Calif. counties mull withholding funds

SACRAMENTO, Feb. 5 (UPI) -- Counties in California are threatening to withhold money from the state amid the Golden State's worsening budget crisis.

The Sacramento Bee reported that several counties are planning to delay payments to the state.

In Colusa County, supervisors said they authorized payment delays for February.

"We didn't vote on it, because I don't think anybody wants to go to jail," Colusa County Supervisor Kim Vann was quoted as saying.

In Sacramento County, officials said they are planning to file a lawsuit this week against the state and Controller John Chiang for withholding millions of dollars for such things as social service programs, the report said.

"The Legislature authorized those expenditures, and (the controller) has decided to withhold it," said Susan Peters, chairwoman of the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors. "I believe it's possible other counties will be joining in the action."

The state controller has said he would delay payments to counties for health and social services.

"When we hear things like, 'We're out of cash and you're going to have to borrow the money,' it doesn't make us very happy," Yolo County Supervisors' Chairman Mike McGowan said.