THE SIERRA BROOKS WATER PROJECT was discussed at the Sierra County Board of Supervisor’s meeting in Loyalton on Tuesday, July 22nd with many Sierra Brooks residents in attendance. Sierra County Planning Director, Tim Beals gave an update to the crowd and Supervisors, stating at the last Home Owner’s Association (HOA) meeting the appraisal was in the process, and was stopped for Sierra Brooks’ CC&Rs to be amended. He said there were some delays in the Forest Service NEPA process and even though the Forest Service was very cooperative, it took a lot of time. Beals continued, because of these set backs, Department of Fish and Game put the project on the back burner. He stated now that they have the appraisal and NEPA document, they are able to proceed with the land adjustment, access easement and finalize the methodology. Beals stated there is a host of regulatory changes that have to be made to existing County ordinance, meter reading and rates, regulatory framework for existing wells and those who don’t, who were previously authorized to have one; how the County deals with multiple lots under the same ownership and how they deal with merge lots maintained by one ownership, adding they will need a set of rules enforced by the County as the owner and operator of the system. Beals told the Board to understand there will be two elections one is for the assessment district and the other is the increase, which will be required for the operation of maintenance. He said this is not a good year to look for a well driller, but are situated for a good position in 2015. Supervisor Scott Schlefstein said the Sierra Brooks community is concerned at the amount of time left with still a lot to do. He stated the goal is to figure out a game plan before they come up against the July USDA deadline next year. From the audience, Tom Rowson Director of the HOA and serves on the Water Board, stated it’s very important they work as a team. He said they understand they aren’t the only project in the County, and need each of the Supervisor’s support. Rowson added they are up against the nine-month time period, and asked the Board to allow staff to get this done. Beals stated the HOA has been very supportive, with no lack of enthusiasm. He said there wasn’t anything negative about this project, adding it was one of the finest opportunities he’s seen in a long time with the low interest rate of a little over 2%. Sierra Brooks resident and HOA Chairman Barbara Leffingwell, appreciates everything the County has done so far, but would like the project to get on the front burner so the opportunity is not lost.