LAKE COUNTY >> The Lake County Board of Supervisors will consider halting the county’s progress on Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) at its regular meeting today.
On March 22, the BOS gave direction to staff to create a modified selection panel to review proposals for alternative energy sources. But due to the needs of the Valley Fire recovery and the government’s lack of experience on the subject, County Administrative Officer Carol Huchingson said she is requesting that the board reconsider.
“As your new County Administrative Officer, I am very concerned about the timing of this project,” Huchingson wrote in a memo to the BOS. “With the recent wildfire disasters of summer 2015, we are facing the most challenging fiscal year, perhaps ever, in Lake County.”
The contractor who helped the county develop the Request for Proposal has offered his support but it would cost the county between $17,000 and $40,000.
Huchingson had additional concerns about the acquisition of a new staff member if CCA was implemented — especially salary and the recruitment of qualified candidates.
And even if it’s put in place, the cost savings might not be there because the California Public Utilities Commission allowed utility giant PG&E to raise its exit fees in December.
Easing the Permit Process
The BOS also plans to discuss deferring the enforcement of the county zoning ordinance that requires a major use permit for those rebuilding their homes after a disaster that don’t conform to the current code.
The deferment, Interim Community Development Director Scott DeLeon said, is meant to expedite the process for survivors to “rebuild homes that cannot meet current setback requirements” or for those who had a home less than 720 square feet in size.
However, DeLeon doesn’t think a decision will be made by the board today
“It’s a pretty complicated issue and the discussion needs to start,” DeLeon said. “I don’t think it’s realistic to expect a decision from them.”
The meeting begins at 9 a.m. at the Lake County Courthouse.
