City Gets OK to Run Sanitary District
Despite opposition from some residents, a county agency this week gave the city permission to take over the Garden Grove Sanitary District.
Beginning in July, the district that operates sewers and collects trash will become a department of the city. The county’s Local Agency Formation Commission approved the city’s request to take control of the district, now governed by a five-member elected board.
Some Garden Grove city officials had proposed the change, saying they considered the district to be inefficient and an unnecessary layer of government.
But sanitary district officials argued the city was mainly interested in its property tax and user fees so it can balance the city budget, which is facing a $6-million shortfall for the current fiscal year.
“They got their way,” said Sheldon Singer, the sanitary district’s chairman. “It’s an injustice because we have done a good job, and we are functioning properly.”
Some residents expressed concerns to the county agency that the cash-strapped city might increase sewer and trash rates once it is in control. A typical homeowner now pays $14.30 a month.
But Councilman Mark Leyes said the city can run the district cheaper by consolidating.
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