RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA, OPPOSING BALLOT
INITIATIVE NO 21-0042A1 THE “TAXPAYER PROTECTION AND
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY ACT”
WHEREAS, Initiative 21 -0042A1, “Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act”, a ballot measure currently eligible for the November 2024 statewide ballot, includes provisions that would make it more difficult for local voters to pass measures needed to fund local services and infrastructure;
WHEREAS, this measure includes provisions that retroact ively cancel measures recently passed by voters 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 would make 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 contains language that would require voter approval to expand any existing taxes (e.g. utility, transient occupancy) to annexations, creating an additional financial cost to the City for the annexation of property; and
WHEREAS, due to the City Council raising fees incrementally the full cost of services is not currently recovered, and this initiative would significantly affect those revenue sources; and
WHEREAS, this measure, if enacted, would require a fine or penalty, including any applicable interest for nonpayment, imposed by a local government administrative enforcement agency pursuant to adjudicatory due process to punish a violation of a law.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Santa Maria, California, as follows:
1. The City Council opposes Initiative #21-0042A1, the “Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act”; and
2. The City Council will join the “ Stop the Corporate Tax Trick” coalition, a growing coalition of public safety, education, labor, local government, and infrastructure groups throughout the State; and
3. The City Council opposes Initiative #21 -0042A1, the Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act; and
4. The Chief Deputy City Clerk is hereby authorized to make minor changes herein to address clerical errors, so long as substantial conformance of the intent of this document is maintained. In doing so, the Chief Deputy City Clerk shall consult with the City Manager and City Attorney concerning any changes deemed necessary.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Santa Maria, California, held this 7th day of May 2024.
ATTEST:
Chief Deputy City Clerk
Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
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City Attorney
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
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Department Director
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Interim City Manager