Flood Control and Water Conservation District

The District’s principal source of general-purpose revenue is from a 1% assessed value property tax. Revenue history over the past ten (10) years shows an increase of 64.6%, ($17,385,000 in 1995 to a projected $27,762,500 in 2004/2005). This projected increase is due to the population explosion in the county over the past ten years.

The 1945 California statute establishing the Riverside Flood Control and Water Conservation District states that the monies collected by said taxes shall be used in the zones from which they are collected. Per the Director, the Flood Control and Water Conservation District currently operates on the basis that money may be loaned from one zone to another zone if repaid within the current fiscal year. However, the statute does not prohibit the Board of Supervisors from extending a loan for up to five (5) years. San Bernardino County currently uses a three-year policy for repayment to the loaning zone(s).

The flood control districts in San Bernardino, San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Kern and Inyo Counties report through the public works departments. The Flood Control District and Transportation & Land Management Agency (TLMA) (Riverside County’s Public Works Department), perform similar functions, i.e. land management, design and construction, surveying and mapping services. Duplication often occurs in the use of equipment, personnel and facilities. As the county population grows and possible satellite facilities are added, this duplication will be magnified.

When the Flood Control and Water Conservation District was created in 1945, the primary emphasis was on flood control, the building of dams, storm channels, drains, etc. According to the Director of Flood Control, “…the major drainage infrastructure needs of the County and its cities have not been completely met, they are beginning to diminish…” The Director also stated, “The District’s future efforts in water conservation should be greatly enhanced.” However, as of June 1, 2005 the Director has not published a timeline for shifting the emphasis to water conservation.