Supervisors warn Sierra Brooks water system needs reserves; discuss rates, PUD and contracting options

Board members raised concerns about the financial viability of the county‑operated Sierra Brooks water system (County Service Area 5A) during the public‑hearing segment on service‑area budgets.

Supervisor Dryden, whose district includes Sierra Brooks and surrounding subdivisions, said the system lacks sufficient reserves for an additional well‑pump generator and other maintenance needs. “There’s not money in there to do any upgrades or maintenance,” she said, urging the board to explore fee increases to build a reserve.

Public‑works director Brian Davis confirmed the system’s operating revenue covers routine expenses but provides little margin for capital replacement after recent utility‑cost increases. “The amount of money coming in from the fees for the water service is basically enough with a little bit extra to cover the annual cost of the system operation,” Davis said, adding that administration cost allocations — recorded as a cost‑allocation charge in the enterprise fund — are a substantial line‑item.

Board members discussed three practical options: 1) pursue a rate study and subsequent public hearings to increase customer fees; 2) assist the community in forming a public utility district (PUD) so users operate and fund the system locally (the county noted an immediate savings of roughly $42,000 in cost allocations if a PUD took over); or 3) contract system operations to a private provider while maintaining county ownership. Supervisors said they would involve the service‑area customers and the HOA in forthcoming committee discussions.

The board directed a committee including Supervisors Rowland and another supervisor to examine options and engage the community; no immediate rate change was approved as part of the budget hearings. Staff noted any rate increase would require a multi‑step process including a rate study, public notice and hearings under county law.