City of Gonzales
CITY ATTORNEY
STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: June 17, 2024
FROM: Michael Rodriquez, City Attorney
THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Resolution No. 2024-39 Calling and Providing for General Municipal Election on November 5, 2024
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that City Council consider and adopt Resolution No. 2024-39, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Calling and Providing for a General Municipal Election to be Held in the City of Gonzales on November 5, 2024, Making Determinations Required by Section 13307 of the Elections Code With Respect to Candidates’ Statements, Requesting the Monterey County Elections Department to Conduct and Consolidate the Election With the Statewide General Election, and Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into an Agreement with the Monterey County Registrar of Voters for Related Election Services.
BACKGROUND
Staff has prepared its standard elections resolution calling for a consolidation of the City’s general municipal election with all other state elections to be conducted on November 5, 2024, as authorized pursuant to relevant provisions of the Government and Elections Codes and Gonzales City Code Section
1.40.010. Pursuant to Ordinance No. 2023-139, adopted by the City Council on August 7, 2023, this is the first year in which City will have elections by-district in newly established District No. 2.
REVIEW AND ANALYSIS
In accordance with past practice, Staff has prepared a resolution ordering an election, requesting that the Monterey County Elections Department be authorized to conduct the election, and declaring its intent to consolidate local and statewide elections to be held on November 5, 2024. The resolution also authorizes the City Manager to enter into an agreement with the Monterey County Registrar of Voters to reimburse the County for actual costs of election services. The request for consolidation of the election must be AGENDA
ITEM
17 submitted to the County Board of Supervisors at least 88 days prior to the date of the election, which is August 9, 2024. By consolidating the election with other jurisdictions in Monterey County, the City’s costs to conduct the election will be substantially reduced Under the by-district elections system adopted by the City Council per Ordinance No. 2023-139, new District No. 2 will elect a council member to represent the district for a four-year term. The Mayor’s position, which has a two-year term, will continue to be elected at-large by voters in all districts throughout the City. The period for candidates running for a seat to file nomination papers runs from Monday, July 15, 2024 through Friday, August 9, 2024. Candidates will be able to provide statements for publication in the Voters’ Information Guide not in excess of 200 words, at a cost of $324. (This cost is determined by the County Elections Department.)
Explain Recommendation and How it Supports the Vision.
Gonzales will continue to be a safe, clean, family-friendly community, diverse in its heritage, and committed to working collaboratively to preserve and retain its small town charm.
Explain: Calling for elections ensures that the City will have qualified officials to represent the public and maintain the City’s goals and programs that support the City’s established vision. The new by-district election system is meant to enhance public representation and diversity on the Council.
Explain how the Recommendation Directly Implements the Mission The City Council and Staff of the City of Gonzales will realize our Vision by providing the leadership, commitment and resources necessary to provide excellent services that enhance the quality of life of our diverse community. X Yes ____No ____NA
Explain: See above.
City services will be delivered in a cost-effective, respectful and friendly manner to ensure the safety and well being of the residents and the promotion of business, recreational, housing and employment opportunities in an environmentally sustainable manner. Yes ___No _X_NA Explain: See above.
Strong fiscal policies allow us to provide appropriate infrastructure for:
• Public Safety Yes ____ No X NA
• Housing Yes ____ No X NA
• Recreation Yes ____ No X NA
• Environment Yes ____ No X NA
• Education Yes ____ No X NA
Explain: N/A.
ALTERNATIVES
• Adopt the proposed Resolution.
• Do not adopt the proposed Resolution calling for a consolidated election and securing the County’s services in conducting a local election. This alternative would result in significantly increased costs to the City in holding both the State and general municipal elections.
BUDGET IMPACT
The Monterey County Elections Department estimates that costs for the upcoming election will be between $7.00 and $10.00 per registered voter. As such, the City’s cost for the November 5, 2024 election should be in an amount not to exceed $50,000. Staff has included estimated election costs in the FY 2024- 2025 Budget.
CONCLUSION
It is recommended that City Council consider and adopt Resolution No. 2024-39, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Calling and Providing for a General Municipal Election to be Held in the City of Gonzales on November 5, 2024, Making Determinations Required by Section 13307 of the Elections Code With Respect to Candidates’ Statements, Requesting the Monterey County Elections Department to Conduct and Consolidate the Election With the Statewide General Election, and Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into an Agreement with the Monterey County Registrar of Voters for Related Election Services.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice of the consolidated election must be published between July 8 and August 7, 2024 in keeping with Elections Code Sections 12101 and 12111.
Attachments:
1. Resolution No. 2024-39
2. Agreement with MoCo Elections Dept