San Benito Local Agency Formation Commission members voted unanimously on Dec. 11 to expand the sphere of influence of Sunnyslope County Water District and annex two outlying Best Road areas so the district can maintain state grant funding and continue providing water service.

The commission adopted Resolution 2025-04, approving the SOI expansion and the annexation of two hatched areas totaling 248 acres that had been served by Best Road Mutual Water Company. Executive Officer Jennifer told the commission the project has been funded by a Department of Water Resources grant of $3,400,000, that the infrastructure is constructed and connected and already providing full service, and that final LAFCO approval must occur before year-end to preserve the grant.

"The infrastructure is, obviously, constructed, connected, and already full service," Jennifer said during the staff presentation. She also emphasized the commission was being asked to approve both the SOI expansion and the annexation and to confirm the notices of exemption for the project.

Drew Landers, general manager of Sunnyslope County Water District, said the subdivision dates to the 1980s and that local well production has declined for roughly 12 years. Landers described recent water-quality and production problems: "...the infiltration of arsenic as well as some iron bacteria which has caused the problem," and said those conditions prompted an emergency connection to Sunnyslope in July.

Commissioners clarified that the annexation covers water service only, not wastewater, and that it applies to existing units rather than opening the door to new development. Chair asked for public comment; none was offered before the commission closed the hearing and took a roll-call vote.

The final vote was 5–0 in favor of adopting Resolution 2025-04, which the commission recorded as approving the SOI expansion and the annexation of the territory presently served by Best Road Mutual Water Company. The resolution also included confirmation of the project's notices of exemption.

With the resolution passed, the district will proceed with implementation steps to ensure continued eligibility for the Department of Water Resources funding and to maintain service to the annexed properties. The record notes no public opposition at the hearing.

Next procedural steps: LAFCO staff will finalize the paperwork required to file the annexation and related notices so the project meets the grant deadline and reporting requirements.