DATE: MARCH 8, 2022
DEPARTMENT: ADMINISTRATION
FROM: STEVEN S. CARRIGAN, CITY MANAGER
TITLE: RESOLUTION OPPOSING STATE BALLOT MEASURE 21-0042A1 RECOMMENDED MOTION:
It is recommended that the City Council approve a Resolution opposing State Ballot Measure 21-0042A1, restricting voters’ input and local taxing authority.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council approve the attached Resolution opposing State Ballot Measure 21-0042A1, which restricts voters’ input and local taxing authority.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
According to information provided by the League of California Cities (Cal Cities), in early 2018, the “Tax Fairness, Transparency and Accountability Act” or AG#17-0050 Amdt. #1, was being circulated to qualify for the November 2018 ballot. This initiative would have drastically limited local revenue authority. Through the successful work and advocacy of Cal Cities and its coalition partners, the measure’s proponents withdrew the initiative from the ballot in June 2018.
According to Cal Cities, in January of this year, the California Business Roundtable filed the Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act or AG#21-0042A1, a measure they state, is far more detrimental to cities than the measure filed in 2018, because it would decimate vital local and state services to the benefit of wealthy corporations.
During its December 2-3, 2021 meeting, the League of California Cities Board of Directors voted unanimously to oppose Initiative 21-0026A1. Following the Board’s unanimous decision, a coalition of public safety, labor, local government and infrastructure advocates have joined together to fight against this measure. With the Attorney General set to release the Title and Summary soon, the coalition announced their opposition against the measure. The proponents will need to submit nearly 1 million signatures in order to qualify for the November 2022 ballot and the Secretary of State’s recommended date to turn in signatures is April 29, 2022.
The City of Salinas has provided our residents with sustainable local services brought about my having local fee authority, and opposing this proposed State Ballot Measure is an important safeguard.
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
Not a Project. The City of Salinas has determined that the proposed action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378). If future CEQA considerations are required for specific Strategies, staff will evaluate and bring forth for Council consideration.
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION:
Cal Cities coordinated with the City of Salinas Administration Department on bringing this Resolution to the City Council.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
This Ballot Measure, if enacted by voters, could substantially lower annual state and local revenues.
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution Opposing State Ballot Measure 21-0042A1 Restricting Voters’ Input and Local Taxing Authority League of California Cities Fact Sheet and Analysis
RESOLUTION NO. _________ (N.C.S.)
A RESOLUTION OF THE SALINAS CITY COUNCIL TO OPPOSE STATE BALLOT MEASURE 21-0042A1 RESTRICTING VOTERS’ INPUT AND LOCAL TAXING AUTHORITY WHEREAS, an association representing California’s wealthiest corporations is behind a deceptive proposition aimed for the November 2022 statewide ballot; and WHEREAS, the measure creates new constitutional loopholes that allow corporations to pay far less than their fair share for the impacts they have on our communities, including local infrastructure, our environment, water quality, air quality, and natural resources; and WHEREAS, the measure includes undemocratic provisions that would make it more difficult for local voters to pass measures needed to fund local services and infrastructure, and would limit voter input by prohibiting local advisory measures where voters provide direction on how they want their local tax dollars spent; and WHEREAS, the measure makes it much more difficult for state and local regulators to issue fines and levies on corporations that violate laws intended to protect our environment, public health and safety, and our neighborhoods; and WHEREAS, the measure puts billions of dollars currently dedicated to state and local services at risk, and could force cuts to public schools, fire and emergency response, law enforcement, public health, parks, libraries, affordable housing, services to support homeless residents, mental health services, and more; and WHEREAS, the measure would also reduce funding for critical infrastructure like streets and roads, public transportation, drinking water, new schools, sanitation, and utilities.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Salinas, opposes Initiative 21-0042A1; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Salinas will join the NO on Initiative 21-0042A1 coalition, a growing coalition of public safety, labor, local government, infrastructure advocates, and other organizations throughout the state; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Manager or his designee is hereby directed to transmit this Resolution as appropriate to lodge the City of Salinas’s objection to this proposed initiative measure, including to email a copy of this Resolution to the League of California Cities at [email protected].
PASSED AND APPROVED this 8th day of March 2022, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN: APPROVED:
____________________________________ Kimbley Craig, Mayor ATTEST:
______________________________
Patricia M. Barajas, City Clerk
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