RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - A change to the security budget, which will add a patrol position by increasing barcode fees, was a key topic when the Rancho Murieta Community Services District Board of Directors met on Nov. 20.

In other business, the board approved pursuing WaterSmart federal grants for water and energy efficiency projects and commissioning a feasibility study for a pipeline connecting the CSD to the Sacramento County Water Agency. 

Staff also provided updates on hiring an external expert to review the Integrated Water Master Plan and the permitting process to make Clementia Reservoir suitable for potable use.

Additionally, the board passed a resolution honoring outgoing Director Martin Pohll and considered a proposed pay raise for General Manager Mimi Morris. See the two other stories in this issue of the River Valley Times.

Security Budget

Mark Matulich, Director of Finance and Administration, presented a proposal to the board seeking approval for a security budget adjustment to fund 24/7/365 patrol coverage by adding a new position. He explained that the funding would come from an increase in barcode fees, which have remained unchanged at a one-time cost of $10 per vehicle since the 1990s.

Under the proposal, the initial cost for a new barcode sticker would rise to $25, with an annual renewal fee of $10. This change is projected to increase the security budget by nearly $78,000, enough to cover the cost of a new community service officer position and additional expenses.

After extensive discussion, the board unanimously voted 5-0 to proceed with the security budget change. The next steps involve adopting an ordinance, potentially at the December and January meetings. If approved, the new renewal fee will appear on residents’ March billing statements.

Federal Grants

General Manager Mimi Morris and Operations Director Eric Houston requested board approval to apply for $1.9 million in grant funding from the Federal Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSmart Program. The district would be required to provide an additional $2.1 million in matching funds. Morris noted that this is likely the final year the program will be available.

Approximately half of the grant funding would be allocated to installing smart water meters equipped with built-in leak detection and remote reading capabilities. Another key project involves the installation of solar-powered parking canopies, which would significantly reduce the district’s energy costs. Additional funding requests include plant equipment upgrades aimed at enhancing water reliability.

Director Booth initially opposed the grant application, particularly the inclusion of smart water meters, which he did not consider a priority. He also expressed concerns about the level of commitment implied by the resolution.

Director Randy Jenco shared reservations about the significant matching funds required but ultimately supported applying for the grant to explore its potential benefits. To address concerns, Jenco proposed an amendment to the resolution requiring staff to bring the grant back to the board for approval if awarded.

The amendment alleviated Booth’s concerns, and he joined Jenco, Maybee, and Pohll in voting to apply for the grant. Director Butler, however, voted against the motion.

In Other Business: 

The board approved a staff request to commission a formal analysis by the Sacramento County Water Agency (SCWA) to evaluate the feasibility of connecting Rancho Murieta to SCWA for additional water supply. The $30,000 cost for the analysis will be covered by the developer fee reserve.

Staff reported that four external consultants are preparing quotes to conduct a technical review of the draft Integrated Water Master Plan. Houston confirmed that the review will also include an evaluation of public submissions.

The board began preliminary discussions on raising the Water Augmentation Implementation Fees paid by developers. Legal counsel advised that an engineering study would be required to justify any fee increase.

The board discussed some issues concerning permitting Clementia Reservoir for drinking water use but didn’t act.