The Mendocino County Local Agency Formation Committee voted unanimously on Nov. 3 to add Streamline’s Doc Access service, which staff said will help the agency meet new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) document-accessibility standards and provide translation features.

Theo Hinman, presenting the proposal, said Streamline upgraded the LAFCO website earlier for immediate requirements and that this Doc Access add‑on addresses document-based accessibility standards coming into effect in 2026 with enforcement reviews anticipated in 2027. ‘‘This proposal would add $126 per month to our existing $115 per month hosting fee,’’ Hinman said, adding that the total annual effect is about $1,500 to the website and internet budget line and that staff recommends the commission approve the service and direct staff to bring back a budget amendment at the next meeting.

Several commissioners raised concerns about the cost to small districts and the prospect of unfunded mandates. Commissioner Ward asked whether small cemetery or water districts with few customers would be covered; staff and counsel noted that hardship resolutions or waivers are available in certain circumstances but that the federal ADA and state rules do apply broadly and that staff had discussed the issue with the California Special Districts Association.

Commissioner Gonzales moved to approve the Streamline Doc Access add-on; the motion was seconded and then passed in a roll-call vote with all present commissioners voting yes. Staff said it anticipates covering the cost by transferring funds from the conference line item and returning a formal budget amendment for the commission’s approval at the next meeting.

What passed: approval to purchase the Streamline Doc Access add-on and direction to staff to return a budget amendment showing how the cost will be absorbed.

Why it matters: staff said bringing documents into compliance by hand would be time-consuming and likely more costly than subscribing to the provider’s service; the change is aimed at improving access for people with visual impairments and adding translation support for the public.

Next steps: staff will present a budget amendment and, as appropriate, notify small districts about hardship-resolution options and resources.