Vice-President Larry Meyer called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. All present recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States. Attendees were introduced.

Approval of Minutes: Motion, second, unanimous, to approve the Minutes of May 19, 2008 as presented.

Guest Speaker: Robert Geis, Santa Barbara County Auditor-Controller: Mr. Geis noted the variety of technical services provided to special districts. Thanks to questions from Andy Caldwell, it costs over $.5 million to provide special district services which result in approximately $100,000 in revenues. It was noted he can not audit an agency if his department serves as a bookkeeper or compiles the financial statements. Mr. Geis acknowledged it is increasingly difficult for many districts to find auditors and that Sacramento is considering legislation to rectify that. The Auditor-Controller’s office provides payroll and accounts payable services for some districts. There will be a new account reporting system coming out soon.

The biggest task of his office is property tax allocation. They also do property tax forecasting. The property tax revenue increase this year was 7 percent. The forecast for next tax year is 4.5 percent overall with deficit growth in the north county. The forecast for the year after is perhaps between 0 and 2 percent.

 

Mr. Geis said their strategic plan is available on their website. From www.co.santa-barbara.ca.us click on the link to the Auditor-Controller. This fiscal year the County will be furloughing employees to cut costs. It is critical that Measure A, ½ cent sales tax continuation, pass in order that the County and cities can continue maintaining the road infrastructure. The County is looking for $19 million to finance a north County jail.

Mr. Geis said that currently the residents of Montecito have it pretty good. Through their special districts they already have their own fire, water, and wastewater functions, plus their own planning commission. He also noted the County is trying to have some fun in Isla Vista, like solving parking and other community issues.

Lawbriefs: Mr. Thomas Stone presented Lawbriefs Bulletin No.18 regarding the recent California Supreme Court decision concerning Proposition 218 and the application of "special benefit" and proportionality. The Court held that a reviewing court should exercise its independent judgment in deciding whether benefits are "special" or "general" and whether assessments are proportional to special benefits.

Mr. Stone noted there will be more paperwork for district to meet the Proposition 218 proportionality tests.

Next Chapter Meeting: Vice-President Meyer noted our September scheduled meeting date conflicts with the CSDA annual conference.

After discussion, motion, second, unanimous, to change the September meeting date to the 5^th Monday.

Treasurer’s Report: The following was not available at the meeting: the checking account has $2,577.55 and the savings account has $3,419.78.

LAFCO Report: Cathy Schlottmann reported the Enos Ranch annexation to Santa Maria was completed. The litigation regarding the beach communities’ annexation to the Carpinteria Sanitary District has been settled. The next meeting will be August 7^th. That agenda will include the dissolution of the Orcutt Fire Protection District.

Special District Selection Committee Bylaws: John Fox noted the 11^th draft of the proposed bylaws is available. There was brief discussion of holding a meeting for their consideration.

CSDA Update: John Fox noted the annual CSDA conference will be held in September in Irvine. Also the CSDA Board ballots are out. John Fox urged consideration of Susie Paxton.

CSDA Legislative Committee: George Emerson stated that many rumors are circulating regarding the budget solution and Proposition 1A.

Adjournment: Vice-President Meyer adjourned the meeting at 8:15 p.m. The next monthly Chapter meeting will be held Monday, August 25, 2008 at The Meadows Restaurant, Solvang, California.

s/ Ca thy Sch lottmann

Cathy Schlottmann

Secretary, SBCSDA