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Imperial County urges changes, funding and fiscal analysis for SB 675
Summary
Imperial County supervisors and the county air pollution control officer told the Assembly Appropriations subcommittee they oppose SB 675 as drafted and requested an extra county seat on the new board, a two‑year implementation window, preservation of county administration for the air district, and dedicated state funding after the committee's fiscal note listed substantial costs.
Peggy Price, a member of the Imperial County Board of Supervisors (District 3), testified in opposition to SB 675 unless the bill is substantially amended. She asked the committee to add one additional county supervisor to the proposed 10‑member board, to adopt a two‑year implementation window for an orderly transition, and to preserve county administration and personnel for the existing air pollution control district so employees retain employment and benefits.
Belen Leon, Lopez, the air pollution control officer for the Imperial County Air Pollution Control District, said the district supports the bill's goals of expanding representation and transparency but emphasized the fiscal and implementation concerns. Quoting the committee analysis, she listed estimated costs: "approximately 1,500,000 in one‑time information technology cost, 4,500,000 in ongoing annual staffing administrative cost, and approximately $410,000 annually to expand for air monitoring" and said those figures warrant a comprehensive fiscal analysis and dedicated state implementation funding.
Both speakers urged the committee to preserve county personnel structures and to provide dedicated funding so local governments do not absorb new costs. The chair thanked the witnesses and noted the committee would bring the bills back when authors were present.
