Title
a. Receive a report on a proposed policy to conduct fiscal analysis and prepare fiscal impact assessment reports for proposed ballot measures of Monterey County deemed to fiscally impact the County Government Jurisdiction; and
b. Approve the proposed policy.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive a report on a proposed policy to conduct fiscal analysis and prepare fiscal impact assessment reports for proposed ballot measures deemed to fiscally impact the Monterey County Government Jurisdiction; and
b. Approve the proposed policy.
SUMMARY:
The County Board desires to create a policy authorizing the Auditor-Controller to conduct fiscal analysis and prepare fiscal impact reports for proposed ballot measures of the County whenever the measure is deemed by the Auditor-Controller to fiscally impact the County, thereby alleviating the need for the Board to adopt resolutions, on a case by case basis, directing the Auditor-Controller to conduct such analysis.
DISCUSSION:
On December 8, 2020, a referral from Supervisor Lopez requested the Auditor-Controller to analyze and propose a policy that would authorize reports to be prepared by the County Auditor-Controller on ballot measures of the County deemed to fiscally impact the County. Relying on appropriate professional standards, the reports would provide the County Auditor-Controller's assessment regarding the changes in revenue and costs that may result from the proposed ballot measure, if such measure were ultimately approved. The referral sought to create a consistent, apolitical, financial analysis of proposed changes after considering all potential costs and fiscal impacts to the County and its economy.
The Californian Election Code 9160 provides parameters to conduct fiscal analysis and prepare fiscal impact assessment reports for proposed ballot measures, as below:
(c) Not later than 88 days before an election that includes a county ballot measure...
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