County to Pay $2 Million to 5 Cities
Los Angeles County officials have agreed to disburse more than $2 million in property tax revenue to five South Bay cities, ending a disagreement over how the money should be distributed to local cities.
The decision will help the fiscally ailing Carson, which will receive about $1.6 million. The city is facing a projected a $2-million budget shortfall this year.
El Segundo, Lomita, Rancho Palos Verdes and Rolling Hills Estates are the other South Bay cities that are scheduled to receive the disbursements.
The dispute between the county and the cities stemmed from varying interpretations of state legislation over the distribution of property tax revenue. The South Bay cities were among 30 area municipalities that had about $10 million in such revenue withheld by the county.
Carson Finance Director Lorraine Oten said the money will substantially offset the city’s projected year-end deficit.
“We should end the year without being in the red,” Oten said, adding that she had anticipated the city would receive just $400,000 in the property tax revenue. “It’s a $1.2-million surprise.”
Rancho Palos Verdes is expecting an estimated $300,000, Rolling Hills Estates about $280,000 and Lomita $180,000. El Segundo officials could not be reached for comment.
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