to undertake redevelopment activities, the residents felt that local needs were not being met. EPS provided technical assistance to the residents to assure that the Comprehensive Fiscal Analysis prepared for the incorporation effort was based on solid analysis. At the same time, EPS sought to assure the County that it would not be adversely affected by the creation of the new city. Voters approved the incorporation in November 1998.
Rancho Santa Margarita Comprehensive Fiscal Analysis Rancho Santa Margarita, California Rancho Santa Margarita is a master-planned community in Orange County with a population of about 35,000. The residents were motivated to create a city to improve local control and to provide for civic facilities that would benefit the community. EPS prepared a Comprehensive Fiscal Analysis, working closely with the Incorporation Committee and LAFCo, and created a financial analysis to evaluate cityhood issues and to achieve a consensus among all parties. The City incorporated in 2000.
Windsor Incorporation Comprehensive Fiscal Analysis Sonoma County, California EPS was involved with the incorporation efforts in Windsor for a period of approximately five years, during which a series of public service plans and feasibility studies were conducted, culminating in preparation of a CFA for LAFCo as a part of the incorporation hearings. The initial effort involved preparation of a financial fiscal analysis that determined the conditions under which incorporation would be feasible. This led to the appointment, by the Board of Supervisors, of a Municipal Advisory Council (MAC), charged with studying incorporation and developing public service and reorganization proposals. Following the MAC efforts, an incorporation petition was successfully circulated and submitted to LAFCo. LAFCo then commissioned the CFA and EIR and proceeded with the public review and hearing process. Windsor was successfully incorporated in June 1992.
El Dorado Hills Initial Feasibility Analysis/Comprehensive Fiscal Analysis El Dorado Hills, California EPS prepared a “fatal flaw” analysis of the possible incorporation of El Dorado Hills, a relatively affluent residential community located in western El Dorado County, for a citizen's organization. The initial proposed City boundaries were slightly larger than the Fire District boundaries that included approximately 30,000 acres. The analysis included a ten-year projection of expenses and revenues if El Dorado Hills was incorporated. Two alternative reorganization proposals were considered. The first proposal was based on the reorganization of an existing Fire District and CSD into the City, and the second was based on reorganization of only the CSD. The study found that incorporation of El Dorado Hills could be financially feasible, particularly if the Fire District was included in the incorporation proposal. Subsequently, EPS prepared the CFA requested by LAFCo. Although the CFA found that a new city could be viable, the voters rejected the incorporation proposal.
Economic & Planning Systems, Inc. 18 M:\SOQ\SOQs by PAR\Government Organization\Soq_GovOrg_Nov12.doc Government Organization EPS Statement of Qualifications November 2012
Pleasant Grove Incorporation Comprehensive Fiscal Analysis Pleasant Grove, California EPS prepared a Comprehensive Fiscal Analysis for a proposed incorporation in Sutter County. The proposed incorporation area, which encompassed the proposed Sutter Bay development, was located in the southern portion of the County. EPS found that the proposed incorporation could be financially feasible, given that a supplemental revenue source such as a special tax or other financial security measure would be created. EPS explored the feasibility of incorporation under a number of growth, revenue, and cost scenarios for Sutter County and worked closely with LAFCo and the landowners throughout the analysis.
Alamo Initial Feasibility Analysis Contra Costa County, California EPS prepared a "fatal flaw" analysis of a possible incorporation of a residential community in Contra Costa County for a citizen's organization. The analysis also included consideration of alternatives to incorporation that would improve local control and discretion over services. The analysis determined that there was an inadequate fiscal base for incorporation, primarily because of a weak sales tax base and high costs for police protection and road maintenance.
Templeton Incorporation Initial Fiscal Analysis San Luis Obispo County, California EPS prepared a fiscal analysis of the incorporation of a small rural community. The analysis evaluated the feasibility of incorporation under several boundary alternatives and growth rates. A detailed public services and financing plan was prepared for all municipal services and capital improvements required. The fiscal analysis included the creation of a five-year municipal budget projection for the new town. The Initial Fiscal Analysis served in the negotiations between the incorporation proponents and the County.
Isla Vista Governance Options Isla Vista, California EPS participated in a study of government organization options for the Isla Vista community, which includes the Santa Barbara campus of the University of California. EPS evaluated the feasibility of incorporation and compared the implications of other options such as a county services district for providing services and enhancing citizen participation in local government.
Aptos Incorporation Fiscal Analysis Santa Cruz, California EPS prepared an incorporation fiscal analysis for an existing, stable residential community. A detailed public services and financing plan was prepared for the limited municipal services required by the new city. The fiscal analysis served in public relations efforts of the incorporation proponents and in negotiations with the County.
Evaluation of Truckee Incorporation Feasibility Studies Truckee, California Concerns were raised by property owners in the Truckee area, during the incorporation process, about the veracity of analysis prepared to determine the feasibility of incorporation. EPS reviewed and analyzed two reports that were prepared as part of the Truckee incorporation feasibility process. The two reports included a Comprehensive Fiscal Analysis of proposed
Economic & Planning Systems, Inc. 19 M:\SOQ\SOQs by PAR\Government Organization\Soq_GovOrg_Nov12.doc Government Organization EPS Statement of Qualifications November 2012
incorporation, and a set of land use forecasts. EPS concluded that several potential expenditure items had not been adequately addressed and that further analysis should be conducted to assure that the proposed city did not start with an insufficient tax base.
Shasta County Incorporation Comprehensive Fiscal Analysis Review Shasta County, California EPS reviewed an incorporation CFA for the County Administrator because of concerns that the analysis did not properly evaluate impacts upon Shasta County and that basic calculations (e.g., the property tax transfer) were erroneous. Following consideration of EPS’s review and analysis, LAFCo amended the CFA and the related incorporation Terms and Conditions in a manner that reduced potential fiscal impacts upon the County and better conformed to statutory standards.
Lake Tahoe Incorporation Fiscal Analysis Douglas County, Nevada EPS prepared an incorporation fiscal analysis for an existing, stable residential/resort area on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe. A detailed public services and financing plan was prepared for the limited municipal services required by the new city, and the fiscal analysis included the creation of a municipal budget projection for the new city. The fiscal analysis served in public information efforts of the incorporation proponents. The proposal failed at the ballot.
Project Profiles—Municipal Service Reviews
Merced County Municipal Service Reviews Merced, California The Merced County LAFCo was required by law to conduct service reviews of all jurisdictions and independent public service providers in the County. The required service reviews included a comprehensive evaluation of the budget, current and anticipated service area, type and level of service and service capacity, regulatory requirements and all other aspects of service provision for each agency and jurisdiction.
EPS assisted the Merced County LAFCo in conducting independent municipal service reviews for all the cities as well as autonomous fire, water, and sewer districts. In each case, EPS examined the services provided, their current and anticipated service area, their regulatory environment, current service standards, and any anticipated challenges or changes in their environment. The analysis included extensive interviews with service providers as well as an independent review of existing institutional documentations such as budgets and capital improvement plans. EPS has also assisted with review of Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities, as required by law.
Victorville Municipal Service Review Victorville, California Consistent with San Bernardino LAFCo’s policies and procedures, EPS, in association with Burr Consulting, prepared a Sphere of Influence (SOI) Review for the City of Victorville. In addition, the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000 requires the preparation of an MSR before approval of any changes to an SOI. A primary purpose of the MSR is to document the agency’s capacity to provide services to current and future development within its SOI and recommended SOI expansion area. This information is intended to assist LAFCo in establishing an agency’s SOI and in considering proposals that affect the agency. The
Economic & Planning Systems, Inc. 20 M:\SOQ\SOQs by PAR\Government Organization\Soq_GovOrg_Nov12.doc Government Organization EPS Statement of Qualifications November 2012
MSR prepared by our team reviewed governance and local accountability at the City of Victorville and discussed growth, SOI findings, and the proposed expansion of the Victorville SOI. The adequacy of infrastructure and services to meet the needs of current and future populations and new development are documented in the MSR.
Sonoma County Municipal Service Reviews for Sanitation, Fire, and Cities Sonoma County, California One of the major responsibilities of the LAFCo is to conduct comprehensive, regional studies of municipal services (Municipal Service Reviews [MSRs]) every five years in conjunction with reviews of city spheres of influence (SOIs). EPS assisted Sonoma LAFCo in preparing MSRs for all agencies in the County, including sewer and water districts, fire districts, cities, and other independent entities. In addition to basic data collection, EPS evaluated each entity according to the nine factors that require LAFCo determinations.
Modesto Master Services Element/Municipal Service Review Stanislaus County, California Stanislaus LAFCo policies and procedures require the preparation of a Sphere of Influence (SOI) Plan and a Master Services Element (MSE) for each SOI in the County. In addition, State law requires the preparation of an MSR before approval of any changes to an SOI (Government Code 56425 et seq). A primary purpose of the MSE and MSR is to document the agency’s capacity to provide services to current and future development within its SOI. This information is intended to assist LAFCo in establishing an agency’s SOI and in considering proposals that affect the agency. EPS prepared the SOI Plan, MSE, and MSR for LAFCo’s consideration during the review and approval process for the City of Modesto-initiated amendment to its SOI as a part of the proposed Kaiser Modesto Medical Center/Cornerstone Business Park development.
Economic & Planning Systems, Inc. 21 M:\SOQ\SOQs by PAR\Government Organization\Soq_GovOrg_Nov12.doc