Title
Chief Administrative Office recommending the Board consider the following:
1) Direct the Chief Administrative Office to develop a policy on County involvement in jurisdictional reorganizations for the Board’s consideration;
2) Establish an ad hoc committee on jurisdictional reorganizations; and
3) Authorize the Chief Administrative Office to issue a Request for Qualifications for a consulting firm to assist the County with analysis, negotiations, and the development of a policy related to jurisdictional reorganizations. (Cont. 8/29/23, Item 33)
FUNDING: General Fund.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
There are more than forty special districts within the County, along with two cities. When special districts or cities want to make changes to their boundaries or to the services they provide, California state law provide for the process by which such reorganizations are to be effected. Each county’s Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) is responsible for overseeing this process; however, the County also certain responsibilities, depending on the type of reorganization. Most notably, the County is responsible for negotiating the share of property tax increments to be exchanged in a reorganization.
There are several reorganizations within the County at various stages in the process. The County’s strategic plan includes a theme of supporting fire district reorganization and consolidation when requested; however, there is no policy clarifying the form or extent of support to be provided by the County. It is recommended that a comprehensive policy be developed to provide a framework for property tax negotiations and any other requests for assistance that may arise through the reorganization process. A comprehensive policy will help the Board make decisions about reorganizations more strategically and in the full context of all the County’s obligations.
It is recommended that an ad hoc committee of the Board be established to work with the Chief Administrati...
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