Title
Consider a recommendation from the Legislative Committee to adopt a resolution and engage in legislative advocacy efforts with Santa Cruz County in support of state property tax apportionment reform efforts.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors consider a recommendation from the Legislative Committee to adopt a resolution and engage in legislative advocacy efforts with Santa Cruz County in support of state property tax apportionment reform efforts.
SUMMARY:
Earlier this year, Santa Cruz County passed a resolution in support of property tax apportionment reform efforts. Santa Cruz County Supervisor Manu Koenig contacted Supervisor Luis Alejo asking that the County of Monterey adopt a similar resolution. At the September 9, 2024, Legislative Committee meeting, the Committee reviewed the issue and recommended that the Board adopt a resolution in support of state property tax apportionment reform efforts, request that the Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) update their AB 8 analysis from February 3, 2000, and work with Santa Cruz County on legislative advocacy efforts related to this issue.
DISCUSSION:
Over the last 45 years the County of Monterey has been operating under a property tax distribution formula which was established after the passage of Proposition 13. It has led to degradation of our infrastructure and critical vacancies in our staffing that disproportionately impact the County’s most vulnerable residents. This formula was created by the state legislature and can only be modified by the state legislature or a statewide ballot initiative. The attached resolution advocates for reform in California's property tax apportionment system to address the significant and unsustainable funding imbalance that has negatively impacted the County of Monterey.
California voters approved Proposition 13 in 1978 through the initiative process, creating an amendment to the California Constitution. Among other changes, Propositio...
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