San Benito County LAFCO Meeting

At its October 8, 2026 meeting, the San Benito County LAFCO approved a two-year extension of its legal services contract with Best Best & Krieger. The commission voted in favor without any opposition reported. Counsel explained that general counsel rates cover routine work such as contract review and meeting attendance, while special counsel rates may apply to matters such as CEQA or litigation; rates adjust annually based on CPI. The commission also received quarterly financial reports and invoices, with no action required. On fund management, commissioners discussed persistent county invoice delays and alternatives including management by San Juan Bautista or an independent account, estimated at about $12,000–$15,000 annually. No decision was made; staff was asked to obtain comparative information for further consideration.

The commission received an informational presentation on Sunny Slope County Water District’s proposed annexation of the Tres Pinos and Stonegate areas, which would consolidate water systems to address water-quality, supply, and fire-flow concerns. The project is largely grant-funded, with the community share expected to use a state revolving fund loan; a project representative said approximately $13.5 million in state funding was contingent on Sunny Slope taking over the systems, and described roughly $4 million in community costs. A six-mile pipeline is under construction and expected to be completed in December. The annexation was not up for decision at this meeting; a public hearing was anticipated for November.