Memorandum
Date: January 21, 2026
To: The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Bruno Sabatier, District 2 Supervisor
Subject: Consideration of a Resolution Amending Resolution # 2025-118 Adopting Final Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 to Cancel $500,000 in Reserve Designations in Disaster Response and Recovery (Fund 110) and Transfer to LACOSAN SE Regional System (Fund 254)
Executive Summary:
On Sunday, January 11, 2026, Lake County Special Districts was made aware of a sewer spill coming from a compromised force main pipeline near Robin Ln and Pond Rd in the City of Clearlake. Once the affected area was repaired and cleaned up, water tests from over 94 different well sources were collected to understand the status of the water in the wells of affected properties, as well as to gain greater understanding of the water table. As data was gathered, the footprint of the emergency was expanded in consideration of gathered test results, to promote public health and safety.
Timing for water quality to return to normal levels is uncertain at this time, and background (historical) data available are limited. The Incident Command team has decided purchasing water tanks and connecting them to those homes that have been affected is our best mid-term solution to get people back into their homes with a semblance of normalcy.
Currently, Special Districts and others are helping to refill animal troughs and water tanks, as needed. Staff expect to continue to fill tanks, including any newly purchased tanks, until the well water quality reaches acceptable readings.
I am requesting that our Board authorize cancelling $500,000 in Reserves from Fund 110 (Budget Unit 1920 Disaster Response and Recovery), and transfer $500,000 to Fund 254 (Budget Unit 8354 LACOSAN SE Regional System), Appropriated into account 783.28-30 (special departmental expense / supplies and services). This transfer is expected to facilitate purchase of tanks and connecting them to individual property water systems where there are active residences.
If not budgeted, fill in the blanks below only:
Estimated Cost: __$500,000___ Amount Budgeted: ________ Additional Requested: $500,000 Future Annual Cost: ________
Purchasing Considerations (check all that apply): ☐ Not applicable
☐ Fully Article X. <https://library.municode.com/ca/lake_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH2AD_ARTXPU_S2-38EXCOBI>- and/or Consultant Selection Policy <http://lcnet.co.lake.ca.us/Assets/Intranet/Policy/Policies+$!26+Procedures+Manual/Ch4_2021v2.pdf>-Compliant (describe process undertaken in “Executive Summary”)
☐ Section 2-38 <https://library.municode.com/ca/lake_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH2AD_ARTXPU_S2-38EXCOBI> Exemption from Competitive Bidding (rationale in “Executive Summary,” attach documentation, as needed)
☐ For Technology Purchases: Vetted and Supported by the Technology Governance Committee <http://lcnet.co.lake.ca.us/Assets/Intranet/Intranet+Forms/Information+Technology/AdvPlan.pdf> (“Yes,” if checked)
☐ Other (Please describe in Executive Summary)
Consistency with Vision 2028 <http://www.lakecountyca.gov/Government/Directory/Administration/Visioning/Vision2028.htm> (check all that apply): ☐ Not applicable
☒ Well-being of Residents ☐ Public Safety ☐ Disaster Prevention, Preparedness, Recovery
☐ Economic Development ☐ Infrastructure ☐ County Workforce
☐ Community Collaboration ☐ Business Process Efficiency ☐ Clear Lake
Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution Amending Resolution # 2025-118 Adopting Final Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 to Cancel $500,000 in Reserve Designations in Disaster Response and Recovery (Fund 110) and Transfer to LACOSAN SE Regional System (Fund 254)