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LAFCO staff circulates draft municipal service reviews for Lera and Highlands recreation districts with recommendations
Summary
LAFCO staff presented draft municipal service reviews for Lera and Highlands Recreation Districts, finding both districts meet current recreational needs but recommending stronger financial practices: multi‑year capital plans, reserve policies, timely audits and greater transparency (meeting recording/publication). Commissioners directed staff to schedule final MSR hearings and virtual workshops in July.
LAFCO staff presented draft municipal service reviews (MSRs) for the Lera Recreation District and the Highlands Recreation District on May 20, finding both districts meet current recreational needs but recommending several changes to improve financial planning and transparency.
For the Lera Recreation District, staff said the district serves residents inside and outside its boundaries, reported 405 members in 2025 (about 58% residents), and spent roughly $6 million on capital projects from 2020–2025 — including a $1.3 million pool construction financed via a leaseback. Staff noted Lera lacks a multi‑year capital improvement plan, is behind on independent financial audits (completing calendar year 2023–24 audits), and recommended adopting a multi‑year CIP, formalizing county investment pool funds as capital reserves, publishing audits online and considering meeting recordings for increased transparency. "We encourage the district to continue efforts to increase staff retention," staff said, noting four general managers since 2021.
For the Highlands Recreation District, staff reported projected FY 25/26 revenues near $4.4 million and expenditures of about $4.5 million, with park and recreation fees comprising roughly 74% of revenue and property tax making up the next largest source. Staff noted Highlands holds multiple reserve funds (one April 2026 balance cited as $473,296) and that many reserve funds were unassigned; recommendations include conducting audits that use actuals, adopting a reserve policy with targets and purposes, and designating unassigned reserves.
Commissioners asked several clarifying questions and invited Highlands General Manager Tamson Burke to respond; Burke said recent efforts have addressed several overdue audits and explained that some projected expense increases reflect funding set aside for landslide‑related projects awaiting county permits. Commentary from a former Highlands general manager urged staff to incorporate written corrections submitted by the district into the final draft.
Action taken: the commission opened and closed the public hearing, accepted comments, and by motion directed the executive officer to schedule final public hearings for the Lera and Highlands MSRs at the July 15, 2026 meeting and to circulate the draft MSRs to counties, cities and special districts. Staff also was directed to schedule a virtual public workshop and to coordinate possible district board presentations.
Next steps: staff will incorporate corrections submitted by the Highlands GM, finalize audit and reserve recommendations in the MSRs, and proceed with public outreach and the July hearings.
