The Antelope Valley Times

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State auditor ranks Palmdale among cities with lowest risks of fiscal distress in California

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[Palmdale City Hall]
PALMDALE – A comprehensive financial analysis by the California State Auditor (CSA) revealed that the city of Palmdale has one of the lowest risks of fiscal distress in California.

Of the 471 cities that were analyzed, Palmdale came in at the 405th lowest risk, putting it in the top 14 percent of California cities.

As part of the CSA’s high-risk local government audit program, the Auditor has established a process for determining whether a local government agency is at risk of fiscal distress. The CSA launched its most comprehensive analysis of cities, and for the first time, made public an online dashboard ranking the fiscal health of over 470 California cities from highest to lowest risk, using 10 key financial indicators that enable them to assess each city’s ability to pay its bills in both the short and long term.

Specifically, the indicators measure each city’s cash position or liquidity, debt burden, financial reserves, revenue trends, and ability to pay for employee retirement benefits. They used a points-based system to rank and categorize cities as either high, moderate, or low risk for fiscal distress. They weighted the results of the indicators by assigning varying numbers of points to each indicator based on their judgment of each indicator’s relative importance.

Their analysis relied upon information from audited financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) that they obtained through various sources such as city websites, the Federal Audit Clearinghouse, the Electronic Municipal Market Access website, and the California State Controller’s Office (State Controller). They also analyzed unaudited pension related information from the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) and the State Controller.

The dashboard is available at https://bit.ly/2OvflYz.

For more information, visit https://www.auditor.ca.gov/.

[Information via news release from the city of Palmdale.]

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Filed Under: Home, Palmdale

44 comments for "State auditor ranks Palmdale among cities with lowest risks of fiscal distress in California"

  1. The Hofbauer lovers’ comments have these things in common like they were all written by him.

    -The voters voted and Hofbauer won. Duh? No one is questioning that. That’s called ‘deflection’.

    -They don’t address or deny that Rex has supported Hofbauer and other members of the council.

    -They don’t care that Rex is interfering in Palmdale and using Hofbauer and others to do it.

    -They act like Hofbauer is responsible for the positive results in Palmdale when he and the other council members were rarely seen in City Hall. Hofbauer probably spent more time in talks with Rex than with Mayor Ledford.

    -They are fine with the dirty campaign Hofbauer ran against Mayor Ledford yet complain about comments here criticizing Hofbauer. Too bad.

    AND, THEY CAN’T NAME ANYTHING THAT HOFBAUER HAS ACCOMPLISHED.

  2. it is the minority (tribal mindset) that insists on continuing this bitter rivalry going on between Palmdale and Lancaster. Most people are thankfully moving on in a positive direction. I came to Edwards long ago, and have lived in both Lancaster and Palmdale. I remember when the rivalry was all in fun between high schools. I’m glad to see the comments about respecting elected officials. The voter decided who they wanted, and I respect their choice. I don’t have to like it, but I respect it.

  3. All these new user names like Kathryn, I will say, LCR and on and on weren’t here the last couple decades saying how great Palmdale is were they?

    I was here saying that Palmdale was destined to be the premier city in the Antelope Valley and Lancaster was just a bedroom community of Palmdale. That is now the case. No thanks to Hofbauer and Rex Parris.

    I haven’t criticized Palmdale, not one bit. Just the politicians who are bought by Rex Parris who has spent years and $$$s interfering with Palmdale and trying to obstruct Palmdale projects like the power plant. Now, his minions on the council have approved the CCA agreement which benefits Lancaster over the city staff’s recommendations to go with the county plan.

    That’s what I’ve been against. But, those new user names’ comments all sound like they were written by the same hand. It’s all about who the voters voted for. No one is questioning the election just their obedience to Rex Parris and his intentions for Palmdale now that Hofbauer is mayor.

    Apparently, Hofbauer doesn’t like the scrutiny. Well, he better get used to it. It’s going to continue.

    • Rex and the Lancaster group are doing their best to hurt Palmdale at every opportunity. They have to deflect attention away from their many failures and shady deals. Rising crime, out of control homeless problems, crony deals to the same old, same old people, bad roads, lack of shopping options, vacant buildings, and so on are nothing to be proud of. But that is the Parris legacy.

      Now he wants to bring Palmdale down to Lancaster’s level. No thank you.

  4. LOL, William, Eyes: Very reliable sources told me it was you and your eyes running around town, hitting the restaurants and bars, telling people Palmdale was going broke. Then you said you were going to tell anyone that might believe you that Austin Bishop did it.

  5. Meanwhile, there are the fine citizens of Palmdale actually doing positive things for this city, and then there are the do nothings that have their daily hissy fits over the elected politicians. We’re moving on, they choose to have their nervous fits.

    • @I will say

      Well, then MOVE ON. Why are you here commenting and replying? Move on whydontaha?

  6. Disrespecting the voters choice of politicians in Palmdale is divisive. You don’t love Palmdale, and delight in smear tactics that have nothing to do with truth. Responsible voters stay away from the motives you mask as a righteous cause. You’re the problem, not the solution. Bullies like you use devious tactics, and we see what you’re doing.

  7. I am so thankful for the residents in my community that work and volunteer to continue to make Palmdale a wonderful place to live. In every community you have that group of toxic, negative people that do all they can to tear down what others will lift up. Have nothing to do with these people! Thank you to the commenters that work and support our elected officials.

  8. A wonderful article! Thanks to all the elected officials that are working so hard for Palmdale. Some commenters here, and it’s always the same ones, do nothing but slam all the elected politicians; I see so much good happening in Palmdale!

    • There are always a group of toxic commenters that just have to spread their bitterness and misery. Have a positive day, and it’s best to stay away from people that want to drain you with their constant negative energy.

      • Well, Kathryn.

        Those of us that have lived in Palmdale a long time and love it aren’t going to be quiet when Rex Parris buys his way into Palmdale’s council and mayor’s office. For what purpose?

        Then, people like you come here out of nowhere and scold us. No. Scold Hofbauer and the ones on the council in service of Rex Parris. Now, that’s TOXIC.

        Got that, Kathryn?

        • Kathryn and her compadres who do the bidding of the Lancaster political machine deserve any an all rebuking the receive here. She , Rex, Marv, Austin, Drew, and the rest of them can and should worry about the mess that is Lancaster and leave Palmdale alone. It is understandable that with all the problems in Lancaster it is easier to interfere in Palmdale’s affairs. But please. We don’t want you and we don’t need you. Go home.

        • You and the other divisive commenters don’t love Palmdale. You try to tear apart every politician that has been elected by the good people of Palmdale because you didn’t get your way. The majority of people in this fine city see right through your toxic comments, and will continue to support our elected officials.

        • William, Eyes, or all the other names you use: I have lived in Palmdale for a long time also, and I know I will respect the voters choice of politicians. You need to be scolded for your constant divisiveness, smearing the elected officials with innuendo, and, well, bizarre falsehoods. You don’t love Palmdale; love is the action this community puts into moving forward for the betterment of Palmdale. Got that, Bill, Eyes, and all your other names?

          • Kathryn or whoever your name is. We don’t trust those of you praising Hofbauer as you can see by now.

            I have been commenting here for years and haven’t criticized Palmdale till Rex installed Hofbauer and the others on the council. I then criticized those actions.

            I have criticized the council district lawsuit as it was a way for Rex to more cheaply buy each council member than when they ran at large.

            Rex Parris has said many negative things about Mayor Ledford and then Hofbauer ran a filthy campaign doing the same thing. That’s why I’m commenting here. Hofbauer is as rotten as Rex Parris only much weaker.

            That and Rex’s interference is what I have criticized and not Palmdale itself.

            BTW. Dividing the city into districts was the beginning of the divisiveness you speak of. And, Hofbauer’s filthy campaign added to it.

            Any questions, Kathryn? I will continue. I have little respect for you Hofbauer suck ups who ignore the campaign he ran and his fealty to Rex. You don’t do Palmdale any good.

  9. Phil Kaufman and others keep praising Hofbauer but can’t come up with anything he has accomplished since becoming mayor. They talk like they know everything but can’t give a specific example of Hofbuaer doing x, y and z to promote any project.

    Okay. So, he might have voted to approve it on the council. But, I do recall Mayor Ledford actually talking to companies and working to bring business to Palmdale. Was Hofbauer there too?

    We have “Ride Along” car pool parking lots in Palmdale, and apparently a “ride-along” mayor now. He was on the council and vice-mayor but had to go to “mayor school” to learn how to be a mayor. Didn’t Rex Parris tell him all he needs to know about that?

    Anyway, still waiting on the extensive list of accomplishments by Hofbauer.

    P.S. After running that dirty campaign against Mayor Ledford with no verdict, just accusations, too bad if Hofbauer and his virtual supporters don’t like these posts.

  10. Yep, the paranoiacs are at it again. Trying their best to turn a positive article about Palmdale into a “doom and gloom” irrational forecast of Palmdale’s future.

    • The real story here is Lancaster’s lackluster rating. If you dig deeper you will see that their pension fund is in terrible shape.

      This is why Lancaster’s pols and their lackeys in Palmdale are working to get their hands on Palmdale’s money. They need to remove Hofbauer, which they will try to do in 2020. Hofbauer is not the problem. The problem is those who are funded by Lancaster.

      The truth is out there. All you have to do is ask for it.

      • Yes, the facts are there for all those responsible voters. One fact is that Lancaster’s pension fund is not lackluster, and another fact that is very simple; the voters have spoken through their votes. The truth is, Mayor Hofbauer is mayor of Palmdale. The voters will vote again in 2020, and the last place to gather facts is here, where commenters knowingly post false information, such as Austin Bishop running around town to the bars and restaurants telling people Palmdale is going broke. Juvenile and laughable false information.

        • Really Phil? That’s not what the California State Auditor reported. But who are they? They should have talked to Phil Kaufman. Silly us for listening to the California State Auditor when we’ve got Phil Kauman, the AV’s truth teller.

          Only in Lancaster. Only in Lancaster.

  11. Yes, thankyou Mayor Hofbauer and the elected city officials. No, Austin Bishop is not doing what William is saying, and no, Hofbauer is not riding on Ledford’s coattails. The very few that don’t know what’s going on love to spread lies because they didn’t get their way. Would really like to see the whiners that aren’t happy with the positive things happening in Palmdale, MOVE to West Virginia, or elsewhere. Especially you, Tim C., William, and the rest of you cry babies that can’t stand positive progress.

    • @I will say

      Hofbauer inherited a financially sound city from Mayor Ledford and don’t you forget it, Steve.

      Meanwhile, Hofbauer and the council minions supported by Rex Parris are burning through the reserve funds.

      Hofbauer has to go.

      • Hofbauer isn’t going anywhere, and they aren’t burning through the reserve funds. William, why don’t you stop changing screen names, it’s juvenile and you’re a senior citizen that should know better.

      • Mayor Hofbauer was elected by the voters. It was time to move on, and yes, Mayor Hofbauer did inherit a fiscally sound city, and he has kept it fiscally sound. All of the elected politicians, including Austin Bishop are doing a great job so far. I find the ridiculous falsehoods that are common here, to be, well, ridiculous. Burning through reserve funds, and A. Bishop running around town telling people the city is going broke is the most absurd. It’s and embarrassment to know there are those few that insist on being jokers.

    • Go listen to the end of the last Palmdale city council meeting. Bishop talks about the city previously being flush with money. He’s been telling people the city is going broke. It is all part of the plan to take out Hofbauer and add another Lancaster controlled person the the council. Rex and Marv are orchestrating the whole thing, including donations of over $25,000.

      • Eye on Lancaster: Your comment is out there. He is not going around telling people the city is going broke. All part of a plan????….. Man, your are out there and need help.

    • For those crediting Hofbauer with these results: Nice try…

      Hofbauer began his FIRST term as Mayor in Palmdale on November 8, 2018 whereas these rankings are bases on based on indicators that rely primarily on financial information for fiscal year ending June 30, 2017.

      • Mayor Hofbauer has either been on the planning commission (1992), or has been on the city council over these many years, serving this community in varied capacities. He has much experience, and the most important is, he has been elected by the voters of Palmdale.

    • Hornblower is riding on coat tails, having become mayor of a city that was in excellent fiscal shape. It is almost certain that after another year of his “leadership” Palmdale’s ratings will be going down, not up. Cronyism and treasury looting will see to that, and he has to pay back his benefactors somehow. Wrecks didn’t fund him into office just because he likes him.

      • Don’t forget Marv’s boy Austin Bishop. He’s telling people that Palmdale is going broke. Actually Marv is telling him that and he is carrying the message. You hear a lot at certain restaurants and bars in the AV. If you do your homework you see that Lancaster is in far worse financial shape which is why they want Palmdale’s money.

      • Trafficking in lies, smearing, and innuendo is what the Tim C., William crowd does. What a wonderful, positive article about Palmdale. We’re moving along very nicely without your smear tactics.

    • What are you thanking Hofbauer for, Phil Kaufman? If he doesn’t produce for Rex Parris, he’ll be replaced.

      List Hofbauer’s “for real” accompliashments and not what he inherited from Mayor Ledford.

      1.

      Come on, Phil, your turn.

    • @Phil Kaufman

      What has Hofbauer accomplished as mayor? He keeps trying to take credit for things begun under Mayor Ledford’s watch.

      Come on, Phil, list them below.

      1.

    • I’ve asked Phil Kaufman and others what has Hofbauer accomplished as mayor and don’t hand us things that were begun under Mayor Ledford’s watch.

      Still no answers. Kaufman says that Hofbauer did inherit a financially sound city and has kept it sound for a year. Wow!. Does Kaufman really think that is an accomplishment?

      Come on. Phil. Tell us more unless there isn’t any more.

      • William: These people don’t answer to you, and they certainly aren’t obligated to list all of Hofbauer’s accomplishments for you. You already have your mind fixed, so what really matters is that the voters have elected Mayor Hofbauer, and so far he is doing a fine job. If he keeps up the good work maybe he will be elected again in 2020. It is the responsibility of each voter to get the facts, and no one is beholden to you.

        • @I will say.

          Yeah, that’s the excuse. Those people who all sound like the same person tell us how great everything is going in Palmdale in many commnets but can’t list a single thing he has accomplished.

          It’s up to THEM to tell us what his accomplishments are if they are going to comment at all. You’ve got this and other things backward.

          Put up or your inability to list any accomplishments tell us all we need to know.

    • Lancaster is a fiscal mess. Their pension fund is at great risk. No wonder they want to raid Palmdale’s coffers.

      • The city of Lancaster pension fund is not at risk, so you are either posting false information purposely, or you are listening to hearsay. No one is raiding Palmdale’s coffers, nor do “they” wish to.

        • Phil is right. The Lancaster pension fund is not at risk. Their OPEB funding and Pension Funding is at high risk, not the pension fund itself. It is not good to have that type of funding at risk.

          Overall Lancaster is meh when it comes to financial stability. There are worse cities and many more that are better off.