A Conditional Hiring Review, or hiring freeze, was reviewed by the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday. CAO Patrick Blacklock explained that as noted in the Midyear Budget Update the General Fund revenue growth rate has decreased significantly, and additionally the Department of Finance reported recently that the actual State revenues are less than what was projected. The “warning signs” said Blacklock, “compel staff to recommend that a conditional hiring review be implemented at this time.” The goal of the program is to determine which positions need to be filled immediately and what positions can remain vacant for a period of times to increase salary savings leaving more flexibility in the budget.

Thursday’s Amador Water Agency meeting was packed with concerned developers as the agency broached the subject of the collection of participation fees. General Manager Jim Abercrombie introduced the item by saying it is a said the discussion item only and that no decision will be made. He then explained that “There are a number of capitol improvements that we need to implement by 2010.” He said they have begun to research collecting participation fees from developers so it reduces the amount that the agency must borrow for the projects. He then gave background on how the agency has handled similar situations in the past as well as past codes and resolutions that collected fees. Prior 1993 Participation fees were due 30 days from the date of the filing of the final map for projects. In 1993 the Board of Directors approved a Resolution which allowed the applicant or developer to pay Participation Fees at the time of the initial lot sale, prior to obtaining a building permit, or at the time of application for water service, whichever occurred first. This also included a provision that all or a portion of the participation fees must be paid on or before the final approval of a final map or final approval of the project if the Board of Directors, by resolution, determined that such early payment is necessary in order to provide water service to the subdivision project.

These days we hear a lot about zoning and planning and the new General Plan Updates. Traffic, housing density, oak woodlands protection, light pollution and so much more are being discussed in every corner of the county but perhaps the least known part of the General Plan for the County is the subject of energy. The General Plan Committee recently released their working paper on energy. Why is energy being studied? The answer to that question according to the energy paper is that a review of energy data is essential to understanding the energy needs of County residents and thereby accomplishing the vision to conserve, enhance, use and protect mineral, water, air, soil, and other natural resources. The working paper on energy itself will serve as a foundation for updating or creating goals, policies, and programs related to energy and its use in the Amador County General Plan.

Are you interested in serving your county in a capacity that looks toward the future growth of our area? The Amador Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) will be appointing a new Alternate Public Member to a 4-year term, running from January 2007 to February 2011. Applicants must be a resident and registered voter in Amador County and cannot be a city, district or County official of any public agency within Amador County. Those seated on LAFCO are subject to the Fair Political Practices Act and must file an annual conflict of interest statement.