AgdaPkt 2003-02-10 - Laserfiche WebLink

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8.A -I REPORT To the Honorable Mayor and City Cou From the City Manz February 10, 2003 Subject Establishing a voluntary contribution check -off program for City management and employees Recommendation Approve the attached resolution establishing a voluntary contribution check -off program for City management and employees, providing them with an opportunity to make contributions in support of the activities of Action for Better Cities (ABC). Action for Better Cities is a non- profit organization established by the League of California Cities (LOCC) to actively promote the interests of local government. Background The LOCC has developed a statewide comprehensive approach to help protect local governments' ability to serve local citizens. This is in response to the continuing legislative and ballot initiative trend that has the effect of limiting, transferring, or otherwise hindering the ability of local government to maintain and generate revenues. These losses in revenue in turn have a negative impact on such essential local services as police, fire, public works and community services, or otherwise limit local control over resources and authorities. A key element of the LOCC approach is the creation of Action for Better Cities (ABC), a non- profit corporation charged with advancing local governmental interests through traditional political campaign methods. The LOCC has formed the ABC to directly respond to special interest activities that threaten local government's flexibility and funding. It is envisioned as an organization that public officials can join and pool funds to be used to counter special interests that increasingly impact public policy in California through the use of political ballot measures and /or legislation. Unfortunately, a significant portion of this special interest -based political activity threatens local government funding and /or control over resources and authorities. Establishing this voluntary contribution check -off program puts cities on par with corporations and unions that have similar provisions for their employees. Alternative Council can elect not to approve this resolution, and thereby make voluntary contributions to the ABC infeasible through a payroll check -off.