San Mateo County Harbor District 2014 Civil Grand Jury Report - What is the price of dysfunction?
There have been repeated recommendations and efforts to dissolve the Harbor District since the 1960's. Voters approved dissolution in 1966 only to have the decision overturned by the courts on a technicality in 1969.
In 1991, in response to two consecutive years of Grand Jury recommendations for District dissolution, a county staff analysis estimated $670,000 (in 1991 dollars) could be saved in the first year if the County took over operation of the District’s two marinas. It was estimated after year 2003, $1.5 million in property tax revenue would be available for other purposes annually.
Here is a summary of 1991 County Counsel memo regarding some issues involved in dissolution of the Harbor District.
Property Tax Revenue
If the Harbor District were dissolved, the property tax revenue now received by the District would be transferred to its successor agency. The Board of Supervisors could determine that all taxes now received by the District should go to the County as successor agency.
Outstanding District Loans
With prior approval by the lender, the County could assume these loans upon approval of the Board of Supervisors and LAFCo.
Joint Powers Agreement for management of Oyster Point Marina
The Agreement between the District and South San Francisco is intended to be binding upon its successors until it expires in 2026. It may be terminated or modified at any time by agreement of both parties.
Court ruling overturning 1966 dissolution
The cause of the court ruling that overturned the 1966 election on dissolution of the Harbor District was a technicality that would not occur today (Government Code 56336).
Recent articles on Grand Jury Report - HMB Review 7/17/14, Daily Journal 7/10/14
UPDATE 8/27/14: Harbor District response to Grand Jury Report.
UPDATE 9/6/14: Recommended response by Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo)