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Sutter County to move dormant plan-check funds to help dissolve Rio Romaza special district
Summary
Supervisors approved transferring an estimated $370,000 from a dormant plan-check and inspection fees fund into a committed general-fund balance to support dissolution of the Rio Romaza Community Services District, including a one-time $26,000 allocation to assist the district's operations while staff pursue long-term solutions.
The Sutter County Board of Supervisors on Aug. 26 approved a staff recommendation to close a long-dormant Plan Check & Inspection Fees special revenue fund and move approximately $370,000 into a committed general-fund balance for special-district dissolution work.
Deputy County Administrator Laura Granados told the board the fund has been inactive for about 14 years and staff increased the transfer amount to $370,000 to capture accrued interest. The staff report also included a proposed one-time transfer of $26,000 to the Rio Romaza Community Services District to help the small district with near-term operational needs while county development services pursues a sustainable solution.
Development services staff explained the Rio Romaza district is a very small community with roughly eight homes and an undersized community sewer system; residents currently pay about $55 per month, which staff said does not cover operating costs. Staff described a preferred strategy to design and build individual septic systems for each residence so the district would no longer require a state-mandated community sewer system, but that approach depends on soil conditions and may require easements from neighboring Sacramento County parcels.
The discussion also flagged an unresolved bond issue: the district sold bonds years ago and some bondholders may still be owed funds; staff said they are working with bond counsel and accounting to determine outstanding obligations before final dissolution steps.
Supervisor Zickmeyer moved and Supervisor Stevens seconded the motion to close the fund, create a committed fund balance for special district dissolution, authorize transfers and make associated budget adjustments; the board voted unanimously to approve the action.
Staff said they will return to the board with a recommended implementation plan that will include cost estimates for septic construction, potential use of county forces to reduce costs, and any necessary coordination with Sacramento County and bond counsel.
