DATE:
August 26, 2025
10
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
Title
NEW TAX EQUITY AND FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY ACT OF 1982 (TEFRA) PROCESS FOR THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
County staff have conducted a comprehensive review of the administrative process under the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 (TEFRA), with the objective of streamlining operations and aligning with standard practice. On April 29, 2025, County staff convened a meeting with several Joint Powers Authorities (JPAs) to discuss the current TEFRA process. The discussion focused on opportunities to enhance efficiency and implement scheduling improvements. Under the existing process, TEFRA hearing requests are submitted to the County by a JPA, as a governmental bond issuer, throughout the year. Upon staff review, a Board Letter is docketed, and the item is presented as part of the discussion calendar at a Board meeting in order to hold a public hearing and document the County's approval, as required by TEFRA and issuer guidelines.
To improve efficiency and better align with industry standards, County staff recommends the following modification for Board consideration: having the TEFRA public hearing administration conducted by the JPA/issuer with assistance from County staff. This recommendation is based on benchmarking with other jurisdictions. Since the public hearing requirement would be fulfilled, the remaining action for the Board is to adopt a resolution confirming that the TEFRA requirements have been satisfied and the issuance serves the public benefit, enabling its placement on the consent agenda. This would create flexibility in scheduling for the JPA/issuer, help to ensure adequate time for review and coordination by County staff, and give the members of the public who wish to comment on the hearing time-certainty for their public comment.
Today's action requests the Board's approval of the proposed changes, including providing direction to t...
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