Vernon council adopts reforms as alternative to disincorporation

The Vernon City Council voted unanimously Thursday to adopt a series of reforms proposed by a state senator as an alternative to disincorporation, including doubling the city’s tiny and controversial housing stock.

Vernon still faces a legislative effort in Sacramento to dissolve it, but the vote during a special session of the City Council attracted a rare standing room-only crowd of city workers and business leaders.

State Sen. Kevin De Leon (D-Los Angeles) had been an original co-author of the bill, AB 46, to disincorporate the city, but this week withdrew his backing and instead proposed wide-ranging reforms.

His announcement came on the same day that Los Angeles County supervisors expressed deep concerns about taking over Vernon if the bill passed, noting the city’s large debt and downward financial trend. In its current form, AB 46 calls for the county to take over some parts of Vernon’s government.

Vernon has also received scrutiny for some of the salaries paid to top officials, including Eric T. Fresch, a former city administrator who made as much as $1.65 million in 2008. De Leon’s recommendations included a provision limiting salaries and benefits for senior officials.