Local Agency Formation Commission
Total Expenses
$165,000
18%
1Total Revenues
$0
0%
2General Fund Contribution
$165,000
18%
3
District Sales Tax Contribution
$0
0%
4
Other Fund Contributions
0
0%
5
Funded Staffing
0.00
0.00
6Overview
Mission Statement
The Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) aims to promote the creation of efficient service areas for services offered by cities, counties, and special districts, steer urban development away from prime agricultural lands and open space resources, foster orderly growth, and discourage urban sprawl.Department Overview
This budget provides the funding of the County’s share of costs for LAFCO. LAFCO is an autonomous regulatory body responsible for managing the boundaries of cities and special districts as an independent commission established in each county by State law set in 1963. By performing these essential tasks, LAFCO plays a vital role in safeguarding the long-term sustainability and wellbeing of the region it serves. LAFCO is governed by two county supervisorial members appointed by the Board of Supervisors, two city council members appointed by the city mayors (City Selection Committee) within Santa Cruz County, two special district members appointed by the Special District Selection Committee, and a public member appointed by the other six LAFCO Commissioners.Budget Summary
Department Budget Overview
Overall Budget Summary
The Proposed Budget recommends an increase to the County’s contribution to LAFCO. Appropriations total $165,000, funded entirely by a General Fund contribution.Total expenses increase by $25,245 from the prior year contribution increase recorded after the prior year budget was adopted. Should the County’s contribution change following approval of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 budget by the LAFCO Commission, the change will be included in the June 24, 2026, last day or subsequent concluding budget actions.
Emerging Issues
Emerging Issues
Apportionment Increases: Apportionments from funding agencies are LAFCO’s primary source of revenue. Based on current projections, LAFCO’s next three budgets may include increases in overall expenses, which may require higher apportionments from participating agencies. In FY 2026–27, the draft budget reflects the Commission’s effort to maximize existing revenues and maintain low operating costs. Staff continue to identify cost containment strategies to minimize future allocation increases; however, sustained cost pressures may impact participating agencies and limit flexibility in maintaining current service levels over time.
California Association of Local Agency Formation Commissions (CALAFCO) Stability and Governance: CALAFCO is working to address ongoing organizational challenges and rebuild trust among member agencies. Continued collaboration between the CALAFCO Board, regional officers, and member LAFCOs is critical to maintaining the organization’s effectiveness and value.
Fire Service Governance and Reorganization Efforts: LAFCO is actively coordinating multiple fire service governance and reorganization efforts across Santa Cruz County, including the evaluation of County Service Area (CSA) 48 as an independent fire protection district, the proposed dissolution and annexation of the Pajaro Valley Fire Protection District, and governance options for the Felton Fire Protection District. These efforts include financial analyses, stakeholder coordination, and community outreach to evaluate long-term service delivery, governance structures, and funding sustainability. An ad-hoc committee to help move these projects forward was formed during the February 4, 2026, LAFCO Board of Directors Meeting. In FY 2026-27, LAFCO continues to support these initiatives through technical analysis, facilitation, and public engagement, including educational workshops and development of the Countywide Fire Report.
California Association of Local Agency Formation Commissions (CALAFCO) Stability and Governance: CALAFCO is working to address ongoing organizational challenges and rebuild trust among member agencies. Continued collaboration between the CALAFCO Board, regional officers, and member LAFCOs is critical to maintaining the organization’s effectiveness and value.
Fire Service Governance and Reorganization Efforts: LAFCO is actively coordinating multiple fire service governance and reorganization efforts across Santa Cruz County, including the evaluation of County Service Area (CSA) 48 as an independent fire protection district, the proposed dissolution and annexation of the Pajaro Valley Fire Protection District, and governance options for the Felton Fire Protection District. These efforts include financial analyses, stakeholder coordination, and community outreach to evaluate long-term service delivery, governance structures, and funding sustainability. An ad-hoc committee to help move these projects forward was formed during the February 4, 2026, LAFCO Board of Directors Meeting. In FY 2026-27, LAFCO continues to support these initiatives through technical analysis, facilitation, and public engagement, including educational workshops and development of the Countywide Fire Report.
Department Operations and Performance
Divisions
Services
Local Agency Formation Commission
Expenses
$165,000
Operational Plan Objectives and Accomplishments
This division supports various department objectives
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Proposed/In-Progress/Amended
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Objective
Major Budget Changes
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Budget Details
The charts below show department expenditures and revenues by division and service. Click on the pie charts to drill down for more detail. Complete detail can be found on the County's Transparency Portal.
Expenses by Expense Type
Expenses and Revenues over time
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