FOR THE COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 17, 2024
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: City Council
FROM: City Manager David W. Rowlands
BY: Chief Deputy City Clerk Donna G. Schwartz
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Accepting the Santa Barbara County Clerk- Recorder’s Certificate of the Results of the Official Canvass of the November 5, 2024, General Municipal Election and Reorganization of the City Council
Description:
The City Council will consider accepting the Santa Barbara County Clerk -Recorder’s Certificate of the Results of the General Municipal Election held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, and Reorganization of City Council
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.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Adopt a Resolution reciting the fact of the General Municipal Election held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, in conjunction with the Statewide General Election and accepting the Santa Barbara County Clerk -Recorder’s Certificate of the Results of the official canvass; and
2. Follow standard procedures to reorganize the City Council.
BACKGROUND:
A consolidated Statewide General Election was held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, in accordance with State law , and Santa Maria Municipal Code Section 2 -25-02. The election was called for the purpose of electing one Mayor, two members of the Ci ty Council, one each in District 1 and District 2, one City Clerk , and one City Treasurer for four-year terms.
2 The Santa Barbara County Clerk-Recorder had 28 days following the election to complete the ballot count, certify the election results, and provide such to the governing body. The City Council must then adopt a Resolution accepting the Santa Barbara County Clerk- Recorder’s certification of the election at its next regular meeting, or special meeting called for that purpose.
DISCUSSION:
The Santa Barbara County Clerk -Recorder has completed the official canvass of the General Municipal Election and has provided the results to the City Clerk for presentation to and for adoption by the City Council. The results confirm that the following candidates received a majority of votes cast in order to be duly elected to a full term of four years.
Mayor Alice M. Patino; City Council District 1 Carlos Escobedo; City Council District 2 Gloria Flores; City Clerk Patti Rodriguez; and City Treasurer Teressa Hall.
Fiscal Considerations
While the actual cost of the election will not be known for at least another 60 days, it is anticipated it will cost the City approximately $143,000. Funding for the General Municipal Election was included in the 2024-25 City Budget.
Impact to the Community
Voting for elected officials is one of the core rights and privileges afforded individuals by the Constitution. Although it is required by State law, formally swearing-in newly elected officials during the City Council meeting provides an opportunity for the public to become acquainted with the officials who will be governing the City for the next four years.