Save an unlikely reprieve incorporating Bloomington into a city is all but dead after a land use commission in San Bernardino denied a group's request for more time.

The Bloomington Incorporation Commission (BIC), the group of residents vowing to turn a 6 mile square mile area into a city, requested a 90-day extension to raise money to pay for processing the application.

The Local Agency Formation Commission gave BIC until February 28 to pay a $109,000 deposit for feasibility and financial studies.  The group submitted $30,000 and asked for more time to pay the balance.

Commission members voted 6-1 to accept a LAFCO staff recommendation to deny the request. Rancho Cucamonga Councilwoman Diane Williams suggested that LAFCO give the group a three month extension.

"I see no harm in allowing the extra time," said Williams "I just believe in giving the group every chance to be successful."

Other commissioners questioned the group's ability to raise $79,000 in 90 days.

"We made it clear during a November 15 meeting that they had to make the February 28 deadline and they didn't," said Richard Pearson, a commission member.

The commission vote essentially voids the incorporation application, said Kathleen Rolling-McDonald, LAFCO executive officer.

The Bloomington group has the option of seeking funding from the state or resubmitting the application. That would mean collecting signatures again, she said.

Frustrated over encroaching development from nearby Fontana and Rialto, BIC residents launched the cityhood effort more than two years ago. Both cities have submitted applications to LAFCO seeking to annex land the group wants to incorporate.

BIC president Eric Davenport, vowed to raise the additional funds and ask LAFCO for reconsideration. Last fall the group collected 1,802 signatures, the 25 percent of registered voters required to start the application process.    

The group known for its folksy rural style, said they will continue the incorporation effort. "We've got a lot of irons in the fire. You know the line," said Davenport, "It ain't over until the fat lady sings."