Chapter 9.5. California Special District Consolidation Assistance Program of California Government Code >> Division 1. >> Title 6. >> Chapter 9.5.

This chapter is known and may be cited as the California Special District Consolidation Assistance Act.

The Legislature finds and declares that it is in the best interests of the people of the state, and of primary importance to the safety of persons and property throughout California, to establish a program to enable counties to assist special districts to develop and implement plans to consolidate their services.

The board of supervisors of any county may participate in the program created by this chapter by adopting an ordinance implementing the provisions of this chapter.

The board of supervisors in a participating county may make loans to districts, as defined by Section 56036, which apply pursuant to this chapter to pay for the costs of any of the following:
  (a) Studies to determine the feasibility of reducing the costs of districts through consolidation, merger, or reorganization.
  (b) Any fees charged pursuant to Sections 56383 and 56654 needed to carry out the results of the studies conducted pursuant to subdivision (a).
  (c) Any expenses incurred pursuant to Sections 56843 and 56844 needed to carry out the results of studies conducted pursuant to subdivision (a).

The board of supervisors shall develop the procedure to be followed by special districts to submit applications and the criteria for evaluating those loan applications and awarding loans.

The board of supervisors shall determine after public hearing which applications by districts for loans shall be approved based on the criteria established pursuant to Section 60354.

The board of supervisors may cancel the repayment of any loan made pursuant to this chapter for special districts which successfully complete a consolidation, merger, or reorganization. If the board of supervisors cancels a loan, it shall be considered a grant and no repayment shall be required.