Siskiyou LAFCO opens public hearing on FY 2025–26 preliminary budget, flags need for city MSR/SOI funding

The Siskiyou County Local Agency Formation Commission opened a public hearing on the fiscal year 2025–26 preliminary budget and voted to continue the hearing to its June 10 meeting for possible adoption.

LAFCO Executive Officer Haley Lang told commissioners the draft preliminary budget covers ongoing operations and noted that a significant portion of last year’s work supported the countywide fire protection district MSR/SOI. Lang said a city MSR/SOI update — the first since 2016 — is likely needed and that the commission may need to increase funding for that project in the coming fiscal year. "We have the fiscal year 2025–26 preliminary budget," Lang said as she introduced the item.

The commission’s discussion focused on how to pay for the city MSR/SOI update and on travel costs associated with newly appointed CALAFCO representation. Rachel (LAFCO staff) said the budget includes a transportation and travel line item; "We do have a line item for transportation and travel," she said. Commissioners agreed the preliminary budget could be adjusted before final adoption in June to add funding for anticipated travel and for the MSR/SOI work if necessary.

Staff described the expected cost-sharing structure for a forthcoming MSR/SOI update: the draft assumes $30,000 in total, allocated as $15,000 from the county and $15,000 from the cities combined (allocation described in the staff report as based on tax base). Lang and staff reiterated that the county historically pays roughly half of annual LAFCO operational costs and that special districts would only share costs if they choose to become a commission member, which would change the split to thirds.

Commissioners discussed timing and statutory expectations for MSR/SOI updates. Lang said LAFCO is required to update MSR/SOIs periodically and that city-level updates appear to be due, noting the typical expected interval is five to ten years and that the last city MSR/SOI work dates to 2016. Staff cautioned that if the commission keeps the budget at historical levels the MSR/SOI work could be delayed until adequate funding is secured.

The commission moved to adopt the preliminary budget and continue the public hearing to the June 10 regular meeting for further action and possible adoption. A motion was made and seconded, and the chair called the vote; the record shows the motion passed on an affirmative voice vote and the hearing will remain open.

Other budget-related items raised during the discussion included two ministerial out-of-area service agreements from the City of Dunsmuir that staff said will be recorded after the meeting and the general observation that MSR/SOI work can be controversial and development-driven. Commissioners and staff agreed to revisit the preliminary budget before final adoption to reflect travel needs and the projected MSR/SOI costs.

The commission also approved routine minutes for earlier meetings (January and February) during the same session.

The public hearing remains open; the commission set a continuation for June 10 for possible adoption of the FY 2025–26 budget.