HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff ReportSTAFF REPORT
PROPOSED TIMELINE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND DRAFTING OF
A PROPOSED BALLOT MEASURE TO EXTEND THE CITY'S PREVIOUSLY
VOTER -APPROVED TEN YEAR DISTRICT SALES TAX BEYOND 2016
TO MAINTAIN THE CITY'S PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICES, PREVENT CUTS
TO POLICE AND FIRE SERVICES AND ENSURE ADEQUATE FUNDING
FOR PARKS, LIBRARIES, AND OTHER CITY SERVICES,
TO BE PLACED ON THE NOVEMBER 2014 BALLOT
Introduction
On January 21, 2014, City Staff presented a three year operating plan for fiscal years 2015
through 2017. This operating plan took into account the necessary reductions to the general fund
to account for the loss of general fund revenue due to the expiration of the one -cent district sales
tax. Based on the staff presentation, which also included the high level findings from a recent
community survey report, City Council authorized the development and drafting of a proposed
ballot measure to extend the City's existing voter -approved ten-year district sales tax beyond
2016 to maintain the City's public safety services, prevent cuts to police and fire services, and
ensure adequate funding for parks, libraries, and other City services.
Background
The purpose of this staff report is to provide the City Council with the anticipated timeline for
bringing forward for City Council consideration an ordinance to extend the district sales tax. The
timeline is premised upon the ballot measure being placed on the November 2014 ballot, which
is the next regularly scheduled election.
Discussion
The next regularly scheduled election is set for November 4, 20141. There are actions to be taken
by the City Council prior to the election to adopt an ordinance placing the extension of the
previously voter -approved ten-year district sales tax on the November ballot. Elections Code
section 9222 requires that the "election shall be held not less than 88 days after the date of the
order of election." The last day (the 88rh day) to call the election and for the County to receive
the request for services is August 8th by 5:00 p.m. While August 8th is the last day to call the
election for the ballot measure, the following proposed timeline suggests earlier deadlines to
allow sufficient time for any refinement to the proposed ballot language. The first two dates
correspond to regularly scheduled City Council Meetings, with the remaining City Council
meetings prior to the deadline in parenthesis.
1 Staff is suggesting November 4, 2014 as that is the next regularly scheduled general election. The California
Constitution (Article 23C, §2(b)) requires general taxes be voted upon in a regularly scheduled general election,
except upon a unanimous vote of the City Council declaring a fiscal emergency.
Time Line for Proposed Ballot Measure
February 18, 2014
Staff Report
• Submission of Proposition (Ordinance)
• Call for Election3
• Impartial Analysis4
• Arguments For/Against Measures
• Rebuttal Arguments6
(in response to arguments for/against)
• Election
July 1
July 1
July 8-15
July 8-15
July 18-25
November 4
(July 15 and Aug 5)
(July 15 and Aug 5)
The above timeline provides sufficient time to continue developing and drafting the ballot
measure as directed. In addition, the timeline provides the City Council ample opportunity to
consider the measure language and make revisions if so needed.
Staff Recommendation
Accept and file report.
2 Elections Code § 9222.
3 Elections Code § 9222, 10002.
4 Elections Code § 9280 (impartial analysis should occur within 7-14 days after Council places measure on ballot).
5 Elections Code § 9282 (deadline for arguments should occur within 7-14 days after Council places measure on
ballot).
6 Elections Code § 9285 (10 days after arguments).