Consolidation Vote Delayed Pending Independent Financial Review

San Bernardino County LAFCO Commissioners continue hearing to July 15th allowing for further investigation of economic data

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif., April 17 /PRNewswire/ — At its regular meeting on April 15th, the San Bernardino County Local Agency Formation Commission voted 6-0 (with one member absent), to continue the scheduled hearing on Consolidation of San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District and San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District, formally known as LAFCO 3076. SBVWCD Board President Melody McDonald today praised the LAFCO decision. “We completely support LAFCO’s attention and commitment to a neutral investigation of all financial issues and we look forward to seeing the completed report,” McDonald stated.

In February, the Commission hired Rosenow Spevacek Group (RSG) to conduct an independent financial analysis of the Plan for Service submitted on this issue. LAFCO staff recommended the Commission postpone consideration of the consolidation proposal pending RSG’s complete financial analysis, which is expected in June. “Continuation to the July hearing will allow LAFCO staff and its financial consultant to complete the reports necessary to bring this matter to the Commission for its full consideration,” the April 8th LAFCO staff report to the Commission noted.

“We are pleased that LAFCO board members appear to be acting with caution before voting on this controversial issue,” said SBVWCD General Manager Robert Neufeld. “We believe in the integrity of this financial review and support RSG’s efforts to analyze the data objectively. The Commissioners’ vote gives us even more confidence in the process.”

The Local Agency Formation Commission of San Bernardino County regulates the boundaries of cities and most local districts, including annexations of territory, consolidations and other changes and formations. In addition, LAFCO reviews ways to reorganize, simplify and streamline governmental structures and services. Since 2006, LAFCO of San Bernardino has been reviewing a proposal to consolidate SBVWCD and MUNI.

LAFCO placed the item on its July 15th agenda.

About SBVWCD:

Since 1912, the San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District and its predecessor have worked to conserve water in the San Bernardino valley. To learn more, log on to www.sbvwcd.dst.ca.us or call 909.793.2503.

SOURCE San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District