AgdaPkt 2011-06-27 - Laserfiche WebLink

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6.3.A. - Page 2 thirds vote of the City Council; and (2) majority voter approval. (Cal. Gov't Code § §53723 and 53724(b)) Because the submittal deadline for a ballot measure to be included in the November 8, 2011, general municipal election is eighty -eight days in advance of the election, the last day to submit ballot measures is August 12, 2011. Here, the proposed ordinance effectuating the tax increase is placed on the ballot by adopting the attached resolution. If the voters do not approve the measure, then the ordinance is never implemented but the existing tax remains in effect. The measure is presented to the voters on their ballots by a maximum 75 -word ballot question that states the nature of the ordinance to be adopted. With input and direction from Council Members Bain and Seybert, as an ad hoc committee of the Finance Committee, the following is the question proposed for the ballot measure: To preserve funding for general city services such as libraries, parks, and public safety, shall an ordinance be approved increasing, over three years, the business license tax rates by $21 plus $15 per employee (with a similar increase for businesses not taxed on a per employee basis) annually adjusted thereafter based on the Consumer Price Index, with proceeds placed in the City's General Fund, subject to City's annual independent financial audit? [Word count: 73 — "$" counts as a separate word.] The resolution also directs the City Clerk to collect written arguments for and against the measure, authorizes rebuttal arguments, and directs the City Attorney to prepare an impartial analysis, which must be submitted in accordance with the County's deadlines because this is a consolidated election. (Elections Code § 9286(b)) In addition, the City Council is requested by motion to authorize the Mayor and Vice Mayor to select such persons who will sign the ballot arguments. (See Exhibit 2, Resolution attaching ordinance Amending Division 6 of Article V of Chapter 32 — Measure to go to voters). ALTERNATIVES 1. Direct staff to make changes to the ballot question and ordinance amendment proposing an increase in the rate of the Business License Tax. 2. Direct staff to make changes to the ballot question and ordinance amendment proposing an increase in the Business License Tax in some other amount. 3. Do not proceed with a proposed increase in the Business License Tax. FISCAL IMPACT The outcome of the ballot measure will impact the City's ability to provide essential services in the future. The Fiscal Year 2011 -2012 budget projects annual Business Tax revenues in the General Fund at $1.4 million. Based on this revenue level, if the voters