Newsletter June 99 Two

June 1999

- Notice of Public Hearing and Meeting -

Public Hearing on Water Availability Charge
   A key source of funds to pay for ongoing water distribution system upgrades is an annual assessment of $30 per acre for the first five acres or fraction of an acre. A sliding scale formula is used for larger lots and agricultural and recreational parcels. The assessment is collected by the County along with property taxes as a Water Availability Charge, and is used exclusively to finance water system improvements.
   California law requires that the Water Availability Charge be renewed each year. The assessment amount has not changed over the last three years since it was initiated, and no change in the Assessment is proposed for the coming year. A report with the amount of assessment for each parcel is on file and available for review at the District office.
   A public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, July 27 at 3:00 p.m. in the Conference Room of the Montecito Fire Protection District at 595 San Ysidro Road, at which the Board will hear public input and any protests, objections or requests for adjustment to any assessment.

Public Information on District Finances
The District invites all customers to a public meeting at which it will consider and adopt the 1999-2000 budget.
If you would like to learn more about District finances, please join us on Tuesday, June 29 at 3:00 p.m. in the Conference Room of the Montecito Water District at
583 San Ysidro Road.

YOUR QUESTIONS ARE IMPORTANT TO US.
Please call us at 969-2271 for more information

PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER

Cooperative Plan to Protect Fish
Montecito Water District is participating in a cooperative plan to improve the fishery in the lower Santa Ynez River. A draft of the Fish Management Plan was recently released. It emphasizes actions that participating agencies can implement, as well as identifies opportunities for voluntary participation by private landowners.
In 2000, the State Water Board will review how water is used from the Cachuma Project. This could affect Montecito’s share of water from Cachuma. The Fish Management Plan is part of a larger effort to balance environmental requirements and community water needs so that both benefit. A copy of the Plan is available for review at the District office.

Montecito Water District plans to invest approximately
$2 million each year to upgrade its water system to ensure that it continues to provide reliable water service.