Last fall, a movement developed to stop the first rate and Cambrians for a Fiscally Responsible CCSD began studying the finances of the District. Part of that first increase proposal was a plan to pay for part of the buildout reduction program by tacking a fee onto the water bills. The problem is that the State Constitution says “Revenues derived from the fee or charge shall not exceed the amount required to provide the property related service.” And “Revenues derived from the fee or charge shall not be used for any purpose other than that for which the fee or charge was imposed.” (Article 13D)
The second time around, the CCSD proudly advertised (in a full page Cambrian ad on page 2) that there was no BRP fee included. Which was a good thing, since it would be illegal. During meetings and workshops last spring, the Board told us the BRP would not be paid for out of rates.
It was brought to my attention by Jerry McKinnon that the expenditure report for September included a payment to RBF Consulting for $5,000 that tagged “WD/Professional Services-BRP Study 7/1-7/31/08″ (CCSD Expenditure Report for Month ending September 30, 2008). Unless money in the water department funds arrived there from a source other than the rates revenues, this would seem to indicate the BRP is being funded from our rates.
Further investigation revealed that since March 2008, CCSD has paid RBF Consulting for professional services related to the BRP at least $25,840.00 and at least another $12,000.00 going back to March 2007. Every one of these was charged to the water department and so paid for with rates revenue.
I will be asking the CCSD about this at their next meeting (which is scheduled for Monday November 17 12:30pm) and via email to the GM and directors. Perhaps I will get an answer. Stay tuned here for more….
Last 5 posts by Amanda Rice
- Gail Robinette Chosen to Complete DeMicco's Term as CCSD Director on Unanimous Vote
- California Coastal Commission Unanimously Denied Army Corps Desal Tests
- Cambria CSD Agenda for November 27, 2011 Meeting Includes Water Conservation & New Tank Project
- Sunken Oil Tanker Off Cambria's Coastline Will Be Checked Again Soon
The desal will happen. The voters clearly spoke. The Coastal Commission and (Peter Douglas) said Cambria will get and needs desal, it just must be done right. The vocal minority of no-growth obstructionists should quit filing rediculous lawsuits costing us money to fight ourselves, and the community needs to agree on a fair way to pay for lot retirement. It is the only way to control buildout permenantly. It is Cambria’s long term solution that will benefit us all and protect Cambria’s character. No more of ‘I built my house but you have no right to build yours”.Lot owners have rights, it is cheaper to buy them out now while the moritorium has artificially devalued them. Solve the problem people, it only will get more costly as we drag it out.Don’t let this great oppurtunity of buildout reduction slip by us.Nothing is free, however.
It will also be cheaper to buy them out while the real estate market is down. It will come back. It always does.
Cambria’s voters should insist that their county government, the ones who approved the tract map in the first place, and the ones who collect most of the tax revenues, participate in helping retire lots. There should be a tax increment financing district that covers part of the cost. With that nothing is being taken out of anyone’s pocket. The county would simply sign over to Cambria the increased tax revenues from private development that would not occur if a BRP is not implemented.