Kern County Grand Jury • 2024-2025

Report - Lamont Storm Water District

Published: April 08, 2025 10 pages
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Findings and Recommendations 5 findings

F1
Kern County Public Works uses mobile berms to further redirect flood waters from the Lamont area. This process mitigates flooding and provides some flood protection.
No recommendations for this finding
F2
LSWD is currently unable to fulfill its obligation to protect the properties in the District, offering no protection from flooding and subsequent property damage.
No recommendations for this finding
F3
The District is not serving in an advisory capacity to the BOS or other agencies involved regarding flood concerns affecting the community of Lamont. Therefore, the residents of Lamont have no voice for their flood protection needs.
No recommendations for this finding
F4
The initial formation documents established the District as a liaison between a primarily Spanish speaking community and the various agencies that are involved with Caliente Creek. This need has not changed, leaving residents without representation.
No recommendations for this finding
F5
LSWD Board does not have a quorum, therefore, it is dysfunctional and cannot conduct business. As a result, it offers inadequate flood protection for the community. COMMENTS: The Grand Jury extends its appreciation to the remaining Board Members of the Lamont Storm Water District. These Members responded candidly to interview questions and provided the District’s financial, operational, and historic records. The Grand Jury also thanks the Kern County Public Works staff, LAFCO, and Lamont Public Utility District for providing detailed information regarding flood mitigation efforts. Although LSWD is currently unable to form a quorum for business purposes at its monthly Board Meetings; two Members firmly believe in the importance of a local entity that is familiar with the area, its families and its unique culture. Both expressed an interest in the viability and survival of the LSWD. These Members also stated they are willing to continue serving on the Board until a resolution is determined.
Related Recommendations (3)
R1
LAFCO and the Board of Supervisors should make a decision about the future of the LSWD by July 1, 2025. (Finding #5)
R2
If the decision is to dissolve an inactive Special District, the Board of Supervisors should take over the finances and flood control by July 1, 2025. (Finding #5)
R3
If the decision is to reactivate, the Board of Supervisors should name a sufficient number of District residents to reestablish a Board quorum by July 1, 2025. (Finding #5) NOTES: • The Lamont Storm Water District should post a copy of this report where it will be available for public review. • Persons wishing to receive an email notification of newly released reports may sign up at: https://www.kerncounty.com/government/other-agencies/grand-jury • Present and past Kern County Grand Jury Final Reports and Responses can be accessed on the Kern County Grand Jury website: https://www.kerncounty.com/government/other- agencies/grand-jury RESPONSE DEADLINE: • REQUIRED WITHIN 90 DAYS FROM: Kern Local Agency Formation Commission

Comments 6

No Responses Found 3

Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.

Kern County County
Kern LAFCO Lafco
Lamont Storm Water District Special District