State LAFCO turmoil prompts concern about membership dues and services

Haley Lang told commissioners she and a colleague have been following developments at the state LAFCO commission and that several large county LAFCOs appear to be pulling their membership over concerns about transparency and governance. Lang said "the big LAFCOs — like Orange County, LA, San Diego, Ventura — they are pulling out their membership... coming this fiscal year." She warned that if major members leave, costs or program responsibilities could shift to remaining, smaller LAFCOs and that staff will watch for possible budget or membership changes.

Commissioners described recent state meetings as problematic — attendees flew in and were unable to speak after the board went into closed session — and said the issue may prompt reassessment of the value of state membership ahead of the next dues cycle. Lang noted Siskiyou's dues are modest (she cited roughly $1,800) but said the commission may revisit membership questions if larger counties stop paying dues and those costs are redistributed.