Countywide : Board Sends 2nd Letter to Governor

The Ventura County Board of Supervisors fired off a second letter of protest to Gov. Pete Wilson Tuesday urging him to abandon his plan to spare cities from cuts in property-tax revenue at the expense of county governments.

“If cities are exempted . . . this could add another $300-400 million in cuts to counties which could permanently cripple counties’ abilities to carry out functions on behalf of the state,” Susan K. Lacey, vice chairwoman of the board, wrote in the letter. “All entities, including cities, redevelopment agencies and schools, should share in the burden of balancing the state budget, in as equal proportions as possible.”

At stake is $2.8 billion in property-tax money now divided among counties, cities and special districts. The money represents the share of property taxes the state shifted to local governments in 1979 to help them survive the property-tax reduction enacted by Proposition 13.

Democrats and Republicans agree that the state can no longer afford the bailout and that the funding to the localities should be reversed. However, state leaders are divided over how to make the switch.

Wilson proposed extracting $932 million this year from counties and special districts but sparing cities. Assembly Democrats want to take a total of $1.4 billion equally from counties, cities and special districts.

Under Wilson’s plan, Ventura County stands to lose another $8 million in funding, on top of the $12 million it already expects to lose in state revenue.

County officials say the governor’s budget plan would force them to lay off at least 290 employees, release more than 400 jail inmates and close the East County Courthouse.