Santa Cruz County Grand Jury • 2022-2023

Words Matter Did Measure G Mislead Voters? “The problem [with ballot proposals] is that local officials are so vested in

Published: June 20, 2022 30 pages
Ver PDF original

Findings and Recommendations 9 findings

F1
Measure G’s ballot language made the tax appear to be a special tax: the language emphasized multiple services that Measure G could be used for, which overshadowed the final clause, “and other general county services.”
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
The County’s ballot language for a revenue measure should clearly state whether the County Government’s use of the funds will be restricted to certain uses (special revenue), or is available for any legal purpose (general revenue). (F1)
F2
County staff did not have compelling reasons to include several provisions contained in its consultant’s proposed Measure G ballot language—specifically the annual audit, citizens oversight, and 12-year expiration date—which also made Measure G appear to be a special tax.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
The County’s ballot language for general revenue measures should only include accountability provisions when the provisions will provide transparency beyond what the law already requires. (F2, F3)
F3
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors approved the Measure G ballot language at its August 7, 2018, meeting without seeking clarification as to how the provisions for an “annual audit” and “independent citizens oversight” would operate. Impartial Analysis
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
The County’s ballot language for general revenue measures should only include accountability provisions when the provisions will provide transparency beyond what the law already requires. (F2, F3)
F4
The impartial analysis did not plainly state that the Measure G funds would be general revenue that could be used for any legal government purpose.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
The County Counsel’s impartial analysis of a revenue measure should clearly state whether the County Government’s use of the funds will be restricted to certain uses (special revenue), or is available for any legal purpose (general revenue). (F4)
F5
The impartial analysis did not inform voters that the County Board of Supervisors had adopted a resolution setting budget priorities for the use of Measure G revenue that was quite narrow compared to the broad range of proposed uses stated in the ballot.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
If the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors has formally established budget priorities for an upcoming revenue measure, the County Counsel’s impartial analysis should state this fact and note that the Board’s budget priorities are subject to change. (F5)
F6
The impartial analysis failed to explain how the “annual audit” or the “independent citizens oversight'' would be carried out. Citizens Oversight
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
The County Counsel’s impartial analysis of a revenue measure should explain how all aspects of the ballot measure will operate, including provisions for an annual audit or independent citizens oversight. (F6)
F7
The Measure G Financial Summary, which is included in the County’s Adopted Budget for Fiscal Year 2021–22, can be expanded with detail showing Measure G revenues and expenditures to support the Measure G independent citizens oversight provisions.
Related Recommendations (2)
R6
By January 1, 2023, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors should require that the County Administrative Office use its financial and budget tracking tools to provide more detail on the planned and actual use of Measure G funds than is shown in the Measure G Financial Summary of the County’s Adopted Budget for Fiscal Year 2021–22. (F7)
R7
By January 1, 2023, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors should appoint a citizens oversight committee to oversee, review, and advise the Board on a more detailed Measure G report, showing Measure G revenues and expenditures as described in Finding 7 on a periodic basis (semiannually or quarterly). (F7, F8, F9) Commendation C1. The Grand Jury commends the County Administrative Office staff for its work in presenting the challenges of—and possible solutions to—the County’s persistent structural deficit. Required Response Respond Within/ Respondent Findings Recommendations Respond By Santa Cruz County F1, F2, F3, F7, F8, 90 Days
F8
The County Government’s current reliance on over 50 percent of Measure G revenue to support ongoing and recurring expenses for the County’s provision of essential services means the Measure G 12-year expiration date may present a serious risk to the County’s future fiscal health.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7
By January 1, 2023, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors should appoint a citizens oversight committee to oversee, review, and advise the Board on a more detailed Measure G report, showing Measure G revenues and expenditures as described in Finding 7 on a periodic basis (semiannually or quarterly). (F7, F8, F9) Commendation C1. The Grand Jury commends the County Administrative Office staff for its work in presenting the challenges of—and possible solutions to—the County’s persistent structural deficit. Required Response Respond Within/ Respondent Findings Recommendations Respond By Santa Cruz County F1, F2, F3, F7, F8, 90 Days
F9
Other California cities and counties have demonstrated that Santa Cruz County can honor its promise for citizens oversight of Measure G expenditures.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7
By January 1, 2023, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors should appoint a citizens oversight committee to oversee, review, and advise the Board on a more detailed Measure G report, showing Measure G revenues and expenditures as described in Finding 7 on a periodic basis (semiannually or quarterly). (F7, F8, F9) Commendation C1. The Grand Jury commends the County Administrative Office staff for its work in presenting the challenges of—and possible solutions to—the County’s persistent structural deficit. Required Response Respond Within/ Respondent Findings Recommendations Respond By Santa Cruz County F1, F2, F3, F7, F8, 90 Days

Conclusions 1

Commendations 34

No Responses Found 2

Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.

Santa Cruz County County
Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors Elected County Office