LAFCO agrees to include property‑tax allocation summaries in Mendocino Coast Recreation & Park District MSR

The Mendocino Local Agency Formation Commission on May 4 directed staff to incorporate available property‑tax allocation summaries into the draft municipal service review (MSR) for the Mendocino Coast Recreation & Park District (MCRPD), following requests from the district and public commenters.

The executive committee had recommended the additional analysis so the district could better understand revenue flows across its 77‑mile service area and plan more equitably. Staff noted the level of parcel‑level disaggregation requested would be costly and would require assistance from the county auditor‑controller; the MCRPD has executed an MOU and is funding the MSR portion.

Dave Schbach, chair of the MCRPD board, told the commission the district is "flying in the blind" without clearer information on where property tax revenues originate and said a school‑district‑level aggregation would be a practical compromise. Online commenters raised transparency concerns and urged more Fort Bragg‑based public engagement; Jacob Patterson and Dennis Miller clarified that property‑tax allocation analysis would not alter the district’s contractual obligations to the CV Star Aquatic Center.

Commissioners discussed costs and staff time; EO Hinman confirmed staff will coordinate with the auditor‑controller's office and that the district has agreed to fund the work. The commission approved the recommended direction by roll call, with Commissioner Mahoney recorded as the sole No vote. Staff aims to return a public review draft in June or July.