Plumas Lake Key Issues: Local Government

This is the third and final installment in a three-part series that looked at key issues of interest to the residents and homeowners of Plumas Lake.

During economic times where many local governments are struggling to survive and layoffs are common practice, Yuba County has been facing these uncertainties with confidence and good planning.

In a recent community discussion, Robert Bendorf, the county administrator, spent some time giving south county residents an update on what is happening to continue not only keeping the county afloat but also prospering.

“We are better prepared to weather the storm than most,” said Bendorf. “We may still struggle, but we are working hard.”

The administrator informed residents that the county was prepared for this flux in the economy due in great part to the $4.7 million reserve that had been captured throughout the past three years. With the economic downturn, the county was faced with closing a $3 million gap.

While Bendorf mentioned that many counties throughout the state have had to resort to layoffs and cutting programs in order to meet their budget deficits, Yuba County has been successful in curbing this cut without hurting the individuals working for the county.

“Our level of service has remained the same,” said Bendorf. “Yuba County has gone a long way in setting the standard.”

Bendorf illustrated some of the great leaps and bounds the county has taken over the last eight years, including a nearly $200 million increase in the tax base which he has attributed to the residential growth. This allows the county to now focus on attracting and retaining large businesses.

Every 10 years the county updates its general plan and determines how it will grow over the next 10 years. During this latest update, Bendorf and staff remain optimistic about a  continual expansion in the future.

“This allows us to set the stage for Yuba County to be successful for decades to come,” said Bendorf.

He cited the success the county has had with business such as Lowe’s, which maintains a distribution facility in the county and when faced with a decision to shut down the Yuba plant vs. another one in Los Angeles, Lowe's stayed here. Bendorf also reminded residents of the great strides this small county has made in its levee improvements and also in addressing infrastructure needs such as the new overpass here in Plumas Lake.

Looking ahead, the county foresees continuing to make retail and residential development a priority. In addition county staff is continuing dialogue with the state for promised funding to complete the secondary overpass at Feather River Boulevard once the highway widening is finished.

“Thanks to aggressive leadership, things are happening,” said John Taylor, a local resident and board member on the Plumas Lake Design Review Committee. “This is a happening place.”

For more information on the county’s future plans or to find out more about its general plan update, visit the county Web site: http://www.co.yuba.ca.us/departments/cao/.

Plumas Lake Life correspondent Michele Perrault can be reached at 763-3380 or e-mail her at mperrault@plumaslakelife.com