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San Mateo LAFCO votes to send opposition letter on SB 777, citing added responsibilities without direction
Summary
The commission authorized LAFCO staff to submit a letter of opposition to SB 777 after staff and regional association CALAFCO said the bill would shift responsibility for abandoned cemeteries to local LAFCOs without clear guidance or funding.
The San Mateo County Local Agency Formation Commission on May 21 authorized staff to submit a letter of opposition to Senate Bill 777, following a CALAFCO request and discussion of fiscal and liability concerns.
Staff and commissioners said SB 777 would direct local agencies and LAFCOs to take responsibility for abandoned cemeteries but provides no direction on how LAFCOs should assess which local agency should assume that responsibility. Commissioners and staff raised concerns that the change could impose fiscal and liability risks on local agencies and LAFCOs.
Rob Bartoli summarized that the League of Cities and the California Special Districts Association (CSDA) had raised similar objections and that CALAFCO asked member LAFCOs to send opposition letters. Commissioners discussed that the bill appeared to respond to a handful of financially troubled private cemeteries in Southern California; Bartoli said he did not foresee immediate local issues but acknowledged private cemeteries exist in San Mateo County.
Vice Chair Chen Crowley moved to authorize staff to submit a letter of opposition to both legislative houses and the governor; Commissioner Spear seconded. The motion carried with all recorded commissioners voting in favor.
