LARPD Files Claim Against EBRPD, Alleging Misallocation Of Funds

LIVERMORE, CA — The Livermore Area Recreation and Park District has filed a formal claim against the East Bay Regional Park District, alleging that the EBRPD has misused more than $100 million in property tax revenue collected under a 1992 tax-sharing agreement.

LARPD asserted in an April 1 administrative claim that EBRPD has received approximately $110 million in local property taxes through the agreement, but has invested less than 20% of that total back into the Livermore area, as they claim the agreement requires. In an FAQ section on a new website devoted to the dispute, LARPD argues that had those funds been retained locally, the district's annual tax revenue could have increased by as much as 60 percent.

LARPD said in a news release that the funds were supposed to be allocated for new regional parks, open spaces, and trails within the Murray Township region, which includes the city of Livermore and nearby unincorporated communities. Instead, the district claimed that large portions of the revenue have been directed toward projects outside its jurisdiction.

“The tax revenue from local taxpayers should be invested locally to improve parks and trails for the benefit of the community, rather than being used for broader regional initiatives," LARPD General Manager Mathew Fuzie said in a statement.

"East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) was surprised to learn of the claim filed by the Livermore Area Recreation and Park District (LARPD) especially after LARPD canceled a meeting scheduled for this Friday, April 4, for the two organizations to meet and discuss concerns about service expectations," EBRPD said in a statement responding to the claim.

"We have made every effort to be transparent and cooperative. Over the years, we have provided LARPD with extensive historical documentation, some dating back more than 30 years. These records clearly demonstrate that EBRPD has invested more in the Murray Township area than the revenue received under the 1992 tax-sharing agreement. We remain committed to open and constructive dialogue and hope that LARPD will choose to collaborate with us for the benefit of the community."

EBRPD has 40 days to respond to the claim. According to a report in The Livermore Vine, the Alameda County Local Agency Formation Commission facilitated a meeting between the two agencies in February, and asked them to return in six months for an update.