FOR THE COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 4, 2024
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: City Council
FROM: Interim City Manager Alex Posada
BY: Assistant City Clerk Alexandra Valadez
SUBJECT: Adoption of Resolutions Calling the General Municipal Election to be Held on November 5, 2024
Description:
The City Council will consider calling the General Municipal Election to be held on November 5, 2024, and request the Board of Supervisors of the County of Santa Barbara to consolidate and render specified services to the City related to the conduct of the election.
Environmental Notice: The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Adopt a Resolution calling and giving notice of the holding of a General Municipal Election for the election of certain municipal officers to be held on November 5, 2024, as required by the provisions of the laws of the State of California; and
2. Adopt a Re solution requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Santa Barbara to consolidate and render specified services to the City related to the conduct of the General Municipal Election to be held on November 5, 2024; and
3. Adopt a Resolution adopting regulations for candidates for elective office pertaining to Candidate’s Statements submitted to the voters.
BACKGROUND:
Every two years, the City of Santa Maria conducts a General Municipal Election to elect officers to represent its residents. The Mayor, four members of the City Council, and the ceremonial positions of City Clerk and City Treasurer are all elected for four -year terms.
The terms of the four members of the City Council are staggered with only two seats up for election every two years to provide continuity and stability on the City Council. The positions of Mayor, City Clerk, and City Treasurer only appear on the ballot every four years.
2 The City’s General Municipal Election is always held in conjunction with the Statewide General Election in November of every even year pursuant to the Santa Maria Municipal Code. The City consolidates with the Santa Barbara County Elections Division which then conducts the election, tallies the results, and supplies the City with certified election results.
The costs for the election are borne by the City with the exception of the Candidate’s Statements of Qualifications. Candidates pay any costs associated with publishing their statements in the Sample Ballot pamphlet.
DISCUSSION:
The City of Santa Maria will conduct a General Municipal Election on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, to elect one Mayor at -large, one member of the City Council for District 1, one member of the City Council for District 2, one City Treasurer at-large, and one City Clerk at-large. This year the terms of Mayor Patino, Councilmember Escobedo, Councilmember Cordero, City Treasurer Teressa Hall, and City Clerk Patti Rodriguez will expire.
The City will be requesting that the County Board of Supervisors consolidate its General Municipal Election with the Statewide General Election. The County will then bill the City for its pro-rata share of the costs.
The costs for printing the Candidates’ Statement of Qualifications in the Sample Ballot are recovered from the candidates. If a candidate decides to submit a Candidate’s Statement, a deposit is required when the candidate submits their nomination paper. If the actual printing costs are less than the deposited amount, the balance is refunded to each candidate. Should the cost be more, the candidate is billed for the additional amount.
Santa Barbara County has been designated as a bilingual county for election purposes.
This means that all ballots, all information in the Sample Ballot, and all information submitted to voters m ust be published in both English and Spanish. To ensure cost recovery for the translation and printing of a Candidate’s Statement, staff is proposing a deposit amount of $1,000 for District Councilmember seats; $2,150 for the Mayor, City Clerk, and City Treasurer Candidate’s Statement.
Three Resolutions are required to initiate this year’s election process. These Resolutions must be adopted and submitted to the County for consolidation by July 3, 2024 . The nomination period for candidates will run from July 15 through August 9, 2024. Should any of the incumbents choose not to run for re -election, the nomination period for that particular office will be extended to August 14, 2024.
Fiscal Considerations
Sufficient funds to cover the cost of the election have been included in the 2023 -24 Budget. Funds for publication of Candidate’s Statements of Qualifications will be paid by the candidates.
3 Impact to the Community
Providing the opportunity for registered voters of the City to run for office and to el ect municipal representatives is a privilege afforded by both the Federal and State Constitutions. The process allows the community to have a voice in municipal affairs, the growth and development of the City, and the policies and laws that govern the City.