In a recent meeting of the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), significant discussions centered around the ongoing dissolution process of the Broadmoor Police Protection District (PPD). The commission, which oversees local government structures, has been prompted to evaluate the district's viability due to persistent fiscal challenges.

At the May 2024 LAFCO meeting, staff were directed to provide an overview of the dissolution process, as defined by the Cortezi, Knox, Hirschberg Local Government Act. This act outlines that dissolution entails the disincorporation and termination of a special district's corporate powers, except as necessary for winding up its affairs.

The Broadmoor PPD has faced severe financial difficulties, reporting budget deficits in five of the last six fiscal years. These deficits have significantly depleted the district's fund balance, raising concerns about its ability to continue providing police services to residents. In response to these challenges, the district has made drastic cuts, including the elimination of two officer positions and converting some per diem officers to unpaid volunteer roles, reducing the number of sworn officers from nine to seven.

Despite these setbacks, the Broadmoor PPD's budget for the fiscal year 2024-2025 has been approved with a proposed surplus of approximately $400,000, marking the first surplus in several years. However, the district's financial outlook remains uncertain, as the surplus for the current fiscal year is still being finalized.

In a bid to enhance revenue, the district plans to place a special tax measure on the November 2024 ballot, which, if approved, could generate around $700,000 in its first year. This initiative aligns with recommendations from both a special study and the 2024 Municipal Service Review, urging the district to explore avenues for cost reduction and revenue enhancement.

As the situation develops, the LAFCO continues to monitor the Broadmoor PPD's financial health and operational capacity, weighing the implications of potential dissolution against the community's need for police services.