  Evidence for local charge fluctuations linked to a charge disproportionation
of the Bi ions in the distorted lattice of superconducting LaO$_{1-x}$F$_{x}$
BiS$_{2}$ is presented. In-plane short-range distortions of sulfur atoms up to
0.3 \AA\ in magnitude break site symmetry and create two distinct environments
around Bi. Out-of-plane motion of apical sulfur brings it closer to the La-O/F
doping layer with increasing $x$ that may lead to a charge transfer conduit
between the doping layers and the superconducting BiS$_{2}$ planes. The
mechanism for superconductivity may arise from the interplay between charge
density fluctuations and an enhanced spin-orbit coupling suggested
theoretically, that induces spin polarization.
