HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - October 17, 1984 (95)CITY COUNCIL MEETIll's
OCTO3ER 17, 1984
I'itITICN 36 Mayor Snider addressed the Council regarding his concerns
regarding Proposition 36 advising that "we" do not want to
emphasize or speculate on Bolla: losses or threatened loss of
service. Mayor Snider further stater; that "we" sinply do not
know what the courts or legislature will do in the after math
of a Proposition 36 passage. Mayor Snider concluded in
listing a nurber of organizations and aplencies that have
pub1ieIy opposed Proposition 36 and that after march
consideration, ne (Mayor Snider) feels that the. Council
should take a position on Proposition 36 from the view point
of public policy and the effect on the provision of fair And
equitable government.
Council D%mber Rein also spoke in opposition to Proposition
36 and the reasons that he felt that the City Council should
oppose the proposition.
Avery ;engthy discussion followed with both Council Mmber
Pinkerton, and Olson indicating that they did not feel that
it was appropriate for the Council to act on such matters.
OOUNC I L ADCE'IS On motion- of Mayor Snider, Reid second, Counc i 1 adopt(--.'
RES. OPPOSING Resolution No. 84-159 opposing Proposition 36. the Ja.v a IV
P". 36 Initiative Constitutional Amendment which resolution reads in
full as follows:
RES. ND. 84-159
RE90UNICN NO. 84-159
RE90WTICN OPPOSING PF"X--FITICN 36, THE
JARVIS IV INITIATIVE COWTIUMICKAL AMEN MFNY'
WiERFAS, the Jarvis IV Initiative Constitutional Amendment
which will appear on the Noverrber ballot as Proposition 36
would lead to de facto minority rule by requiring a
two-thirds vote for many important local government
decisions; and
FM
WHEREAS, Proposition 36, by further restricting local
goverrments' revenue -raising authority beyond the
requiriments imposed by Propositions 13 and 4, would
seriously weaken the concept of "Home Rule" by making local
agencies more dependent, upon the State for their financial
stability; and
WHEREAS, Proposition 36 will further reduce the ability of
local government to plan for and finance public services and
capital improvements needed to sustain development and
accommodate economic growth; and
WHEREAS, the passage of Proposi t ion 36 will widen the
disparities between the taxation of propert.es with similar
market values; and
WH>;RFA.S, while the supporters of Proposition 36 claim it will
reduce taxes, it will actually increase property taxes for
nearly all taxpayers who have purchased properties since
1978. including; approximately 50% of the homeowners in
California; and ,
W[1 RFAS, one widely applauded result of Proposition 13 has
been to relieve general taxpayers of the burden of paying for
services which could be charged directly to the service user
through fees, this trend will be reversed, returning part of
the financial burden for fee -supported services to general
taxpayers if Proposition 36 is enacted; and
WHEREAS, the passage of Proposition 36 will cost local school
districts some 5150 million in 1985-86, thereby seriously
jeopardzing the urgently needed improvements in primary and
secondary public education in California; and
WHEREAS, runny of the provisions of Proposition 36 are
confusing and ambiguous and will require further
clarification, either by future ballot measures, state
legislation and/or court interpretation,
NOW, T OMFO 2E, BE IT RESOLVED, by the adoption of this
resolution, the City of Lodi opposes Proposition 36, the
Jarvis IV Initiative Constitutional Amendment.
RFS. NO 84-159 The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
j
I
Cam ric i l Ni mime rs - Hi nchman , Reid, and Sn i der
Counei I Ment>ers - Olson and Pinkerton
Counc i I Nle{mbe rs - None
i
League of California Cities
• SPECIAL BULLEn4 03 •
ifnia C.'flhp5
Wnrti iorynfhef
October 3, 1984
PROPOSMON 36 QARVIS IV)
Contents
4
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Page
I. Non -Prof it Organization Involvement in Ballot Measure Campaigns . . . . . I
2. Fundraising Suggestions for City Off icia)s Acting in their individual Capacity . 1
3. Alternative Funding Ideas Needed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
4. Proposition 36 -- What Can Cities Do? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
5. Sample Resolution in Opposition to Proposition 36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
6. Californians Against Proposition 36 -- County Coalition Contacts . . . . . . 4
7. Californians Against Proposition 36 --
-- List of Organizations Which Oppose the Initiative . . . . . . . . . . . . S
S. "Educational Workshop Focuses on Latest Jarvis Tax Initiative" . . . . . Attachment
9. "Prop. 36 Is Not Faring As Weil as Prop. 13" . . . . . . . . . . . . . Attachment
10. "County Rejects Jarvis' Tax -Cutting Prop. 36" . . . . . . . . . . . . Attachment
11. "NO on Proposition 36" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Attachment
12. "Prop. 363 A Rescue Net for Prop. 13 or Complex Law?" . . . . . . . . Attachment
13. A survival guide for local government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Attachment
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION OFFICE HEADQUARTERS EOUTMERN CALIFORNIA OFFICE
BOX MS. LAFAYETTE. CA 94549 1400 K STREET, SACRAMENTO, CA 95814 10'52 WEST BTI) STREET, SUITE 410
1413) 202113 LOS ANGELES, CA 90017
(916) 444.5790 (213) 4824M
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION INVOLVEMENT
IN BALLOT MEASURE CAMPAIGNS
There have been questions raised whether certain non-profit organizations may get
involved or contribute to Californians Against Proposition 36. Californians Against
Proposition 36 Is a non-profit corporation which has applied for and will receive to -x
exempt status as a 501(cX4) organization. According to the lawyers for Californians
Against Propositior 36, non-profit organizations which have a tax exempt status under
either 501(cX3), 501(cX4) or 501(c)(6) may endorse a ballot measure, as well as participate
in activities of the ballot measure so long as those activities do not constitute a
substantial portion of the organization's activities. Generally speaking, non -prof it
organizations may spend up to S to 10 percent of their annual budget on activities such as
ballot measures without jeopardizing either the tax exempt status of the organization or
the tax deductibility of the member's contributions, where applicable.
If an organization still has questions regarding permissible activities, they should contact
their own tax adviser or Ms. Hamilton at Californians .hgainst Proposition 36.
FUNDRAISING SUGGESTIONS
FOR CITY OFFICIALS ACTING
IN THEIR INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY
You can successfully raise money to support some of your County Coalition efforts against
Proposition 36. Fresno County used a dual strategy in the "No on 9" campaign against
Jarvis' proposed income tax cut. For those who could afford it, there was an afternoon
reception for $25.00 per person. Expenses were minimized by having volunteers donate
hors d'oeuvres and a talented bluegrass band provide free music.
Many people in the anti -Jarvis effort, however, cannot afford that approach. For them,
Fresno County held a simple raffle ($1.00 tickets; $99.00 cash prizo). if you print
"donation not required" on the ticket, you will probably not violate the law (you should
consult your attorney). In Frenno County, the raffle raised several thousand dollars.
Donated prizes make raffles cheaper. If drawings aren't to your taste, consider selling
some inexpensive item. Whatever you do, you should fino a way for people with little
money to contribute affordably.
Why should you bother to raise money? First, you can purchase local media coverage
(state -campaign produced copy; local endorsements and talent) that the state campaign
will not purchase because their priorities are, out of necessity, in the larger markets. You
can also over any expenses you have for mailing, copying, etc. You may even raise
enough money to make a contribution to the state campaign.
Prepared by Karen Humphrey, Council Member, City of Fresno and member, League of
California Cities Proposition 36 Public Education Task Force.
ALTERNATIVE FUNDING IDEAS NEEDED
The Jarvis "What If" Committee is formulating suggestions for alleviating some of the
devastating provisions of Proposition 36. The League will issue guidelines to cities in
early November if the Initiative passes.
Committee members are especially interested in cost-cutting strategies and alternative
funding Ideas. Please send your suggestions to the Sacramento office of the League.
1
PROPOSMON 36
WHAT CAN CITIES DO?
I
It is recommended that each city consider the following actions. It implemented
effectively in Pvery city throughout the state, a large number of citizens will have a
clearer understanding of the provisions and implications of Proposition 36.
1. Encourage Local Civic, and Business Leaders to Take a Public ftsi.t_ion. Conduct a
deliberate and systematic effort to meet individually with the leaders of a variety
of local civic and business groups. This effort could be performed by the mayor and
city manager or by another team of city officials including a member of the city
council and a top level staff member. In these meetings, city representatives could
discuss the public policy implications of Proposition 36, explain some of the 1 1cely
effects on public services in your community and urge these local leaders and. the
organizations they represent to adopt public positions in opposition to Pro-
position 36. Many statewide associations oppose Proposition 36; their local
counterparts would provide a possible starting place for this local effort. Some of
these organizations are:
American Association of Retired Persons
Associatian of Retarded Citizens
Califoniia Building Industry Association
California Chamber of Commerce
California PTA
California Taxpayers Association
League of Women Voters
Service Employees International Union
The California Roundtahle
California Farm Bureau Federation
2. Focus on Policy Issues. Emphasize the public policy implications of Proposition 36
rather than the size of dollar losses to your city. Proposition 36 will:
-- Increase the inequity of the property *oma.
-- Increase the veto power of only one-third of the voters.
-- Perpetuate the underfunding of vital government services.
-- Continue the shift of power to the state wid federal governments.
-- Make local government less responsive.
-- Impede economic growth by eliminating the ability of local government to
finance capital improvements.
3. Do Not Publicize Dire Local Government Service Reductions. As far as the general
public and the media are concerned, adopt a "we'll have to wait and see" approach
concerning specific impacts on city services. Do not make specific monetary or
statistical predictions. After the Proposition 13 "bail out" delayed or eliminated
promised service reductions, public officials have little credibility with this
approach.
-2-
4; 0
SAMPLE RESOLUTION IN OPPOSITION TO PROPOSITION 36
WHEREAS, the Jarvis IV Initiative Constitutional Amendment which will appear on
the November ballot as Proposition 36 would lead to de facto minority rule by
requiring a two-thirds vote for many important local govenment decisions; and
W4EREAS, Proposition 36, by further restricting local governments' revenue -raising
authority beyond the requirements imposed by Propositions 13 and 4, would seriously
weak,:n the concept of "Home Rule" by making local agencies more dependent upon the
Stafe for their financial stability; and
WHEREAS, proposition 36 will further reduce the ability of local government to plan
for and finance oublic services and capital imprivements needeu to sustain develop-
ment and accommodate economic growth; and
WHEREAS, the passage of Proposition 36 will widen the disparities between the
taxation of properties with similar market valaes; and
'WHEREAS, while the supporters of Proposition 36 claim it will reduce taxes. it
will actually increase property taxes for nearly all taxpayers who have purchased
properties since 1978, including approximately 50" of the homeowners ii Cal;foreia;
and
WHEREAS, one widely applauded result of Proposition 13 has been to relieve general
taxpayers of the burden of paying for services which could be charged directly to
the service user through fees, this trend will be reversed, returning Dart of the
financial burden for fee -supported services to general taxpayers if Proposition 36
is enacted; and
WHEREAS, the passage of Proposition 36 will cost local school districts some $75,0
million in 1985-86, thereby seriously jeopardizing the urgently needed improvements
in primary and secondary public education in California; and
WHEREAS, many of the Drovisions of Proposition 36 are confusing and ambiguous and will
require further clarification, either by future ballot measures, state legislation
and/o- court interpretation,
NOW, THERFORE, BE T RESOLVED b the adoption this resolution, the Cit of
Y p o Y
opposes Proposition 36, the Jarvis IV Initiative Constitutional
Wndment.
ba ire
Submitted
by Joy Picus, Council Member,
City of los Ar3eles, and
Vice Chair,
League of
California Cities Proposition
36 Public Education Task
Force.
- 3 -
- 4 -
CALIFORNIANS AGARW PROPOSITION 36
County Coalitian Contacts
ALAMEDA:
SACRAMENTO:
Bill Berck 415/887-0152
Jim Donnelly 916/444-3216
Coletfp Johnson-Schulle 916/444-6010
BUTTE:
Robert Rankin 916/343-7629
SAN BFNiiu:
flick .owry 408/637-5393
CALAVERAS:
Mari Geizler b: 209/736-4662
SAN BERNARDIYO.
h: 209/754-3256
Bill Imada 213;275-6388
COLUSA:
SAN DIEGO:
Jim Marks 916/458-7791
Ed Van Ginkel b: 619/265-3020
h: 619/286-9131
CONTRA COSTA:
Ron Stewart 415/944-1388
SAN FRAYCISCO:
Paul Katz .115/778-1655
Steve Neuberger 415/931-6491
IL DORADO:
SALT LUIS OBISPO
Vrcki Barber 916/985-41.71
Betty Nielsen 805/544-0695
Norm Woods 916/544-2281
SAN MATEO:
FRESNO:
Edie Mendez 415/697-7682
Karen Humphrey 2n9/224-8929
John Ward 415/363-4568
IMPERIAL:
SANTA BARBARA:
Ed Van Ginkel b: 619/265-3020
Don Gotz 213/275-6388
h: 619/286-9131
SANTA CL ARA:
KERN:
Teresa Johnson 408/998-7900
Ward Woileson 805/325-7487
Steve Preminger 408/998-7150
LOS ANGELES:
SANTA CRUZ:
Peter Coye 213/275-6388
Jack Raper 408/688-6P22
Roxanna Lightfoot 213/275-6388
Javier Rodriguez 213/275-6388
SOLARO:
Phillip Bowman 707/644-8921
MAR IN :
Re9gie Winner 415/897-7"18
SONOMA:
Beth Hinters 415/472-2044
Reggie Dinner 415/397-1218
MARIPOSA:
STANISLAUS:
Eris Bruun 209/966-3691
John Allard 209/571-6575
Mike Brannan 209/576-4075
MERGED:
Peggy Dressler 209/523-1305
Larry Duquette 209/384-3333
TRINITY:
MONO:
Robert Gravette X16/623-2861
Arlene Reveal 714/932-7031
TULARE:
MONTEREY:
Thelma Gomez 109/686-3335
Troy PraRilette 408/313-295'
408/424-0654
TUOLUMNE:
Tom Kendall ?09/536-3451
NAPA:
VENTURA:
Robert- Hansen 707/252-5511
Don Gotz 2:3/275-6388
ORANGE:
YOLO:
Ann Vogel 213.275-6388
Sue Boyd 916/756.4492
ielen Thomson 916/753-7223
PLACER:
Linda Lehner 916/791-7061
RIVERSIDE:
Bill Imbda 213/275-6388
- 4 -
CALIFORNIANS AGAINST PROPOSITION 36
Organizations Which Oppose the Initiative
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF RETIRED PERSONS
- - AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN
AMERICAN FEDERATION OF STATE, COUNTY AND MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES (AFSCME)
AMERICAN RIVER FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT
* ANTELOPE VALLEY HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER
* ARCADE WATFR DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ASSOCIATION FOR RETARDED CITIZENS
----* ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS OF CALIFORNIA, INC.
ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA HOSPITAL DISTRICTS
* ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS
* ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA WATLR AGENCIES
* BEACH CITIES COUNCIL ON AGiNG
BEAR VALLEY COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
* BERKELEY FEDERATION OF TEACHERS. L-1078
* BLACK AMERICAN POLITICAL. ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA
* BLACK 'JOMEN'S ORGANIZATION FOR POLITICAL ACTION
* BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY COLLEGES
BOARD OF REGENTS OF TINE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF CATHOLIC HOSPITALS
CALIFORNIA BUILDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION
—CALIFORNIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
--CALIFORNIA COMMON CAUSE
* CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE TRUSTEES ASSOCIATION
*.CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC CHARITIES
-----CALIFORNIA COUNCIL FOR ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC BALANCE
--!-CALIFORNIANS FOR EFFTCIE14T LOCAL GOVERNMENT
CALIFORNIA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION
CALJFORNIA FEDERATION OF TEACHERS
CALIFORNIA HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION
—A -CALIFORNIA HOUSING COUNCIL, INC.
CALIFORNIA INDEPENDENT PUBLIC EMPLOYEES COUNCIL, INC.
* CALIFORNIA LABOR FEDERATION, AFL -CIC
* CALIFORNIA MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION
CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL UTILITIES ASSOCIATION
CALIFORNIA ORGANIZATION OF POLICE AND SHERIFFS
* CALTFORNIA PARK AND RECREATION SOCIETY
CALIFORNIA PROBATION, PAROLE AND CORRECTIONAL ASSOCIATION
—CALIFORNIA ROUNDTA�LE
CALIFORNIA SCHOOL BIARDS ASSOCIATION
CALIFORNIA SCHOOL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
CALIFORNIA STATE E'1PLOYEES ASSOCIATION
CALIFORNIA STATE PARENT TEACHERS ASSOCIATION
—CALIFORNIA TAX RE f ORM ASSOCIATION
--,CALIFORNIA TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION
CALIFORNIA TEACHERS ASSOCIATION
* CALIFORNIA NATER RESOURCES ASSOCIATION
* CAPISTRANO VALLEY NATER DISTRICT, BOARD OF DIRECTORS
* CATHOLIC COMMITTEE FOR AGING
* CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
* COALITION FOR ECONOMIC SURVIVAL
* CONCORD CHAMBER OF COK4ERCE
* CONGRESS OF CALIFORNIA SENIORS
CONSTRUCTION AWARENESS PROGRAM
_ S _
• CONTRA COSTA CO►-' BOARD OF EDUCATION
• CONTRA COSTA BOAk. 'OF SUPERVISORS
COUNTY SUPERVIS;5RS ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA
* DAVIS AREA CHAMBER OF COWiERCE
* DEMOCRATIC WOMEN'S FORUM OF SAN FRANCISCO
DESERT VIEW ;DATER DISTRICT
• DISTRICT EIGHT DEMOCRATIC CLUB
FEDERATED FIRE FIGHTERS OF CALIFORNIA
• FRIENDS COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION
:REY PANTHERS
• 1.ITERNATIONAL LONGSHOREMAN'S AND WAREHOUSEMEN'S UNION
• KEEP LIBRARIES ALIVE
LA MESA.. CHAMBER OF CO`1MERCE
• LATINO DEMOCRATIC CLUB OF SAN FRANCISCO
LEAc;UE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES
* LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES, ORANGE COUNTY DIVISION
LEAGUE OF ''WOMEN VOTE -4S OF CALIFORNIA
• LEAGUE OF WOMEri VOTERS, LONG BEACH
• LONG BFACH AREA '1 T IZENS INVOLVED
• LOS ANGELES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
• LOS ANGELES COLLEGIATE COUNCIL/CALOBBY, CALIFORNIA STATE, LOS ANGELES
LOS ANGELES COUNTY TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION
METROPOLITAN WATER DISTRICT OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
* MEXICA,I AMERICAN POLITICAL ASSOCIATION
• MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT OF ORANGE COUNTY, BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OAKLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
ORANGE COU14TY EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
OTAY WATER DISTRICT
• PEACE OFFICERS RESERACH ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA
* PEOPLE FOR A GOLDEN GATE RATIONAL RECREATION AREA
* PUBLIC EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION OF RIVERSIDE COUNTY, INC. (PERC)
PUBLIC EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION OF VENTURA COUNTY
* PUBLIC EMPLOYEES UNION, LOCAL 1
* PUBLIC SECURITIES ASSOCIATION. DISTRICT VI
RI'ICON DEL DIABLO MUNICIPAL 'MATER DISTRICT
* SAN BERNARD!NO PUBLIC EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
* SAN FRANCISCO CLASSROOM TEACHERS ASSOCIATION
* SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
* SAN FRANCISCO SECOND DISTRICT PTA
SAN GABRIEL VALLEY MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT
SRM JOAQUIN COUNTY EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION, INC.
SAN JOSE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
• SAN MATEO COUNTY CHAMBER OF COf1iERCE
* SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB OF LOCAL -1304, USWA
SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION
* SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION, L-250
* SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION, L-390/400
* SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION, L-535
* SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION, 660
SHASTA COUNTY EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
SOLANO ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES
* STANISLAUS COUNTY [BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
* STANISLAUS COUNTY EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
* STATE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION TRADES COUNCIL OF CALIFORNIA
* TEAMSTERS LOCAL 356
• TEHAMA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
TULARE LAKE BASIN WATER STORAGE DISTRICT
* WESTERN MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT
* Additions to the "No on 36" coalition
Jarvis Update 4
Educational Workshop Focuses
On Latest Jarvis Tax Initiative
The '-No on Prop 36" campaign com-
mrtFee p►esenteC a strong messaoe to
public o!fictios attending an educationa.
workshop on Proposition 36 Ithe latest
Howard Jarvis Inihar-vel "Do not be
complacent about the Initiative—
Become involved—Take the Campaign
seriously "
The '-No on Prop 36" committee also
cautionkd public officials against pre-
senting a "the house will fail down.. kind
of campaign as in Proposition 13
Public Officials (several snembers of
ACWA were present for the Aug 30
briefing on the Jarvis Initiative) were
asked 110 panicipale in creating county
coaittions to establish a bipartisan
atmosphere and to communicate the
generr.! message of. "I was yes on
Propos+tidn 13—trial was needed. but
I'm no on 36. as it goes too far "
In talking about the impacts on reve-
nue sources for local government. Dick
Simpson. executive vice president of
(gal -Tax Ftesearcr,, said. "Local govern-
ment revenues are recovering from the
recent recession, but continued .re-
covery depends, among otner things. on
there bung no new redurtions in re-
maining revenues However. Proposition
36 would have the effect of reducing
those remaining revenues "
Simpson presented the following
analysis which looked at portions of
Proposition 13 and some of its amending
changes made oy the courts and legis-
lature. as well as examined and evalu-
ated the possible impact of the major
provisions of Proposition 36
Proposition 13
Proposition 13 of 1978
• Limned ad valorem tax to 1 percent
of market value
• Prrrmitted override of limit for pre -
1978 debt
• Limited assessed value increases to
2 percent per year (Base year un-
specified)
• PtOperty reappraised on change of
ownership or new construction
• Required 2/3 vote to increase spe•
cial laxes ,
Non Ad Valorem Property
Taxes
• 1979 legislation
• Per parcel assessments
• Examples (1982-83,
Flood control and water conserva-
Lon $42.6 million
County sanitation d►s-
fricis .. .. ........ S23.2 million
California water dis
treats .... .............. S19 3 trillion
• Estimated current levy $300 mil-
lion
San Francisco vs. Farrell
• Modified 213 vote requirement for
special taxes
• Allows non -property tax increases
by simple majority vote of local gov-
erntng body
• Aids cities more than counties used
frequently in 1983
• Primarily affects business license
and utility user taxes
• Over $300 million has been raised
Carman vs. Alvord
• Allows property tax increases to
pay voter -approved pens -ion system
costs
• Both cities and counties may use it
• Current levy. SSS million.
• Legislature suspended further use
until 1965.86
• $850 million in potential properly
tax increases
Proposition 36
Jarvis IV Would "Save 13" Dr.
Overturning Farrel and Carman By
eltininalinq most parcel taxes and by
strengthening legislative 2/3 vote re-
quirement
Jarvis IV Would Also:
• Sit now limits on fees
• Prohibit use of fee revenues for
pensions
• May invalidate $4 S billion in voter -
approved GO bonds
• Eliminate some financial support
for state water plan
• Refund S1 ' billion If, properties
with a pre -3 1,77 lien date
• Reduce assessments on above
propeftrrs
• Increase taxes for most properties
4
with a post -3/11/77 lien date.
• Increase limits on change of owner -
Ship reappraisals.
Pro and Con
1. New 1 Percent Limit
Limits ad valorem and any other
property tax 110 1 portent M.V.
Pro:
• Eliminates c urrent and future parcel
taxes
Con:
• Invalidates some local voter•
approved taxes
• Removes leasrble rsrenue source
for some functions
Fiscal Impact
• Possible $300 million tax reduction.
• Flood control, sitnrtation, water,
irnyahon, highway lijhting districts it
113 of total reduction.
2. New Bonded Debt Limit
Allows over of i percent limit for
bonded debt it.
• Approved by voters before 7/1/78
• Evidenced by issuance of bonds
Pro:
• Reverses Carnvn decision.
Con:
• Invalidates unissued G.O. bonds
• Invalidates some or all -water district
overrides for state water plan.
Fiscal Intpac t
• Eliminates S56 minion in current
and $830 million in future Carman taxes
• May Invalidate $4.5 billion M un-
Issued local G.O. bonds.
3. New Limit On Fees And Fee
Increases
Requires any new fee or tee increase.
state or local, above CPI growth, to have
2/3 vote of Legislature or voters.
Pro.
• Stops oxcessevi fees
Con:
• Could destabilize vEtaf local ser
vices
• CPI not a valid measure, of tee
growth
• Most voters nut directly affected by
some tees
• Inhibits growth
Fiscal Imprlct
• Adverse capital funding effects
• Primary impacts water, sewers.
power, landfills. "rts, airports. transit
4. A. Prohibition o/ Fees For
Pension Costs
B. Limitation of Fees To
"Direct hosts"
Prohibits fees for pensions, deftt %
fee as any state or local charge for drte. s
costs of service
Pro:
• Nano
Con:
• Pension cost exclusion would bring
contract impairment suits
• Pension costs equal 15.20 percent
of payrolls
• Do "direct costs" exclude deprecia-
tion and capital outlay reserves. both
needed for infrastructure maintenance
and gfowth7
Fiscal Impact
• Unknown, pending litigation of
pension and -direct cost" questions
5. Stronger 2/3 Legislative Vote
Strengthens requirement that new or
increased taxes must have 2/3 legssla-
live vote.
Pro:
• After 8/15/63, would elimrna'e any
tax increase on simple majority vote
(e.g . AB 3. Ort Severance).
Con:
• !,00phole Legislature may autho-
rize Total tax which will not need tater
local vote
• loophole would transfer more local
decisions to legislature
e Would also require 2/3 vote for tax
reductions
Fiscal impact
• Unknown
6. Restores 2/3 Local Vote
Requires approval by 2/3 of qualified
voters lot any new or increased local tax
Pro:
• Overturns Farrell. used by, cities to
raise business and utility user, taxes by
council majority
Con:
• Farrell -type taxes, as needed, have
reduced pressures for stale income and
sales tax increases
Fiscal Impact
• Any Farrell -type tax enacted after
8/15/83 would be eliminates unless
enacted by 2/3 local vote.
7. Assessment Rollback + Prop-
erty Tax Refunds
Rolls back 2 percent inflation in-
creases for properties with pr -March
19-77 lien dales requires refunds and
reappraisals
Pro:
• For recipients of refunds, effect is
positive
Con:
• Refunds and reappraisals go to
r.
properties with oldest values
• Properties with higher. post 1977,
appraisals get no refunds. no reduced
assessment. but do get a tax increase to
most cases
Fiscal tmpuct
• Taxpayer refunds or credits 41.29
billion
• Ongoing property tax reduction -
S" million
• Property tax increases - S158 million
8. New Change In Ownership
Provisions
Reappraisal would not occur on
change in ownership involving intra -
family transfers to -immediate family
Pro:
• Property to an intra -family transfer
of a home. rental, or business would not
be reappraised
Con:
• A further departure from market
value standards could increase inci-
dence of unequal property taxes
Fiscal Impact
• Unpredictable
•Memberi of immediate family: "Parents.
grandpr.rents. stepparents. uncles.
aunts. t.pouse. stepchildren, siblings.
and lineal descendents of the owner, or
the guardian or trustee for any of the
forep:»ng persons -
A Jarvis IV Re -Cap
t. Eliminates Carman Taxes
But Also invalidates unissued G O
bonds and some or all S W.P overrides.
2. Restores 2/3 vole for local Farrell -
type taxes
But legislature could authorize new
taxes for local government without local
vote.
3. Strengthens legislative 2/3 vote for
tax increases.
But: Would also require 2/3 vote for tax
decreases
4. Rolls back 2 percent inflation
assessments. requires refund of $1 7
billion
But Favors properties with older,
lower, base -year values. Causes higher
taxes for most properties with post -
3/1/77 Len dates. increases inequities
5 Property in an intra -family transfer
would not be reappraised
But moves property taxation farther
away troy» equal treatment
G Fees could no longer meet full
service Coll%
7 Fre-supported enterprises could
encounter problems in maintaining
plant and accommodating economic
growth
5
S. Prohibttton of fee support for
employee pennons shifts cost to general
funds and raises contract impairment
questions for independent special drs-
trrcis
9. impact on infrastructure financing
e Retains prohrbd4on against prop-
erty taxes for G O bonds
• May invalidate trnirssued G.O
bonds
• limits fees to "direct cost" of
service. possibly excluding costs for
depreciation and capital reserves
• Puts greater pressure on fees to
mea -t opera anal costs
'That the new Jarvis initiative goes
beyond amending changes in Proposi-
tion 13 made by the coups and legisla-
ture." Simpson said "is an important
point only in understanding the fall
scope of the proposal. In terms of public
fiscal policy. it is more tmpeirtsnl to
consider tree measure's tmpacton souse
basic issues -
Simpson listed the following as #x -
am, pies
x-ampies of those rzsues
1. Would Jarvis IV improve property
tax equity Or would it widen the tax
disparities between properties with
similar market values?
2. Would Jarvis IV strengthen local
government. or make it more dep?ndent
on the statelO
3 Would simple majority popular vote
assure adequate consultation of voters?
4. Would Jarvis IV improve the ability
of local governments to finance tate
public services and capital improve-
ments needed to accommodate *co-
mmie growth,
5. Could S1.3 billion in added tax
relief be taken without adverse irnpa!:t
on functions?
6. It a later recession generates needs
for new local revenues, which of these
potenLal sources would likely be tar-
geted Sales tax? Split rout? Per-
sonal income lax? Oil severance tax?
Bank and corporation tax -1
ACWA has announced its opposition
to the proposition and has urged its
members and other affected organiza-
tions to take positions on Proposition 36
and to send to the ACWA office copies of
the actions taken by their boards of
directors
A
C
Prod. 36 Is Not Faring
As Well as Prop. 13
1t. Mr* till Eirld
Proposition ate. Now and
Jan t.' fte%,* initiatitr to Until
and rclund properh tazies, I%
aot generating the level of in
terest or toter %upport
achieved by his 1978 tai limita-
tion nruasure. Proposition 13.
which um. strung!) endorsed
wv %oter•
A statewide sur%r) completed
the flirt Uer1 of IS-eptemiter at►►ong
a santpit of 1021 tegi.teted votrrr
found li ipt l+:tir morn thatt hair of
the pubs-, 53 pert rut. have heard
abt•ut Prultusittou 36
Al►aottC thCKe &uare of the ttlea
torr srimmetit n evrul% divided -
111 pritrilt ill favor. 19 percent
agatrst avid 17 Itercent undecided
Ali rrRiattred v oter► in the• sam
ttir. w iirther or, not they alread
1llta yta(+ut the nilliali%e. were
read a sutntnat% of Proliosillon Wo s
kt-% eien►rn1% and asked how they
w ould t otr it the election w ere held
ICKtir�
111t. l"Uh Show about Ilse
%jilt vitt, sl,ln 43Itercei,i sa)mg
the% -Avid, ♦tete %r%. 41 lirrcent sad
mi: lite% v uuld volt iso and ld per.
trrt undwcided The two lit•r-
c tiltact• I•vtitt diftrrtm a brtwern
thug eutltlg Yr and no 1% Ittalml-
t;olh in%igiiificam
Thr questtot, A a% posrd a• tui
loM "Proposition 36 amends and
add% to Propoiition 13 h% prohibit -
hit fifty new tatter on real estate
propert% and requiring a two.
thirds. note for toot ting ani new
local taxes. fees and aeset imeiativ
It would also make rtfunds total.
Ing more than $1 billion to Most
who owned property In California
bel%-een 1076 and 1979. if volt were
toting today on Proposition 36.
would you note Yet or No?'
M periodic surveys after thr
Wgtrrcenl-to 33perceni passage of
i•roikPwictn 13 fit 1978. the Califur
ria Poll obsrr%ed a gradual soften
utg of the publ►t 4 c tewpoint that
are too high slid as; increawd
iwarene%% that sonic goverittatut
f -t -r% t( -t% have detertoi atee
Fut exanipir. Sit a Field lttsti
tate• stud, doiie last ►eat, five dears
attar the passage of Prolwsition 13.
43 rcrrent of the pui►lic said that.
otrrali. the n►ta�ure had left them
nt•ttile-1 hM:rr nor wonse off. An
additional 29 percent said they were
lict-tvi off. and 23 percent fell they
well' ►!t:r:t. off
In the current survey, a ques
tleft was posed to measure the pub
tic's overall feelings about the tax
and government spending changes
that have occurred in California
shier the passage of Proltotition 13 -
Slightly more than one-half. 53
Ik re ent, sad the) are satisfied, and
45 prr(vio sa% they% ori• discatisfwd
with these chatlgc•
i..p..tFA+ ivVi, 1A. lair/ituhit.b
p
+I
i
Cn Angew gait. Wvdnrday. St wmbrr S. IVPs:
County Rejects Jarvis' fProp. 36
By TED vOt1.MER
r.wft .iWf Wrttrr,
j The As Angeles County tiwrl
Of Suprrvtsora dominated by t -m
.ervatives voted S to 0 Tuesday to
ot+tuw the Isteel •reatpor. m He -
and Jar,J' tat -sl Shing arae -4:
Fr,v Ashton 36
The vote against the November
ballot mraaure. barked by :ft.
noted conservative tots rut:r•
came &her I,oa Angeles Cuu•':,
Turf Admint'trot Ive Officer Here,
L Muerord warned d a r"Llcuor. ;r
a W16e range .,I cou-Ity wrvtcos
from ph4wri. tat refunds ar.1
permanent re'SUCtton M tura man
dated by the measu" Jarvis has
marrtainrd that the Initiative is
designed w strengthen the 1996
tit -cutting Pray tion 13. tahich
he rya has been weakened by
court decttwru
hoard Chairman Deane Dana a
coffaervai.vesaid the messure
w,y4d weaker. local goverrirni ni
Conaer,at,.e Pric..(habarurr %a,,:the meAsure "wenI dyertraMrd
and M,ae Anto.rutvlttt the Ir •!
cortse•c,au.c agreed wen L. .
that the mrrs .re mould hum qA A
control
U FAleiman and Kennett. Hann:
the Iwo more liberal board men
!ars Posned to the vote
HufMrd isho had rtcornmet.de,:
the board thtton• sot.-, the Jana
measure would mean $:'467 !n:•
Ilion In tat refunds to about ♦ thou
of the rountv't fesdents The rr
Inam:rfg Ns ufdrnts would revel. r rt.
ditivct benefi. from the deaf rr
How Prop. 36 Would Affect Taxes I
floor. tarocxlsrtr(w• 13 s .sus•^,esti Prnv.a.n• .rent.*' wot,e•t,es
that are tads by a•oe ca" va•. t,Mae•IJr.vVr - w\.ne••. L.
es► -..,•roti o.",r,.I,,.p'4.✓ -he"06:1, o,_ Oft "o
36 or• !'pa N�wmtr• be'+c• w<v�d msy,v,, rrw d•ne.en<.e, b. a rr+p
•aeurads It, sOn.e Owr+e's lhts Cha'! ahvvv. h0^ the LW Arto-los
Gw^r. M•er step—n,strat.vr oe•. , «cn,-d Cows is. 0..4 r. two
Negev\ ye•.,rrr at 51..'5,00 •nr 1984 a.a-ape valve :,t • fns
ArQ.uat [vent, r.pnl. u, Kir• -he r+e« m,tre,N
1984 Ms,. I
1464 Attets, 0'. value
A vet aye Ta. Rate'! 12 Is
Rr!,ntd ,d,do, Prue 36
-0—sowne, t E ae•+rpt.Pea
Net P,,44,rt r Is.
}l;`fu^. .a a,!• •.R thy' r, r
lltwr r , ..ire► :ft,r tet r..u:� .,
o_. m .•,. ^e rum '. hv,.uirt r,ghr
frf A—,*.. •A're'a!,
11 u,}'..: ., JAA •fl.,'11•t•;
or!)\ !, ♦ Jit tr.'t t,utt nM •1 •t lr '.,f!
MArtt 1 ;Y"- cot,: Ih.
lr"11%;' r - t f "U must: I li;:r t o-,!
ir:1 P`\r^.r .. n„qr that 'nr
8W. , rrturu
pertra•:ert cn,r.Il". if, the tot.
atfu(t;:rt -ould take a^., t•.fr
12W, '.:,..,..• from aC thusr Ie, ro
Up lr!r T,f' car,. ,rat
Huff, • . $...i !fir redu(t cl-r
Ise M'a.►t..a.'wr I&"'.%a.ar. sr
6-0-0.110► I tots s.gs..w. "a 1 !wt
V ;Oil
11 4(io t 2 . ,0'`
467 372
(.252' No Return
76 .?lf.
S 13? S 1 294
M, 41-- I. t• ,rf for ter roJ^t,'
r IUr! ;.r. sot...! h(V.th
scr, feet I—!
1„r . y.e•
IAN rr:4ttrrr..'�. tnf <r+ter;• 1.
1hr n•1..0 r..uiC � r , c',ur.
. + .!. A.:,, 171:: nil , v, , I`erma
twill rha,•.git tr.e p• .sxr. , tas
ItrJrl✓e - t use arn•tM' 1's
mtll!•It, a ro„•".+ r,.rr;. ea,h
vta,
In AIl,iflo, : ..rltrd. the
(-M!, u. ter+: %.%, ai.,u' 1102 est;:.
,for, to f(drr. tial yu', rr,enur.
nor CII,:A ” into ,sir (t.JW'
mat, e.ftl; lis As tM: preiurnet.i:
. oud tit kiet
11, IM first year the los: tat"
r,rv:q mean the ehmms!Ior a.
.,Out 3.ARa Sib•. from the county's
work force of %.”. Hufford said
The county's 93 incorporated clurt
would lose about 1%9 million With
fix largest city 1r!. Angelfs.losing
about two-thirds of that total
Hufford said t,06 Angelet niftrtals
wId Mortdal the• have not: nude
any specific forecast of the effect of
the Jarvis Intuallve
Losses totaling about 1171 mil
ion alt would be telt by local
pubis( schools. redevelopment
.geneses an, tt\dtger.Arn• service
dtnncu. lluff„r � ltd
Propotation 36 to aimed at what
Jarvis charges has been a stead,
erbcton of the ortgtnsi intent of hu
f,rr. ttaast:ae. 'Propoaitxim 11. by
the Lrvelature and the courts
since Its passage it, 19,6 Proper'
vor X would redtxe LSr Use-; a .:
Properties purchased before hatch
1 IV—,. and resin' to a refund of
about it 7Dillion to pt•\q.rtt own.
ere iistrl, df-
Rtr^lrrf and homeowners who
taught their properties sfte, March
1 1597. would nW Fere,,t retrays
The meas,,rr also r ould brrtt the
ability of local governments to levy
apec,s: Lure for taw enforcement.
fin prArellon, education or other
p+trposes by M'luintig a two thirds
approvs! by affected voters
'•The Islis-e6 trrwI of Propnsl
ter, 36 an the co inty genets: fund
eQuates to an approirmate
21 54e ,:tel in the net county test of
most de"stroma_- tldfforI sa.d it.
ntammtr- ::-e board Obp,.s.t'or -C
tow tnea.ar, In lutun vean
however the Itnp.ct vel,. dienirual:
because the orasw-rty Ivo refunds
A" a one t;mr loss
Hufford ta•d the event, s reve-
nue Ma• eft ^ a!r! -err ba -ed on
Me assumptrrn that the state
would nuc not- out lora' ;overs.
fount and :,%a• rim mea.un dont not
oke effer• unto' uhf :9S.; 46 fnsral
vest
Hardest hes by the measure
would he :ave rnfn"Pir-m. fire an:
PUNIC healer. eervV" nor^.all•
landed by pr Ataert. taxes Huffortt
said State mandated seifart and
htatlh liv grame would be hurt
only sholil) M coneluded t.00ai
SCvernment also would cartlnue to
lost even more power to Sacra
eeente than it has Since 11epa&mon
1 J. Hufford w armed
Pleat cesteaol, t.larortes
Sus arils ally Hufford peMicted if
Prt;■utu.at 36 passes. neat )rar the
Sheriffs Dr a irtmrnt woad just
about I.6ZS P—mors. tfea;th Ser.
vices atm, a' 1.247 P Abttt srxta.
Strvtres r a r ;fart I atout 1 7Oft and
the Probation Department abau•
641 In all R= yobs III be lost
during the first vest w l.t!e anotet•
1.951) fewer Count, la- would ber
fund" the rut a! year
Other prolectrd effects of the
tis-euttine measure came from
varw'tus special tistricts and key
Please we PROP. >k Page 1
Cwselssd from ty.1
M•Prr..-e-kta r•goted M be tot
hardrs. by the me sNh
*FI -4 Cetmsi James Easton.
acting Chart TV.twvr of the tAr
Angeles County Fto--A Cotnrol D-
ar ct ta.d the nrasure would result
M a 604 btrdtet eF"fa"
I sort
hurt rood mirul. ttoc and eFles Proaaell" Comt+
Fire Cr.•ef Jolles N_ Englund wd _
the ca Plot flltaaue would result M a t
'•drar.1c" 16% funding r'et actson M 11
the first vest 1,he crosaty provides
Etre and panmrdic aerv'sow to the
unincorpG'ated areas as !tell 0 to
43 cites
Englund predicted that XC)Oa. ;
at ieast 7D engine ampoisxs and ,
lits paramedic rescue squad! would '
be eturinoted rveral two wtaaru I
-could be closed and that the
pu.•chase of new equipment would
be delayed
OLIbraries County Utfortar.
Undo F Crisrhow estimated that
the Jarvis measure would mesh a
layoff of 23% of the staff to tout 333
11A" and pan tune workenI. the
ciosurt of IS of the totuty's 92
branch libran" looted in 47 sista,
or! un.:rteorporu" arrak rrltac.
tso-
ll!
A r e opera:shg hotpe d tMy—
li'-w.nes tentasrNr>s open irW `
freeze ort fats book purebases !fir'
u least four month.
L
I
I,OS ANGELES TIMES -- SEPTEMBFR 16, 1984
NO on Proposition 36
Howard Jarvis. California's self—appointed tax
cutter, claims that Proposition 36 must be passed
trio fall to "save" Proposition 13.
Don't be fooled.
Proposition 13 does not need saving. Since its
passage in 1978, it has reduced California piny
taxes from among the higheto in the nation to leas
than the average. The base fact of Proposition
13—the I% tate rete—is in the Cahforr- a Constitu-
tion and wW remain then for the foreseeable
future. So is the 2% annual limit on party
assessment increases.
Proposition 36 to a much different creature. It
would c: fipple the ability of every level of
government in California to raise the most basic
sorts of revenue to provide for the most basic
public seWxm from water rupplies to street
lighting.
It has taken California six years and a radical
reordering of state and local financing to adjust to
the arbitrary tax rules of Proposition 13. The
turmoil created by Proposition 13 would hale by
comparison if Jarvis should succeed with Propov-
tion 36.
There are myriad reasons for Californians to
vote no on Proposition 36 this Nov. 6. Just a few:
Inequality -Proposition 13 treated two classes
Of taxpayers in '- lifornia: those who pay some
property tat and those who pay a lot more. A basic
.enet of good taxawn is that it be fair. The latest
Jams pian takes an inequitable situation and
snakes it worse.
Limits Fees --Proposition 36 would limit the use
of fees and assessments to those actions which
directly benefit the land affected or pay for the
current costa of the program involved. For
instance. fire district fees could not Lv used to
finance pensions of the fire fighters and other casts
generaUy considered as overhead even if such fees
were previouWy approved by voters.
Tax Restrictions—The measure requires a
two-thirds vote of the Mate Legialature, or of the
voters in a local government, to impose any new
tax or fee or to raise an; fee at a rate higher than,
the Consumer Price Index. This effectively impos-
es minority rule throughout state and local
government in California.
Local Control—State law would require Sam -
mento to take over even more financing of
California schools because o( the estimated =?-
million loss to local school districts during 1984-86.
The state most likely would be screed to pay for
many local services that otherwis r would have to
be eliminated
Thr*e is an enticement, of course, and It will be a
tempting one for many voters. By reversing the
methoe used to imp.ement Proposition 13 back in
1979. Jarvis promises tar; refunds of nearly 63
billion. plus interest, to property owners. B+it the
refunds would only go to some taxpayers, not all:
In (Act, they would go to those families who
already get the most benefit from Proposition
13—those who have lived in the same homes dnee
1878 or before. Homeowners who bought their
homes since then already pay a higher !ax and
would get no refund at all. In L.os Angeles County,
officials estimate that neatly 860.000 families
would get a refund. Another R,i0.000 would get
gone.
More than half the refunds in the county would
go to budnesses and landlords. Still, most Califor-
:tin business and industry is united in opposition to
Proposition 36. -Ms is going to stop growth and
economic development in Califatmia." said John T.
Hay, president of the state Chamber of Commerce.
Standard A Poor's, the bond -rating nem. already
has put the state on a credit watch.
PnVosition 13, for all its flaws, did put the
brakat on runaway property taxes. And every
homeowner benefitM. Proposition 36 appears to
have no such redeeming feature. it is a legaL fiscal
and bureaucratic mine field riddled with potential
hidden tax increases. Even Jarvis and his backers
are not sure where the urines are planted or when
they might go off.
Jarvis' moat celebrated supporter, economist
Arthur B. I.affer, admits that 7ropositOn 36
contains challengeable economic features and
fuzzy provisions that may have to be (axed by
future ballot meaeure4 and state :egiidatiom It will
be at good test of our public officials. I.affer sam to
see how well they can cope with the ambiguities.
That is not the way to make good law. Or any
law at all.
Ci
11" a &am* Monday . Sep"ber 17, 1994 -Part I
AM$ Seeks to York in'. _x Cw-,
Prop. 36: A Rescue Net for
Prop. 13 or Complex Law?
By RONALD 1, 'iOBLK 71mes Staff wntee
, unservative ecortom,ist Arthur
li IJffer
IM'. r Could Ue state and local
summed It up In a
twrnkhryp
government and the cturta into
legal knots for
eg years while .t-
' All we're asking the prnple is
tempting to sort out what It all
Do you like the chsngca the courts
mea M.
have merle (in 1•ropo%dlon 1,11, if
In his bid to "save 13,'" Jarvis Is
vo„ like the chanipes. Voir agauhst
&*king voters to appez-ve an mitis-
! •np, I.n mat 3fi ' '
t I ve that would
Conversely, the !ormer I !tit' pr,.
a T Bigger big property tax rt
frwor say%, a vote for the Yovem
funds for some while CatOing mod -
,s ballot measure "wd1 i.,rk m
est tax hikes for others,
Propo+,tical 13. the pnpen y ,,,
• Further widen the pp that
my„It hromsuNin that mak II,
Prtspontion 13 helped foaler be.
and Jwrvta a hrAinchold norm, %1%
twren the property taxais paid by
tars AS,,
Mair who have hung ontoprtgvny
Elkleitialir. Proposition 36 is
Ir.r rears anG chore who bought
aurum, at ore• turntng a number til
i rcvnUy.
court deeworo and local mtriprt.
• ercate a !Iota) tangle that
taton* hearing on Prtnpnntlon 13.
upptxrentadthe as•rnuecomplain
which tax -cutter Jarvis believes
could make It mote difficult than
riddled the 1978 measure with a
ever for local government to rot
number of fiscal kAVW a
cash to underwrite vtW services
Sound simple`
An was the east wit:: Proposttlon
In fact. Proposition 3R, a pro
13. rentor would rep no immtds-
Posed ,mhst lutional amendment is
ate tax breaks itom Proposition 311
a cuniphcatrd piece of tax law,
salsas ora JAS<Vpl, rage 8
'note than there times 0 trngth of
F`n poalwon 13, that cpponrnw be
C,
JARVIS:
Newest Tax
Measure Is
Complex
i toitlawd from rw 1
, is, directly contrary to Prop„
W. 13 an far as treating property
taxpayers equltablr.' said John if
Sullivan. vice president and gener-
al counsrl for Sarramento hasrd
('at Tax Research. a nonprofit lob
hying group supported by businre%
'This in 181) degrees olVeate i from
Proposition 1J1
For his part. Jarvis urs this
view is nonsense and that /'ropes
taxi 38 nmply locks in what he
-intended to do all along with
Proposition 13 put & tight lia on
government's ability to tax the
public
"Proposition 13 it in series
trouble." says Jarvis TTir courts.
"politicians and special Interests"'
1 all "have undermiried' the mea.
sure. he c harges
Proposition 311's first onority.
,Mn, is to correct what Jarvis feel*
are bad court decisions on f'ropoo-
lion 13
Orw deramon 'tad to do with the
2% annual cap on increaser In
assessed values allowed under
Proposition 13 The court ruled that
a 2% Increase should be added for
1 every year since 1975. the bur
i year set by Propuaton 13 for
establishing property values
Jarvis claims. icIwever that hr
never meant for the 2% increases
to be triggered for the three tax
asaeSament re&rs before Pripoat .
ton 13 passed in Will Instead. he
$AV$. the 2's, increases should have
Sow into effect after the measure
was approved and not applied ret
rosctivety
Therefore. Proposition N calls
for a 2% refund Land a like reduc- -
ton in as&►xsed values) in each of
the three tax assr+ment rears
before Proposition 13 was op-
proved—amounung tct about 8 i%
icompoundedl. plus 1.3% mtrer•t.
for the three years
Mis.id'Mger Mike
Accord" u Peter Schaafama of
the legislative analyst ■ office, a
little it" than half of all property
„worn. residential and commer
C -Al. would receive rffuflQa The
refunds. oversgerg 11315, would do_
pend ,tri the property's value
Those individuals who put
chaswl their property after !March
1 LM.; .,NilA gen r*ire/vmi
E
_but whereas Propontwn 13 tire
tsiaucdly cut property taxes by $7
billion. this attrartive refund pro
vwaon of Prapontwm 36 would
ironically inner a property tax
take for more than half of the
state's property owner% "Perot
why
Prapowl in 36. like Propcomuim
13 mays that property taxes must
be limited to 1% of assessed value
plus - and this se thr tml v reception
in the new measure- uvea to
Cover any bonded drtK approved
by voters before July 1. 17M
This lid. coupled with redurtio na
in assessed valu" on prrtpr'ri y
bought before Much 1. 1917, would
stn tsar of the tax burden to
those propertin purchased after
that dais.
If the innuauvr passes. it will be
nrrehary to impow a property to
ulcerans an all swlwre ao there will
be stloup morey to pay for previ
oudy approved (iiia tesum TM
massae wll: average 12u to 125 the
first year and smaller inerraara
alter that unul the debt is retired.
accord" to stale lax anal vets
111r las hoses arrn i likely to
matter much to !hoar owners who
bought their property before
Maedi 1. 19Th. because they would
get refunds Their first year hike
would be oiTset several umrs over
by the rebate That wouldn 1 be the
COW for recent purchaar s of prop.
eny who would not rterlve rtfixids
and who would have to shook$"
the tax -nesse, however modrsl,
Wiled w CMMy 1•0064e+las
Not only would recent porch"
V" of homy No contmrrctal prop
rorty be suck with a w mcrew
but the gap between p-opert y tarn
pad by recent buyer, and those
who bought before Ma. -ch 1. 19T?
would oleo
Roth i. er Angeles col v and noun
ty officials, have hero wrestling too
aaren what tow means locally
In his meant report to the I.Am
Argrka County Roard .est Super vi
ton. Chwf Admintetrauve Officer
Nasty L "ord oMtmated that
abood 33%. or 25 million roar.
rsaadenta, mould quality It- Propo.
Mason 36 tax refunds. another 22%.
or 11 million property owners.
wouldn't gel a refund, and 45% of
the county a residents who ere
miters. or about 3.5 million people
woutdn ; receive a tax refund as
the:
In an internal oeawi to Mayor
Tan Bradley las Mauch. Cott Ad
mawsttative Ofter Keith Comer
gnat the Proposition X formula
would produce a orw time windfall
Of 11$ lot ted, avrragt 1 ais Angrwo
hsme ra,l said shirr 1975 1 uo gel the
aq Mgt .d mh.' a -ll. ti-, or -n-) .ori
that this sveragr home a ann-wl
lt*. Protw•rlV tax tool. would be
reduceil by 1.70
W Anti more. said the Comrw
memo. under Proposetwo 36, `a
hoariness property valued N 11W
million in 1975 would receive a
mr-lime MOM (refund) and
have its annual 11 7 mullion proper
t v tan Nil reduced by 1T3.1100 "
In response to criticism that
!'n"tio n IS would beriefit some
morr than otherseconomist def
ter whit says he u interested in
making s bid for the tl S lienale in
15tMt, says that while the measure
wouldn't br ail things to all pnple
it would gas a kmg way toward
making Pnmpwlkxn 13 work the
way Jarvis originally enviswm d it
Acknowledging that '-this to not
a perfect prttpo soon" taller said
that ted tax inrrrasre would be
..very mull" and would be'*Msrt.'
by Pmplsttion Mrs tough cap on
total ten
Many cites and counties com-
EcorxmvW
Arthwr S. l.ff}K
'The couru have taken
every opportunity
over the 1aa six years
to interpret
Proposition 13 to
maximiye the
ambiguities and to
extend the tax base'
prnsated for revenues mulling
from Proposition 13 by enacting
thousands of tees Rarely did these
regia require voice approval
Jarvis didn't anticipate that
Pnipostion 13 would r.ciduor this
stampede toward lees 1:1 finance
everything from police and fire
protection to maintenance of
suwta and roada in fart. Propin
tion 13 didn't even mention thr
word ..fie .'
Ames M levee
Itut Proposition 36 comrs down
on fees with a vertgaanre
Any new fee proposed by katal
government after Aug IS 19!11
would require a .�`•tAatds vote,
either by lora) volrr t or the Loretto -
tature
do exrattng feed could tw in
creased after this tamr date by a
peer,op tege greater than the con •
sumer price irweea during the 12
months pr' vwY to the increase
pro{wisal i their was a
two thirds . .. . _:al vain of
the legislature
'9onir clues. like San Francisco.
are stung on a large srrpiw. snit
Legislative Analyst SchA&Iwm so
they wouldn't face an tmnethate
ttanwial crunch of 11tapoal13on 36
became taw But other Cilie. and
particularly countlaa and special
districts torics the better two Nov.
ernnenud ematiN are heavily de-
pendent on property taus and
fen 1 could two a revenue r qure".
he saidL in at to Manes
rests that raged the CP)
Ilarthermore, it's no snap get unif
that two -thuds vote
Cal • Tu and the L.tw- of Call
forms Otey each conducted sur-
vevs between Joie. IFIA. when
Pel"UNwu 13 panned. lid Novem-
ber. 1953, on thio wublritt They
found that in that owe. app old -
matay 180 ekctlona retire held
asking for voter approval of special
taxon Mg that only 27% of the
elecuom succeeded in gatntrd the
regnnred two-thirds rote Cinder
Prgwisttion 36, fern would fare this
acme t too thirds ted
New taus and tax inervmauw also
mon meet the strwt two-thirds
lint.
Jarvis and Lsoffer and thew Map -
proctrn charge that blieral leaders
have blamed loopholes through
l'raposnwwn 13 pe m rely through
.heir mKtp►rtatMro of which taxes
require a two.thirds vote and
w hw h don't
-Ihe rourts have taken every
appo 1unnv over the last sae years
to m'rri rt Pnposntnom 13 to man
nesse err JA R V M fact 19
MafdaY• *1Wvdbrr 17.19M Port 1
Janis weft to York in, Tax Cels
Prop. 36: A Rescue Net for
Prop. 13 or Complex Law?
By Rtlk AU)1. S(1R1.F. rt"we Mal! lt'elbr
conservative econttnntst Arthur
it l.affer
lwvr could LM Mato and local
summed it up in a
Iwink ling
government and the courts into
legal krtota for years while at.
..Ali we're asklr* the penpir In
tempting to sort out what it all
Do you like the changes the court.
rrMens
ht yr made tin {T,pinrt111' Il
In his bid to -my@ W Jortits is
vat like the changes. vcnr again•
1'r14-1011ton
raking voters to approve an Initsa•
;tat
live that would,
Conversely. the former INC pro
s Trvsger bg property tax re-
fi,ssor says. a vote for the Vuvem
fund+ for some while causing mod
herbal" measure -'w,it kick !n
sit tas hikes nor other/.
1'ropciattion 11. the prtyierty is,
a Further widen the sad that
revidt brainstorm that made llnw
Propostuon 13 helped foster he.
+rd JArVIs • hutiaehold rtarnr sss
lwern Lilt property ta— pald by
> cars ago
those who have hurts onto property
Essentially. proposition % is
fon' Yfwv and than who bousht
aimed al overturning 1 number of
m'entlyt.
court GeCufont and local inuTpre-
s Create a !heal sands that
tattonis hearing on Propoiatgn I.J.
1a of thernobw�aar
which tax -cutter Jarvis beiteves
R�WCo��mplain
could make It WAM .irt than
Y
riddled the 1978 measure with o
f ver for local goverrNrwnt to raw
nwnhtr of fiscal loopholes
rash to urMerwrHe visa) aervteea
Soundsimple,
As was the cane with Ptopoaluon
In fact. Propwton 36, a pro
13, rroten wouW resp no mnie&.
polled toutstnuttonal smendnfent. is
alt us brooks (tore Propo"Uon 3S
a corri{tlicatsd peer of tax law
r{saaa we JAZYM resp J
novice than 1%ree times the length of
{'ntposittnn 13. that Opponenut be
JARVISs
Newest Tax
Measure Is
Complex
/ba::waed frim Pie" I
' is direCtlY contrary to Preop.,
no . 13 u to a trraung pRY{irrty
taxpayers equitabl%.' said John II
r Oven. vice president and genet
►, counsel for Sacramento - tweed
Cal -Tait Research. a nonprofit lob.
hying grmip supported by business
"Thu to 180 drere" ,Ktp.vtte t from
Pntpontion 17, -
' For his port. Jarvis says this
view is ntonaerise and that Pr pow
ofin 36 simply kicks in what he
'intended to do all along with
Propootan I.i put a tight lid on
government's ability to tae the
public
" Prapontion 13 a to serious
trouble." says Jarvis The courts
polltnctarts and special interests..
all 'have undermined" the mea
stire. hecharges
Prr.{ostton We first pricirtty,
than, tato, orrect what Jarvis feels
are diad court dectawns an Propose.
ton 13
(ha decuon had to do with the
2% annuer cap on increases to
assessed slues allowed under
Propoestson 0 The court ruled that
s 2% increase should be added for
every yew ante 1975. the bane
year set by PropLwtmet 13 for
estahltshingproperiy valtirs
Jarvis claims, however. that he -
laver meant for the 2% iricrcaan
to be tryWered for the three tan
assessment years before Propos .
ton 13 passed in I". Instead, he
says. the 2% Increases should have
leant into effect after the measure
was approved and met applied rot - -
roacuvNy
Therefore. Proposition .1R calls
for a 2% rrfwW lard a like reduc
lion to ~44wel values I in each rJ -
the three tax alsesomenl veal
before Proposition 17 was aft
proved–Amounting to about 61%
tcompounded). plus 11% interest,
for tis three years
Wo*W Trlgpr Mike
Aceotdtng w Peter Schaaf.tna of
the legislative analyst s ofltre. a - -
;title it" than half of 411 pniperty
owners, rerdrnusl and rammer
hal, wriuld rreeive returula The -
rrfeinds. averaging 6315. would da-
prrid on the property's value - -
Thow individuals who par
chawd their prnperiv after March -
1197; r„old ret eve relumt
OTI
• • • W6uld Do.
The K6y P"wMU e,•6:
6 Retw lsc Roquw" to r"Adtds to prop" owners who purchased
! be•o+o Mich 1. 1977. std MOM. urWOM PFOP"nion 13 forrrxrta. had 2%
! arrhuN ncrwrM in Mer o•ootsod valuation low one or mors of the ftoo
! vows prow to Pr*POW n 13's p"aaa-e n 1976. Rahrnds got4d
&~a" 11316 per property owner nNowwo. ecoord V to h-isNtir"
enetrst
6 Tor h•eo"aoaer ADpworratalr 1:20$26 n tax mosses per
Property owner to sorvwo bonded deal atcumW below" pssoape of
Propoortrah 13. according to 1epNetM awhdvat. Tae aroroow would be
r""u►ed bee"uae pre -1976. 2% orrw! ncsoos" n earo"eod proper-
( —wes would be nvoMMlod. thou rodrerg aoprty tax bees. to
pr"rede more, needed to seep up pa mw"s an bond debts. as property
r owmsws would held to shoulder a tae ehcrMes.
6 Teres New M-08 of tom naooeas QmAd orMv be onscled by
o-
twttw& vole, DO rwM or twoffrrds vote d Nate Lepalature
[knee -19— ta.ea allowed under • CaMorrw Supremo Govt decision thN
per•xha oev councls to now" taus wrthoul vole, mproral Such
ta.ee w acted after A" 16. 1963. would be nvoloclood.
6 f"ae: Reemcts u" of tees wfod rwtr local Wmfttons have
resod on to woo" r"vrxre once We pees" of h000nhon 13 hclsres
that aur "a eeseot ry deoct cools of the servo" of wdrwntes alga M
declared • tax and nbpct to the two -mels vote rephrronrent ft~s
tees hom hero- used to fund phbac aripov" PwAmn bobrow
6 MwPyMws- To"& M"y sweMdota taw caaactod by utrs
and special drNrcte laude me low hood control. "boot msnlen"nc* or
moscao ob"temerht). wtw:h Me expected to-ansrale oboist $300
md►on be, the std of the rest. "ccordrr- to lepol"twa enalysl
• P "M V Tle"Oe rs E.emws ham reepparsal moa-femdv
! trrrefere of .weid"rrtW and oorrunertlet property
6 ►ra1•"rsy V*kWd " Tiff n effect eaeeeeed volaorron of
Pleaw , to pwchaso porn reload of sWoo" maraN tela".
epp".amiv WwV ovvrraw mole control over property s lax Mehr- v
Tho an Govfemmw•t
i
6 6h1aM Sar" rcr""w in rowenum--otout $100 mucor—ove,
Awl two Vera or" property tau rehrdo woad be taxed as pore•-nai
wwome be t1N NNe. I to. , or the erNo world here to roprace
k%Waxnratalr $600 moon n bet prop" to. revenues now uteri to
urderwmme pubk schools n the MN veer and $260 ,Wk h n.the
socand roe,. 0000rdrr- to the leVrsMtM erM1yN's office
6 CwiwY"er Moo end 6*"Md ObYNq Could be hard tot by
r"hhctruno on u" of taxes errd taco to Mtonte local wvrcas 1"-rY"tne
snMyN s office pwodicta locale wo d �oes $2 6 braron our the firm two
hecal vers.6 fist -ger refunds to ormoal hell of ttw NNe's
owners owrs d 1 7 Won $600 rRdxen n local fee Waxes- and
wdaah n otter local revenue loss".
A Taal d tow lei MOMiit�Ar6G featt6s
VAN
t9M hrcpaM ►nq _ .' _ -' _
� r
117.00
1964 Maeeaed Value .r
_48,12-
t 17r00Q
.f
104 Property To
467 ! _
-_ _._ 1221 i
' To. thhd+w Prop 36
438, •
1.264
i Rohrd Under Prop 36
290.
0�
ar.r :► •b wwa+.nr[r..a w s wli•arrse"e a + hna wu
v
;ya
A survival guide for '
local government
The financing revolution in California
By Jobn Rebtuss
sp"w to The bee
WHAT LOO}•S like a museum,
sounds like a tax shelter and means
more money for a local convention
center? it's a f22 -million deri in
which Oakland officials sold their
museum to investors.
The money is used to convert the
civic suditorlurn to a convention
center and the city will lease and
eventually buy it back from the in-
vestors. The investors' money comes
from tax-exempt boners issued by a
locally created public authonty
Sound complex') The plan bots
worked so sell that officials intend
to sell the auditorium under the
some arrangements to fund Me sec-
ond stage of the convention center,
that a, if Congress doesn't repeal the
recent legislation that permtb these
tax shelters.
Are high-nong financial transac-
tions like this now common in Cali-
fornia" No But they are a lot more
common than, say, 10 years ago And
they're only one example of the
creative ways trial governments are
adapting modern business and finan-
cial practices to their own opera
tions
Actuath, the Oakland leaseback
deal isn't very different than mane
others over the past 23m.>ears, other
than the fact that the muvum was
actt.ally wed. rather than merely
leased. Thk: little difference is worth
about 2 percent per year in interest.
A more radical seise occurred in
Fairfield. There the city used Its
power to condemn scattered proper-
ty holdings so a developer could
create a shopptiiS mall Fatrt►eld's
pnee was a 25 -percent share of grass
receipts The city lis, in effect, in the
real estate and development bust -
111M
John Rehfuss is professor of
public administration at Califor-
nia State University, Sacramen-
to
WHAT HAT CAUSED this revolution
in local government finance' First.
it's not just a financing revolution,
but a management revoluvon invoiv-
injt an aggressive, sometimes fren-
zied, sears'. for money Second. it
has largely happened because of the
passage of Proposition 13, when N•
tits. counties, schools and special
districts lost $7 billion In property
tax revenues. All of this wasn t made
up oy state aid. so localities. particu-
lany cities (which have the most
lege! power), are looking bard for
savvirip or new revenues wherever
they can Tb -.rd. tie 1981 and 1982
recission cut sales tax receipts dras-
t►carty. forcing localities to tighten
erten iMils and become even more
crit effective.
There are a numtwr of ways that
go%,-rnmrnt% have responded to
their li.rai crunch A common way
i% in dramnlica0y Increase tees and
charve• E vents and cervices such as
cen.ir.r citizen recreation programs
and expanded sewer li"rs can nn
longer 1w culradized by the general
latrayrr Therefore, alt the Chiu
(and they can be very high) are
"IronIloaded•- onto the user
A minor example is Sacramento
County'. 12 charge for parking In
rerreal,nn areas. A major example
tc the common practice of cities,
whilr 1-u+ng building permits, to
reyuirr improvements such as
rtrrel% anti crwerc (they always
herr► rind at" charges for parks,
firr .tat„ -n% and future police servic-
e,.
This ndd% enormous sends to a new
huu.e 11n percent by one estimate)
Devetnpern are crying the blues and
jxnnt,ni: out that the charge, are as
mac h tit n drag on the housing mar-
kri a• h,kh Interest rales t.ocal of�
stall .imre
lliv v they can't provl
.,nils a without the charges. Fur•
then, they note that the charg" will
simply be passed onto the buyers in
e 30 -year rt+origage instead of being
collected over time In higher taxrs.
Another cora•cultinit loci!- Local
officials are using 'creative (inane.
Ing to fund expensive capital proj.
esti. Oakland Is one case. Another
method Is expanding traditional
lease -purr hacing arrangements to 10
years and marketing them to more
investors, lhur creating a form of
tax-exempt read estate Investment
trust. Tire. financing mechantitm is
called tax-exempt Certifi:r ,. of
Participation, ('Y XrP'a-). Lease pur-
chasers are. In, effect, rentlaF, ire
Mead of buying equipment to avoid
legal debt requirements for voter
approval This reduce% the cont of a ,
lease purchase to that of an ordinary
bond tissue
A Santa Rosi city halt, Los An-
get•rit police statloa and Fresno ;
methane gas far illty nate TXCP
financing,
Usher ways of cttttingcoeea Involve
tough -fussed management, generally
i~rlalyd with bucloesi; and corps►
rate life. Used * public officials for
e?
sometime, thmethods have re-
cently bten employed more often
and more publicSy to cut back
Sacramento bounty drew a to of
national attention when it tried to
rave general assistance money
(tha(s money not used for state or
federal assistance programs). The j
Hannon house was developed into a
home where adults eligible for gen.
oral assmsince would hove to take
shelter and meats there rather than
a cash payment. It was cheaper to
the county and. as expected, many
people chose to leave the axstetance
rolls rather than live there. The
Renison house was labeled a throw•
ball to the 'poorhouse,' and a suit
has been ftted which is lens.+ before
the Stale Supreme Court. It revived.
It will be a controversial but cheaper
way of providing general mtstance.
ANnTHER cost-cutting method
arKes from collecilvr bargaining.
Steel and auto unions were forced
Info 'givebacks' of previously
earned benefits to companies In !leu
of layoffs when their Industries went
spur. Civil service uniort members
alio face detnt� for givebacks.
Los Angeles Coss y pulled out of the
Social SecurflY system in 1982 to
,►
save the employer's abare of conirt-
butons. This was part of a collective
bargaining agreement to maintain
salaries but reduce employer fringe
beneni cosm
Likewise. the City of Sacramento
showed Its Neth when facing a 115#1
tact -Ander decree awarding an t l
percent midyear hike to firefeKhters.
The city simply told oft 20 firefight-
ers to make up the settlement cost.
This involved minority and women
firefighters Fcriiinatety. all those
laid off were eventually rehired to
fill vacancies. Unfortunately. trad-
Ing- jobs br pay hikes Is a way of
collective bargaining life In Califor-
nia governments today.
Government managers are
becoming nate skilled at rust -cul-
ling Innovatioro In recent year, Sin
Jaw hires private contractors to cite
parain= violators Garden Grove
saves M.tlllll annually by contract-
ing out managemeal of its health
Insurance plan. Hercules (Contra
Laos County) hires policemen for a
thr"-year contract. which can be
terminated by e"W puny Menlo
Prrk publb-hes a gift catalog from
which citizens can select tax-exempt
61 -
Orb for the city. west Covina con-
tracts out its recreation program to a
private firm for a traction of the coat
plus a share of the remipts.
Norwalk engineers developed a
'bulletproor street upt for use In
neighborhoods plagued with vendai-
Ism. Ventura switched to civic volun-
teers for special services It could no
longer afford after Propoottion 13.
Finally. San Diego sores stoney by
registering voters b•• ::rail, although
the program Is now .n legal limbo
Some public officials. both career
and political. have been able to
make names for themselves by high-
lighting their ability to manage
under fiscal corttraints. B.T. Collins
reaped tremendous publicity and a
larger budget from bis work as head
of the Civilian Conservation Corps
and the motto. 'Hard work. low pay
and miserable conditions.' The slo-
gan drew recruits like files and
showed that 11.7. was as adept at
media Imagery as be was at manage-
ment His reward was to move up as
Gov. Jerry Brown's chief of staff.
Lower -key and mare professional.
Dave RowlantU m6ved up to San
Joaquin County executive because
he took heat. cut the buQjtp yid set
up a strong mannftement "rm In
Moto County after Propos saO J
sometimes. public ofirrimic cut
one too many corners 110poij for
money. State contfoller4ek Cory.
who won election in 1ll "th the
slogan. 'The man oil cotdpanies fear
most' ruined his Image: irel!uushed
through a hasty lnveatlrieit Into
Texas oil leases. apparltrtiv.tosing
the Teaches RetlremeM PMIQ some
iii million Since then; taislellow
voting member. Glibert allim. who
was president of the riverii, {en the
country. • ; . ; .
T%e Cory nasco isn' !!i cal of
most public exrcutive�bljn are
more professional. Iesa MQrroyant
and -are simply trying td Ree# their
government anovt M the Owe of red
Ink. Their eflort;.x are 1114PrWt, but
not enough to bring thoit Vvern-
ments back to flscat 1101 —Fiscal
beelth will collie wben:"f*W et-
ther stop demanding getvfpelt or
agree to Mance them i*%O uwely.
Until then. Improved tj &&ihent
and creVve financing:*% help
goveromal limp along .atLame-
one perforins major sarvf?.
Ri•S�ICN NO. 84-159
RMM,TTICN OP"ING PFKXKSITICN 36, 1i IE
JARVIS IV INITIATIVE CONSTI'1LYMNAL ANIENfiM417
WHEREAS, the Jarvis IV Initiative Constitutional Amendment
which will appear on the Novemi>er ballot as Proposition 36 would lead
to de facto minority rule by requiring a two-thirds vote for many
important local government decisions; and
WHEREAS. Proposition 36, by further restricting local
governments' revenue -raising authority beyond the requirements imposed
by Propositions 13 and 4, would seriously weaken the concept of "biome
Rule" by making local agencies more dependent upon the State for their
financial stability; and
WIIIERFAS, Proposition 36 will further reduce the ability of
local government to plan for and finance public services and capital
improvements needed to sustain development and accomimdate econrrmic
growth; and
WFIR£FAS, the passage of Proposition 36 will widen the
disparities between the taxation of properties with similar market
values; and
WHEREAS, while the supporters of Proposition 36 claim it
will reduce taxes, it will actually increase property taxes for nearly
all taxpayers who have purchased properties since 1978, including
approximately 50% of the homeowners in California; and
*IIRFAS , one widely applauded result of Proposition 13 has
4nen to relieve general taxpayers of the burden of paying for services
which could be charged directly to the service user through fees, this
trend will be reversed, returning part of the financial burden for
fee -supported services to general taxpayers if Proposition 36 is
enacted; and
WFIFRFAS, the passage of Proposition 36 will cost local
school districts some $750 million in 1985-86, thereby seriously
jeopardizing the urgently needed improvements in primary and secondary
public education in California; and
WHEREAS, many of the Provisions of Proposition 36 are
confusing and ambiguous and will require further clarification, either
by future ballot measures. state legislation and/or court
interpretation,
NM. UMMKM, BE IT RESMVEU, by the adoption of this
resolution, the City of Lodi opposes Proposition 36, the Jarvis IV
Initiative Constitutional Amendment.
Dated: October 17, 1984
I hereby certify that Resolution No. 84-159
was passed and adopted by the City Council
of the City of Lodi in a regular meeting
held Wednesday, October 17, 1984 by the
following vote:
Ayes: Council himbers: Hinchmn, Reid, s fuider ftyor)
Noes: Council Members: Olson and Pinkerton
Absent: Council Members: None
Alice M. Reimche
City Clerk
NO
i
1
1
1
{
i
f
1
WE DC NOT WAKE M BMAS 1 ZE CR SPBCLJI.ATE CN DOLLAR IAESES CR
111REA'I ED DOSS OF SERV ICES . WE S IMPLY DO NDT K" MM THE C URM CR
LBGISIATtRE WILL DO IN THE AFTFIRVIATN OF A PROFUSITICN 36 PASSACR.
WE StMD TAKE A PCSITICN CN PROPC1SITICN 36 FRM IHE VIEW POINT O1F
PUBLIC PCL ICY AND niE EFFBC: T CN THE PKJV I S I CN OF FAIR AND BQU ITABLE
COVFMWr.
AS A MkMR OF IMEM7, , TfIE MIMING AM CIES HAVE OONE kN ROM AS
OPPOSING PRrFM IT ICN 36.
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