This chapter is known and may be cited as the California Special District Consolidation Assistance Act.
GeneralCalifornia Special District Consolidation Assistance Program
Section § 60350
This law is referred to as the California Special District Consolidation Assistance Act. It provides guidance or support concerning the merging of special districts within California.
Special District Consolidation Assistance Act California merging districts
Section § 60351
This law states that it's crucial for the safety and benefit of California's residents to have a program that helps counties support special districts in consolidating their services.
The Legislature finds and declares that it is in the best interests of the people of the state, and of primary importance to the safety of persons and property throughout California, to establish a program to enable counties to assist special districts to develop and implement plans to consolidate their services.
special districts service consolidation county assistance
Section § 60352
This law allows a county's board of supervisors to join a program by passing an ordinance that puts the program's rules into effect locally.
The board of supervisors of any county may participate in the program created by this chapter by adopting an ordinance implementing the provisions of this chapter.
county board of supervisors participation adopting ordinance
Section § 60353
The board of supervisors in a county can lend money to local districts to help cover the costs of evaluating if they can save money by merging, reorganizing, or consolidating. This includes funding for studies on feasibility as well as any fees or expenses that arise from these efforts.
The board of supervisors in a participating county may make loans to districts, as defined by Section 56036, which apply pursuant to this chapter to pay for the costs of any of the following:
(a)CA Government Code § 60353(a) Studies to determine the feasibility of reducing the costs of districts through consolidation, merger, or reorganization.
(b)CA Government Code § 60353(b) Any fees charged pursuant to Sections 56383 and 56654 needed to carry out the results of the studies conducted pursuant to subdivision (a).
(c)CA Government Code § 60353(c) Any expenses incurred pursuant to Sections 56843 and 56844 needed to carry out the results of studies conducted pursuant to subdivision (a).
board of supervisors county loans district consolidation
Section § 60354
This section states that the board of supervisors must create a method for special districts to apply for loans and establish guidelines for reviewing and approving those loan applications.
The board of supervisors shall develop the procedure to be followed by special districts to submit applications and the criteria for evaluating those loan applications and awarding loans.
board of supervisors special districts loan applications
Section § 60355
The county's board of supervisors must hold a public hearing to decide which loan applications from districts should be approved, based on specific criteria set earlier.
The board of supervisors shall determine after public hearing which applications by districts for loans shall be approved based on the criteria established pursuant to Section 60354.
board of supervisors public hearing loan applications
Section § 60356
This law lets the board of supervisors cancel a loan given to special districts if they successfully combine, merge, or reorganize with other districts. When the loan is canceled, it becomes a grant, meaning the district doesn't have to pay it back.
The board of supervisors may cancel the repayment of any loan made pursuant to this chapter for special districts which successfully complete a consolidation, merger, or reorganization. If the board of supervisors cancels a loan, it shall be considered a grant and no repayment shall be required.
loan cancellation special districts consolidation
