Mendocino LAFCO finds no substantial change to Hopland Public Utility District sphere; schedules next review in five years

The Mendocino County Local Agency Formation Commission on Sept. 8 adopted a resolution finding that no substantial changes have occurred since the district's last sphere of influence review in 2016 and directed staff to schedule the next review in five years.

The decision affirms staff's recommendation that a streamlined review was appropriate for the Hopland Public Utility District (PUD). Executive Officer Hinman told the commission staff had interviewed district officials, reviewed a certified questionnaire and current financial statements and concluded the review met the intent of Government Code 56425 to review spheres of influence at least every five years.

Commissioners pressed the district's contract general manager, Jared Walker, for details on a pending rate study and several large…