Overseer of Secession Study Accepts L.A. Funds
The agency overseeing cityhood studies for the San Fernando Valley reluctantly agreed Wednesday to accept $265,000 in funding from the city of Los Angeles, despite conditions members said are aimed at hindering their work.
The Local Agency Formation Commission also voted Wednesday to enter final negotiations with a consulting firm to conduct the massive studies to determine the financial impact of any breakup.
The commission agreed to accept the Los Angeles City Council’s demand that none of the city’s 10% share of the $2.7-million study cost be spent on the drafting of alternative cityhood plans.
“Sometimes we have to do things we don’t 100% want to do, but we do need this money,” Commission Chairman Thomas E. Jackson said.
The vote to accept the conditions was unanimous, although Jeff Brain, president of the secession group Valley VOTE, urged the panel to reject the money and allow private fund-raising to cover the city’s share.
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