If you made a New Year’s resolution to become more active in local government, an alternate public seat with the Local Agency Formation Commission of Nevada County may be just what you’re looking for. Nevada LAFCO is currently accepting applications for its Alternate Public Member position. The term of office will be from the date of appointment through the first Monday in May of 2024. The alternate public member (and all other alternates) participate in all discussions and receive stipends and mileage reimbursements for meetings attended. Alternate members are also eligible to serve on various committees. The alternate members are important because although they do not vote (generally) they will be seated as a voting member in the absence of the Public member, or when the regular Public member must abstain or otherwise disqualifies himself or herself from voting.
What is LAFCo?
All counties have a Local Agency Formation Commission. LAFCO is an independent agency created by the State Legislature to oversee boundary changes of cities and special districts, including annexations and consolidations. LAFCo was established to encourage orderly growth, discourage urban sprawl and preserve agricultural and open space lands. Commissioners review proposals for consistency with LAFCo law, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and Nevada LAFCo policy. Occasionally these decisions will impact Yuba, Sierra and Placer counties.
Additional information about LAFCo’s responsibilities and Commissioner’s duties will be provided to applicants following receipt of their Letter of Interest. Applicants may wish to refer to the Nevada LAFCo website at www.mynevadacounty.com/907 and/or the CALAFCO website, the California Association of LAFCos at www.calafco.org.
What is required of a LAFCo Commissioner?
Nevada LAFCo usually meets on the third Thursday of every other month at 9:30 a.m. in Nevada City. Meetings typically run from one to two hours. Preparation for each meeting may require anywhere from two to four hours of reading depending on the complexity of the proposal(s) being considered, and the number of agenda items. All members are expected to attend meetings regularly.
Neither the Public Member nor the Alternate Public Member may be an employee or officer of the County, a city, a town or a special district within the jurisdiction of Nevada County. Commissioners must file Statements of Economic Interest (Form 700) as required annually by the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC). Commissioners are also required (every two years) to update their Ethics Certification per AB 1234.
How do I apply?
To apply for LAFCo’s Alternate Public Member position, please send a letter to SR.Jones@co.nevada.ca.us, explaining why you are interested in serving on LAFCo and what education and/or experience you may have qualifying you for the position. Your letter must be received in the LAFCo office by Wednesday, January 26, 2022. Applicants will be interviewed by the Commission and the successful applicant will be seated after the interviews. For more information, feel free to call
530-265-7180, or send your inquiry to Deborah.Gilcrest@co.nevada.ca.us.