Kristina Berry - Executive Officer
Linda Wilkie - Commission Clerk
530-889-4097
Fax: 530-886-4671
Address: 145 Fulweiler Ave., Suite 110
Auburn CA 95603
Send an email - lafco@placer.ca.gov
Final Municipal Service Review (MSR)
Final MSR - PDF document (13.5 MB) || Map - PDF document
The Municipal Service Review (MSR) for the Mid-County Water Purveyors includes an analysis of the issues and written determinations for:
- Growth and population projections
- Infrastructure needs or deficiencies
- Financing constraints and opportunities
- Opportunities for shared facilities
- Government structure options and evaluation of management efficiencies
- Accountability and governance
This study is required as part of the process for adopting Spheres of Influence for each of the affected districts.
Tentative LAFCO Hearing Schedule For 2009
January 14, 2009 (No Meeting Scheduled)
February 11, 2009 PDF Agenda
March 11, 2009 (No Meeting Scheduled)
April 8, 2009 PDF Agenda
May 13, 2009 PDF Agenda
June 10, 2009 (No Meeting Scheduled)
July 8, 2009 PDF Agenda
Notice of Hearing PDF
August 12, 2009
September 9, 2009
October 14, 2009
November 18, 2009
December 9, 2009
In 1963 the California State Legislature created the local agency formation commission (LAFCO) for the purpose of encouraging orderly growth and development through "the logical formation and modification of the boundaries of local agencies", specifically cities and special districts. The legislature identified some specific goals and priorities to consider in fulfilling this task. These include the protection of agricultural resources and open space, the discouragement of urban sprawl, the efficient and effective provision of services, and the use of single multipurpose government agencies over multiple single purpose agencies.
The legislature also charged LAFCO with the responsibility to:
- Define and adopt a "plan for the probable physical boundaries and service area" of each local agency (known as a sphere of influence)
- Conduct studies relating to service provision and government organization
- Consider the requests of local agencies to enter into a contract with private individuals or organizations to provide services outside their boundaries
Each county in the state is required to have a LAFCO. These LAFCOs fulfill their legislative mandate through the consideration and approval or denial of boundary changes proposed by individuals or the local agencies themselves. LAFCOs do not have the power to initiate boundary changes on their own, except for proposals involving the dissolution, consolidation, or merger of special districts or the establishment of subsidiary districts.
Placer LAFCO Policies PDF document
Typical applicants to LAFCO might include an individual homeowner requesting annexation to a sewer district due to a failing septic tank, or a developer seeking annexation to a city in order to obtain a more favorable development package and the extension of urban services. Less frequently, a city might submit an application to annex pockets or “islands” of unincorporated land in order to avoid duplication of services, or special districts might request a consolidation of two or more districts in an effort to streamline their services and reduce costs to taxpayers.
After an application is received there is a period of information gathering and analysis. Following this LAFCO will hold a public hearing to consider an applicant's request. These hearings are advertised in the local newspapers and interested citizens are welcome and encouraged to state their views at the hearings. LAFCO Process PDF document
Membership in each county's LAFCO is prescribed by law. Commissions usually contain five members - two representatives from the county board of supervisors, two representatives from city councils, and one public member. The state statutes permit the addition of two special district representatives under certain circumstances. The Placer County Local Agency Formation Commission presently consists of seven members.
For information on the current membership of the commission, meeting times, or specifics relating to the LAFCO process or boundary-related issues, contact the local LAFCO office at (530) 889-4097. The LAFCO office is located at 145 Fulweiler Avenue, Suite 110, Auburn, CA 95603.