Title
Adopt a Resolution in support of and endorsing the “Safe, Affordable, Quality Child Care In Monterey County Act” ballot initiative, and designating Supervisors to author an argument in favor of the Initiative for inclusion in the Voter Information Guide.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisor adopt a resolution in support of and endorsing the “Safe, Affordable, Quality Child Care In Monterey County Act” ballot initiative, and designating Supervisors to author an argument in favor of the Initiative for inclusion in the Voter Information Guide.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Safe, Affordable, Quality Care Act (hereon, referred to as “Childcare Initiative” or “Initiative”) is a citizen driven initiative aimed towards improving the caliber and accessibility of affordable childcare and preschool services countywide. Developed to address the serious shortage of safe, affordable, quality, childcare and access to early education in Monterey County, a local group of concerned community members gathered signatures to place the initiative on the November 2022 ballot. A total of 21,849 signatures were obtained in support of the initiative.
On June 7, 2022, a petition was formally submitted to the Elections Department in support of the Childcare Initiative to provide dedicated, locally controlled funding to increase and improve licensed childcare and early learning opportunities, funded by an annual special parcel tax in the amount of forty-nine dollars ($49) on each parcel of real property located within Monterey County, with limited exceptions, for ten (10) years. As proposed, the tax measure would provide approximately $5.5 million per year to improve childcare and early learning for Monterey County’s youngest children, their families and our community. Two (2) legislative bodies consisting of 1) Monterey County Children and Families Commission, otherwise commonly known as First 5 Monterey County, and 2) Citizens Oversight Committee would be used to advance the program plan and budget efforts. Following is the anticipated role of each legislative body:
• Monterey County Children and Families Commission (First 5 Monterey County) - Develop, administer, and oversee program plan and budget. The Board of Supervisors would allocate revenue from the special tax to the Commission for that purpose.
• Citizens Oversight Committee - Advise and make recommendations to the Commission regarding the program and budget. An annual report on the implementation of the program would be required.
The program would be subject to annual audits by the Monterey County Auditor Controller, which would be presented to the Board of Supervisors. As a citizen’s initiative, the initiative measure only requires a majority vote of the electorate (50% + 1).
On July 12, 2022, the Board of Supervisors received the Registrar of Voters’ certification under Elections Code section 9118 that the Initiative received the requisite number of signatures to qualify the measure for placement on the ballot. The Board accepted the certificate of initiative and directed staff to return on July 26, 2022, with a resolution placing the initiative measure on the ballot and a separate action seeking full Board support to endorse the initiative. The resolution calling for the election on the Childcare Initiative in consolidation with the November 8, 2022, Statewide General Election (November 8, 2022) will be considered by the Board on July 26, 2022, via a separate Board action.
Staff requests that the Board approve adoption of the proposed resolution in support of and endorsing the Childcare Initiative, and designative two Supervisors to author an argument in favor of the Initiative for placement in the Voter Information Guide. A copy of the draft resolution is attached to this report for the Board’s reference.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
This report was coordinated with the Office of the County Counsel and Registrar of Voters.
FINANCING:
Approval of the subject resolution will have no financial impact to the General Fund.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This item further advances the Board’s Administrative, Economic Development and Health and Human Services strategic initiatives.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives
X Economic Development
X Administration
X Health & Human Services
__Infrastructure
__Public Safety
Prepared by: Karina Bokanovich, Management Analyst II
Approved by: Charles J. McKee, County Administrative Officer
Attachments: Resolution