Special Districts Bill Draws Opposition
City Council members expressed strong opposition this week to a plan that would merge all of the county’s water, sanitation and other special districts into a single entity.
A bill supported by Assembly Speaker Curt Pringle (R-Garden Grove) would consolidate the county’s 25 special districts, 18 of which serve the South County, under the control of one governing board consisting of 10 members.
City Manager Stephen B. Julian said the “mega-district” officials would have control of all of Dana Point’s water and sewer facilities, assets and resources.
City officials’ concerns were echoed by citizens at Tuesday’s public hearing on the issue.
“I’m concerned with the prospect of losing local control over our water and sewer service,” Capistrano Beach resident Beverly Sels said.
The council voted to consider bringing the Capistrano Beach Water District and the Dana Point Sanitary District under Dana Point’s control and to meet with the cities of Laguna Niguel and Laguna Beach and the South Coast Water District on the consolidation issue.
“I believe if we don’t take this action that we’re not looking out for the best interests of our citizens,” Councilman Harold R. Kaufman said.
Also, the city staff is to study the countywide consolidation proposal and return to the City Council on July 23 with a preliminary action plan.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
