16 responses to findings and recommendations
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.”
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
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)
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
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.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
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)
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
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
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
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)
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
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.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
. Following the dissolution of redevelopment agencies in California, County Parks was left without a ready source of capital funds needed to fulfill the vision of the Live Oak Community Center as the heart of Live Oak, and Measure S filled the void. __ AGREE __ PARTIALLY DISAGREE _X_ DISAGREE Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): The Facilities Master Plan (FMP) conducted by Santa Cruz Public Libraries identified the need to create program space for the Live Oak Branch Library. Since program space could not be accommodated at the Live Oak Branch Library, it was done ...
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)
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
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.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
. The Annex is an expansion of the Live Oak Community Center and not an expansion of the Live Oak Branch Library. __ AGREE __ PARTIALLY DISAGREE _X_ DISAGREE Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): As identified in the FMP and stated previously, there wasn't adequate program space at the Live Oak Branch Library, and the Live Oak Library Annex (Annex) provides that space. The Annex is an expansion of library facilities in the Live Oak community. It establishes a learning center with meeting/study room space that complements the existing Live Oak Branch Library and provi...
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)
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
F6
The impartial analysis failed to explain how the “annual audit” or the “independent citizens oversight'' would be carried out. Citizens Oversight
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
. The County's decision to use Measure S funds for the Live Oak Library Annex in the Live Oak Community Center will impact the Santa Cruz Public Libraries operating budget. __ AGREE __ PARTIALLY DISAGREE _X_ DISAGREE Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): Establishing the Annex with Measure S funds will not adversely impact SCPL's operating budget. As part of future budgets, the Library Joint Powers Authority Board will consider offering programs and services at the Annex that would have been provided at the Live Oak Branch Library if there were space to accommodate t...
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)
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
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.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
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 struct...
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
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.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
F9
Other California cities and counties have demonstrated that Santa Cruz County can honor its promise for citizens oversight of Measure G expenditures.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
