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MEASURE M (STRONG COMMUNITIES) OVERVIEW
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RECOMMENDATION
Information only item. Present an overview of Measure M (“Strong Communities”).
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Summary
On November 8, 2016, Stockton voters approved Strong Communities, a ¼ cent special transactions and use tax for the restoration and expansion of library and recreation services. The Strong Communities Measure required approval by 2/3 of those who voted and passed with 76 percent of voters approving it. The measure is estimated to raise between $11.3 million and $15.4 million per year for 16 years and is to be used specifically for the purposes of supporting library and recreation services in the City of Stockton.
The enacting ordinance, 2016-06-07-1212 (Attachment A), required a citizen advisory committee be established to annually review Strong Communities Fund revenues and expenditures and review the City’s annual independent audit. The Committee is also permitted to make recommendations to the City Council regarding those expenditures. Strong Communities also includes a Maintenance of Effort requirement that prohibits the City from using its proceeds to replace existing General Fund revenues for libraries and recreation, while the City is required to maintain General Fund support to libraries and recreation at an amount no less than that committed in the 2014/15 fiscal year.
Committee members are appointed to two-year terms by the City Council and may simultaneously serve on other City committees or commissions. The Friends of the Stockton Library, the Library & Literacy Foundation for San Joaquin County, and the Stockton Parks and Recreation Commission shall each have the opportunity to recommend candidates for the Committee to the City Council. In no event may the Committee include more than two (2) members of each of the groups above.
The rules of procedure for the Measure M committee are reflected in Council Policy 3.04.080, adopted via Resolution 2017-04-01-0301. Committee members should review this policy.
Authorized activities of the Citizens’ Advisory Committee as stated in Section 12 of the Council Policy include:
A) Review copies of revenue and expenditure reports for the Strong Communities Fund.
B) Receive and review copies of the City’s annual independent audit which is required by the ordinance.
C) Advisory Committee members shall not have the authority to direct staff of the City.
D) Individual members of the Advisory Committee retain the right to address the Council, either on behalf of the Committee or as an individual.
Other roles and responsibilities of the committee identified in the Council Policy include:
• Meet at least annually, or more often, if needed.
• Make an annual report with the results of their work to the City Council.
• Make recommendations regarding Measure M expenditures to the City Council.
Attachment A: Ordinance 2016-06-07-1212
Attachment B - Council Policy 3.04.080