Supervisors, Stymied by Budget, Will Study County Charter Idea

Hopes for the creation of Orange County’s first charter, which proponents say could help untangle the snarled county government budget, received a boost from the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.

The board unanimously approved a motion by Supervisor Don R. Roth to explore the idea. A charter--in effect a county constitution--would give the local government more discretion in spending its budget rather than having to administer the funds according to strict state guidelines, Roth said.

Roth and other supporters of a charter also believe it would help the government turn over certain functions of private companies willing to perform them, saving the county money.

Among large California counties, only Orange County is a so-called “general law” county, meaning that it must take most of its direction from the state governments. A charter county, on the other hand, is governed largely by a constitution approved by local voters, and thus has more freedom to act as it chooses.

“I believe it is imperative that we take control of our fiscal future,” Roth told the board. “I believe a charter is essential.”

Adopting one would be a lengthy process, however, and could involve a specially appointed citizens’ panel. If it receives the backing of that panel, it could go to voters sometime next year, Roth said.

But even before the suggestion is fully developed, it has won influential backing. Board Chairman Gaddi H. Vasquez called it “an interesting and monumental proposal,” and Supervisor Harriett M. Wieder said, “This idea’s timing has come.”

The president of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce declared that the chamber was “solidly in support.”

The County Administrative Office will study the proposal as ordered by the board. It will report back on its feasibility by May 31, and will recommend whether the idea has enough merit to warrant pursuing further.