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Special Districts on LAFCo: Why, Why Not, & How

Learn why and how Special Districts should be part of LAFCo to gain influence, make decisions, and strengthen relationships with local government. Explore advantages, costs, and the impact on district dynamics.

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Special Districts on LAFCo: Why, Why Not, & How

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  1. Special Districts on LAFCo:Why, Why Not, & How Cathy Schlottmann Mission Hills CSD Santa Barbara LAFCo

  2. Why be on LAFCO? • To “gain a seat at the table” • If you’re not at the table, then you are on the table

  3. Who’s at the Table? • Per Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000, LAFCO is comprised of: • 2 County Supervisors + an alternate • 2 City Council people + an alternate • 1 public member + an alternate • AND: if they so choose, 2 Special District Directors + an alternate

  4. Advantages to Districts from being on LAFCO: • Special Districts have 2 votes in LAFCO deliberations: • Annexations & reorganizations of cities and districts • MSR and Sphere of Influence decisions • Latent powers of districts • District consolidations and dissolutions

  5. Advantages (continued): • LAFCO is the only venue where special districts are a fully participating equal to Cities and the County • All special districts gain stature when seated on LAFCO • Build better relationships with county supervisors and mayors

  6. Advantages to LAFCO • Districts bring a perspective to LAFCO that is distinct from general government entities • Districts are service-focused and bring a knowledge of infrastructure • Districts on LAFCO often more in tune with the spirit and intent of LAFCO law • We alter the dynamics between a County & the Cities in LAFCO deliberations

  7. Cost of Being Seated on LAFCO • CSD, San Luis Obispo County 0.37% • $19,756 of $5.3 million O&M budget • CSD, Santa Barbara County 0.09% • $1,242 of $1,346,587 O&M budget • Per 56381(1)(A), LAFCO is funded one-third each from the County, cities, and independent special districts. Can be negotiated. . .

  8. Changes to Districts: • No longer “just a small district” • Changes the balance of power • There will be change, and by being at the table, you have a votes and an active voice in the process

  9. References: • www.calafco.org- CaLAFCO website for sample documents • www.opr.ca.gov– Governor’s Office of Planning & Research, Publications tab, for guidelines & information on LAFCo process plus CEQA & planning resources and links

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