Title
Department of Transportation recommending the Board:
1) Receive a presentation by consultant FM3 Research of Key Findings of a survey of County Service Area No. 3; and
2) Direct staff to initiate proceedings for a measure to be placed on the March 3, 2020 ballot for the electorate in the South Shore Snow Zone to consider a special tax, in the amount of $80.00 annually on each improved parcel of land, to replace the existing $20.00 assessment service charge. (Est. Time: 1 Hr.)
FUNDING: CSA 3 Snow Removal Zone of Benefit.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
On May 14, 2019, the Department of Transportation presented a report of department findings, and requested direction on funding possibilities and possible revenue generating options (Legistar File 19-0660, Item 41).
On July 16, 2019, the Chief Administrative Office requested direction from your Board regarding several potential ballot measures contemplated by different departments for presenting to the electorate for consideration, including a measure to increase funding for the County Service Area (CSA) 3 South Shore Snow Removal Zone. The Board directed the Department to conduct public outreach, and determine the potential for a positive outcome before bringing a request to the Board to set a measure for election.
The Department of Transportation contracted with consultant FM3 Research, Opinion Research and Strategy. Staff worked with the firm to develop a survey to gauge public sentiment about the level of services and the level of support for an increase to the amount property owners pay as an assessment/service charge, or special tax for snow removal equipment acquisition and snow removal services.
FM3 Research presents their findings and analysis for your Board’s consideration.
In consideration of these findings, the Department of Transportation recommends the Board to direct initiation of proceedings for a ballot measure to be placed on ballot for the presidential primary election March 3, 2020, for the electorate in the South Shore Snow Zone to consider a special tax, in the amount of $80.00 annually on each improved parcel of land, to replace the existing $20.00 assessment service charge.
County Service Area (CSA) No. 3 History
On December 21, 1963, by Resolution 9-63, the Board established CSA No. 3 for the purpose of providing control or destruction of insects injurious to plant life, and the eradication of insects which could introduce dangerous, infection of communicable diseases (vector control).
On July 19, 1983, by Ordinance 3373, pursuant to Government Code section 25210.77a, the Board imposed a service fee of $20.00 on each improved parcel of real property within the unincorporated area of CSA 3 for the purpose of acquiring new additional snow removal equipment, including side gates, to be used exclusively in the service area.
On October 4, 1983 by Ordinance 3394, the Board amended Ordinance 3373 to include provision that the Ordinance would remain in effect only until June 30, 1993.
On April 30, 1991, by Ordinance 4158, the Board repealed and replaced Ordinances 3373 and 3394, thereby continuing the $20.00 service fee for the purpose of providing snow removal equipment and maintenance of equipment for snow removal services in the unincorporated area of CSA 3 beyond June 30, 1993.
On August 9, 1993, by Resolution 249-93, the Board established two snow removal zones of benefit in CSA 3, the West Shore Snow Removal Zone 504 in, with boundaries coterminous with the boundaries of the Meeks Bay Fire Protection District, and the South Shore Snow Removal Zone 501 to include the remaining territory of the unincorporated area of CSA 3.
On August 10, 1993 by Resolution 250-93, the Board established an assessment/service charge of $50.00 on each improved parcel within the West Shore Snow Removal Zone, and continued the assessment/service charge of $20.00 on each improved parcel within the South Shore Snow Removal Zone.
On November 8, 2005, Measure S was placed before the voters in the South Shore Snow Removal Zone. The measure proposed a special tax in the amount of $50.00 on each improved parcel, with certain exceptions, to replace the existing $20.00 benefit assessment/service charge. The measure failed to receive the required two-thirds majority votes in support of the special tax. Funding for the South Shore Snow Removal Zone remains at the same rate of $20.00 for each improved parcel of land.
On December 6, 2005, the Department of Transportation presented a report to the Board on the Impact of the failure of Measure S on Snow Removal Operations in County Service Area 3, South Shore Zone of Benefit (Agenda Log 05-1757). Projections at that time suggested the existing funding level would result in a reduction of services due to an aging fleet and few pieces of equipment being replaced.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board may not so direct the Department, which will result in continuation of the existing, inadequate funding level for the zone, and a continued decline in snow removal services as equipment ceases to operate.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
May 14, 2019, Item 41 (Legistar File 19-0660).
July 16, 2019, Item 31 (Legistar File 19-1047).
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
Elections Department
FM3 Research (Constultant)
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
It is recommended that the Board approve this item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no direct financial impact associated with this agenda item. The cost of placing a measure on the ballot for the March 2020election would be “shared” by the other items placed on the ballot, including County and State propositions and special district elections. The Elections Department cannot provide a specific cost estimate until all ballot requests have been submitted; an estimate of the County’s share of placing a measure on the ballot would be available at the close of the filing period for each election.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Public Safety, Infrastructure, Good Governance
CONTACT
Rafael Martinez, Director
Department of Transportation