The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors analyzed a proposed ordinance upon first reading that is assumed to prevent community input and permanently restrict essential funding for services, officials said.

Supervisor Kathryn Barger, supported by the League of California Cities, Contract Cities Association, Association of Deputy District Attorneys, Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs and SEIU, voices significant concerns regarding a proposed charter amendment that is a potential violation of the law and denies the residents of Los Angeles County full access to fund future priorities. 

“We owe it to our residents, the voters, the taxpayers and our workforce to participate in the robust conversation and community engagement this issue deserves,” Barger said.  “Since the first discussion of this charter amendment last week, we have heard from many represented county members who will undoubtedly be impacted. Various constituencies, organizations and elected officials within the County have shared their concerns regarding the lack of thoughtful analysis, dialogue and engagement in the rush to place this initiative on the November ballot.” 

In coordination with the Chief Executive Office, the board holds the responsibility to determine the annual county budget and allot appropriate funding to each county department serving over 10 million residents throughout L.A. County, according to officials. 

The proposed ballot initiative will limit the Board’s ability to deliver vital services amidst unforeseen circumstances in the years to come, according to Barger’s office.

With current challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and its unprecedented impact on the County’s budget, restrictions on general funding is expected by Barger to potentially delay funding allocation in times of emergency. 

Additionally, the Chief Executive Office has estimated that, if this proposed ballot initiative passes in November, the County could face a loss of approximately 700-1,000 positions across all County services during Fiscal Year 2021-22 if financial projections remain the same, according to the LACBOS. 

“We all agree that we need to commit essential resources to support investment in our communities and alternatives to incarceration,” Barger said. “Instead of moving forward with this rushed measure, the Board of Supervisors should take this opportunity to discuss these issues at length with our stakeholders and community leaders to develop a more vigorous and comprehensive approach to address this important issue.” 

Investigating the policy’s alignment with the Constitution, the Association of Deputy District Attorneys contended in a verbal testimony that the California Constitution states, “The Legislature may not delegate to a private person or body power to make, control, appropriate, supervise or interfere with county or municipal corporation improvements, money or property, or to levy taxes or assessments, or perform municipal functions.” 

The Association of Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs has retained a law firm to launch its own legal action on the grounds of procedural and legal issues with the charter amendment.

More information on associations in favor of the proposition and organizations opposed to the proposition can be found here: 

Association of Deputy District Attorneys

Association of Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs (Issued by their counsel)

California Contract Cities Association 

League of California Cities

Coalition of Probation Unions

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