Fresno County adopts standby sewer assessment for Millerton mobile home park after protest hearing

The Fresno County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution June 2 levying increased sewer standby charge assessments for Fresno County Service Area 44A (Millerton Mobile Home Village) after completing a Proposition 218 majority‑protest process.

Chris Bump, special district manager for Public Works and Planning, said CSA 44A serves 99 parcels and that the proposed assessments were produced through an engineer’s report intended to fund operations, rebuild reserves and repay unpaid charges. He noted staff conducted four community outreach meetings during the Proposition 218 process.

Supervisor questions centered on the need to rebuild reserves (policy target of 50% of average O&M over three years) and the mechanics of spreading cost increases to avoid sudden large hits to residents. "The reserve policy is typically considered when setting rates, and this assessment period includes steps to rebuild reserves and address unpaid charges," Bump said.

Public comment included expressions of support and concern; Hector Sandoval urged the board to consider broader water‑rights and human‑rights framing, while other residents raised affordability and fixed‑income impacts. Staff reported that out of a possible 99 weighted ballots, 30 were received and ballots marked "yes" represented 66% of weighted ballots received; based on that result staff recommended finding no majority protest.

The board adopted recommended action A and the resolution levying the standby charge assessment, with a vote recorded as unanimous.

Next steps: Public Works and Planning will implement the assessment per the engineer’s report and notify affected property owners of the new charges and timelines.