HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 5.B 04/01/2019• • i
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DATE: April 1, 2019
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
Peggy Flynn, City Manager
Eric Danly, City Attorney
Selection of Proposed Appointees to the Measure M Citizens Oversight
Committee
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council deliberate and make recommendations to the Mayor
regarding proposed appointees to the Measure M Citizens Oversight Committee for discussion at
the Mayors' and Council Members' meeting on April 11, 2019.
BACKGROUND
On November 6, 2018 Sonoma County voters approved Measure M, a one-eighth cent
transactions and use (sales) tax offered in support of Sonoma County regional and city parks.
Measure M was titled the "Sonoma County Parks Improvement, Water Quality and Fire Safety
Measure." Measure M was approved by 72.6% of the voters and took effect April 1, 2019,
Measure M will provide funding for a 10 -year period and will expire on March 31, 2019.
The stated purpose of Measure M is the establishment of a local funding source for Sonoma
County regional and local city park deferred maintenance, improvement, programs for youth and
adults, and wild land fire prevention, as set out in the expenditure plan adopted as part of the
measure. Measure M is estimated to generate approximately $115 million during the 10 years it
remains in effect. Of that amount, the expenditure plan adopted as part of the measure allocates
33.3%, or $38,300,000 for local city parks and recreation needs, including for: maintaining
parks and recreation facilities to ensure safe, clean, accessible visitor experiences; improving and
developing athletic fields, playgrounds, restrooms, picnic areas and visitor amenities; creation
and expansion of parks, trails, bikeways, public art, and recreation and historical facilities;
planning and development of bike paths and trails with connections to schools, community
spaces and regional trails; providing recreation, education and health programs for the
community; decreasing future fire risks, fuel loads and invasive plants on city owned open space
parks; and improving trails along waterways and riparian areas to benefit fish, wildlife habitat
and water quality. The Measure M expenditure plan allocates the remaining $76,700,000 of the
projected Measure M revenues to Sonoma County regional park, trail and open space uses.
Petaluma's estimated share of Measure M city park proceeds, which is based on Petaluma's pro-
rata share of the total Sonoma County population is 17.19%, or $659,107 per year or $6,591,070
over the ten-year period Measure M is in effect.
DISCUSSION
The expenditure plan adopted as part of Measure M provides for the creation of a Citizens'
Oversight Committee to provide transparency and fiscal accountability regarding the measure.
The Oversight Committee is charged with reviewing the receipt and expenditure of Measure M
proceeds, and review of the annual independent audit of Measure M revenue and expenditures.
The Committee shall produce an annual report of its review of Measure M and may provide
budget recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and city councils regarding spending
Measure M revenue. The Board of Supervisors is to appoint seven Committee members by
resolution. A minimum of two of the Committee members are to be selected from the list of
names submitted by the mayors of Sonoma County cities. Each Supervisor is to appoint one
person to serve on the Committee. Committee members will serve three-year terms and be
eligible for reappointment for an additional three-year term. Committee member responsibilities
do not include decision-making on spending priorities, financing plans, tax rate projections or
assumptions. The Committee has no authority to direct Sonoma County or city staff or officials.
This agenda item has, been prepared so that the City Council can discuss potential Citizens'
Oversight Committee appointees for discussion and recommendation by the mayors of Sonoma
County cities at the April 11 Mayor and Council Members' meeting. As provided in the
ordinance that enacted Measure M, at least two of the Oversight Committee members must be
appointed from the list of names submitted by the Sonoma County mayors.
On March 20 at their regularly -scheduled meeting, the Recreation, Music, and Parks
Commission voted to nominate Commissioner Beverly Schor as one of the two Oversight
Committee appointees for Council consideration.
FINANCIAL IMPACTS
There are no anticipated financial impacts of Council action to discuss and propose appointees to
the Measure M Citizens Oversight Committee.
ATTACHMENTS
Ordinance No. 6238 enacting Measure M approved by Sonoma County Voters November 6,
2018 and Exhibit A, the Measure M Expenditure Plan
2
ORDINANCE NO. 6238
AN ORDINANCE OF THE
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF SONOMA, STATE OF CALIFORNIA,
IMPOSING A TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX TO BE
ADMINISTERED BY THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TAX AND FEE ADMINISTRATION
The Board of Supervisors of the County of Sonoma, State of California, ordains as follows:
Section 1. TITLE. This ordinance shall be known as the Sonoma County Parks Improvement,
Water Quality, and Fire Safety Measure Transactions and Use Tax Ordinance. The County of
Sonoma; hereinafter shall be called "County." This ordinance shall be applicable in the
incorporated and unincorporated territory of the County.
Section 2. OPERATIVE DATE. "Operative Date" means the first day of the first calendar
quarter commencing more than 110 days after the adoption of this ordinance, the date of such
adoption being as set forth below.
Section 3. PURPOSE. This ordinance is adopted to achieve the following, among other
purposes, and directs that the provisions hereof be interpreted in order to accomplish those
purposes:
A. To impose a retail transactions and use tax in accordance with the provisions of Part 1.6
(commencing with Section 7251) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code and
Section 7285.5 of Part 1.7 of Division 2 which authorizes the County to adopt this tax
ordinance which shall be operative if a (2/3) majority of the electors voting on the
measure vote to approve the imposition of the tax at an election called for that purpose.
B. To adopt a retail transactions and use tax ordinance that incorporates provisions identical
to those of the Sales and Use Tax Law of the State of California insofar as those provisions
are not inconsistent with the requirements and limitations contained in Part 1.6 of
Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.
C. To adopt a retail transactions and use tax ordinance that imposes a tax and provides a
measure thereforthat can be administered and collected bythe California Department of
Tax and Fee Administration in a manner that adapts itself as fully as practicable to, and
requires the least possible deviation from, the existing statutory and administrative
procedures followed by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration in
administering and collecting the California State Sales and Use Taxes,
D. To adopt a retail transactions and use tax ordinance that can be administered in a manner
that will be, to the greatest degree possible, consistent with the provisions of Part 1.6 of
Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, minimize the cost of collecting the
transactions and use taxes, and at the same time, minimize the burden of record keeping
upon persons subject to taxation under the provisions of this ordinance.
E. To establish a local funding source for Sonoma County Regional and local City Park
deferred maintenance, improvement, programs for youth and adults, and wild land fire
prevention as set out in detail in the expenditure plan ("Expenditure Plan") adopted as
part of this Ordinance.
F. Park maintenance and improvements are essential to protecting parks, picnic areas,
natural areas, water quality, wildlife and fish habitat, hiking and biking trails, sports fields,
playgrounds and other recreational opportunities for future generations.
G. Sonoma County and Cities own thousands of acres of parkland that could be opened and
made accessible to the public through this investment, allowing for more hiking, biking
and horseback riding trails, picnic areas, campgrounds and athletic facilities for Sonoma
residents to visit and enjoy.
H. The proposed tax would encourage interagency efforts to promote recreation, health,
agricultural viability, protection of watersheds, promotion of biodiversity and economic
vitality consistent with the County's mission of investing in beautiful, thriving and
sustainable communities for all and enriching the quality of life in Sonoma County.
The proposed tax would provide needed funding to enable Sonoma County Regional and
City Parks to (i) fund currently unfunded deferred maintenance of existing infrastructure,
and (ii) redevelop existing facilities and install new infrastructure that would make
Sonoma County Regional / City parks more sustainable in accordance with the attached
expenditure plan.
Section 4. CONTRACT WITH STATE. Prior to the operative date, the County shall contract
with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration to perform all functions incident
to the administration and operation of this transactions and use tax ordinance; provided, that if
the County shall not have contracted with the California Department of Tax and Fee
Administration prior to the operative date, it shall nevertheless so contract and in such a case the
operative date shall be the first day of the first calendar quarter following the execution of such
a contract.
Section 5. TRANSACTIONS TAX RATE, For the privilege of selling tangible personal property
at retail, a tax is hereby imposed upon all retailers in the incorporated and unincorporated
territory of the District at the rate of 1 8th% of the gross receipts of any retailer from the sale of
all tangible personal property sold at retail in said territory on and after the operative date of this
ordinance.
Section 6. PLACE OF SALE. For the purposes of this ordinance, all retail sales are
consummated at the place of business of the retailer unless the tangible personal property sold
is delivered by the retailer or their agent to an out-of-state destination or to a common carrier
for delivery to an out-of-state destination. The gross receipts from such sales shall include
delivery charges, when such charges are subject to the state sales and use tax, regardless of the
place to which delivery is made. In the event a retailer has no permanent place of business in
the State or has more than one place of business, the place or places at which the retail sales are
consummated shall be determined under rules and regulations to be prescribed and adopted by
the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.
Section 7, USE TAX RATE. An excise tax is hereby imposed on the storage, use or other
consumption in the District of tangible personal property purchased from any retailer on and
after the operative date of this ordinance for storage, use or other consumption in said territory
at the rate of 1/8th % of the sales price of the property. The sales price shall include delivery
charges when such charges are subject to state sales or use tax regardless of the place to which
delivery is made.
Section 8. ADOPTION OF PROVISIONS OF STATE LAW. Except as otherwise provided in this
ordinance and except insofar as they are inconsistent with the provisions of Part 1.6 of Division
2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, all of the provisions of Part 1 (commencing with Section
6001) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code are hereby adopted and made a part of
this ordinance as though fully set forth herein.
Section 9. LIMITATIONS ON ADOPTION OF STATE LAW AND COLLECTION OF USE TAXES., In
adopting the provisions of Part 1 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code:
A. Wherever the State of California is named or referred to as the taxing agency, the name
of this County shall be substituted therefor. However, the substitution shall not be made
when:
1. The word "State" is used as a part of the title of the State Controller, State Treasurer,
California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, State Treasury, or the
Constitution of the State of California;
2. The result of that substitution would require action to be taken by or against this
County or any agency, officer, or employee thereof rather than by or against the
California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, in performing the functions
incident to the administration or operation of this Ordinance.
3. In those sections, including, but not necessarily limited to sections referring to the
exterior boundaries of the State of California, where the result of the substitution
would be to:
a. Provide an exemption from this tax with respect to certain sales, storage, use or
other consumption of tangible personal property which would not otherwise
be exempt from this tax while such sales, storage, use or other consumption
remain subject to tax by the State under the provisions of Part 1 of Division 2
of the Revenue and Taxation Code, or;
b. Impose this tax with respect to certain sales, storage, use or other consumption
of tangible personal property which would not be subject to tax by the state
under the said provision of that code.
4. In Sections 6701, 6702 (except in the last sentence thereof), 6711, 6715, 6737, 6797
or 6828 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.
B. The word "District" shall be substituted for the word "State" in the phrase "retailer
engaged in business in this State" in Section 6203 and in the definition of that phrase
in Section 6203,
Section 10. PERMIT NOT REQUIRED. If a seller's permit has been issued to a retailer under
Section 6067 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, an additional transactor's permit shall not be
required by this ordinance.
Section 11. EXEMPTIONS AND EXCLUSIONS.
A. There shall be excluded from the measure of the transactions tax and the use tax the
amount of any sales tax or use tax imposed by the State of California or by any city,
city and county, or county pursuant to the Bradley -Burns Uniform Local Sales and Use
Tax Law or the amount of any state -administered transactions or use tax.
B. There are exempted from the computation of the amount of transactions tax the
gross receipts from:
1. Sales of tangible personal property, other than fuel or petroleum products, to
operators of aircraft to be used or consumed principally outside the County in
which the sale is made and directly and exclusively in the use of such aircraft as
common carriers of persons or property under the authority of the laws of this
State, the United States, or any foreign government.
2. Sales of property to be used outside the District which is shipped to a point outside
the District, pursuant to the contract of sale, by delivery to such point by the
retailer or his agent, or by delivery by the retailer to a carrier for shipment to a
consignee at such point. For the purposes of this paragraph, delivery to a point
outside the District shall be satisfied:
a. With respect to vehicles (other than commercial vehicles) subject to
registration pursuant to Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 4000) of
Division 3 of the Vehicle Code, aircraft licensed in compliance with Section
21411 of the Public Utilities Code, and undocumented vessels registered
under Division 3.5 (commencing with Section 9840) of the Vehicle Code by
registration to an out -of -District address and by a declaration under penalty
of perjury, signed by the buyer, stating that such address is, in fact, his or
her principal place of residence; and
b. With respect to commercial vehicles, by registration to a place of business
out -of -District and declaration under penalty of perjury, signed by the
buyer, that the vehicle will be operated from that address.
3. The sale of tangible personal property if the seller is obligated to furnish the
property for a fixed price pursuant to a contract entered into prior to the operative
date of this ordinance.
4. A lease of tangible personal property which is a continuing sale of such property,
for any period of time for which the lessor is obligated to lease the property for
an amount fixed by the lease prior to the operative date of this ordinance.
5. For the purposes of sub -paragraphs (3) and (4) of this section, the sale or lease of
tangible personal property shall be deemed not to be obligated pursuant to a
contract or lease for any period of time for which any party to the contract or lease
has the unconditional right to terminate the contract or lease upon notice,
whether or not such right is exercised.
C. There are exempted from the use tax imposed by this ordinance, the storage, use or other
consumption in this District of tangible personal property:
1. The gross receipts from the sale of which have been subject to a transactions tax
under any state -administered transactions and use tax ordinance.
2, Other than fuel or petroleum products purchased by operators of aircraft and used or
consumed by such operators directly and exclusively in the use of such aircraft as
common carriers of persons or property for hire or compensation under a certificate
of public convenience and necessity issued pursuant to the laws of this State, the
United States, or any foreign government, This exemption is in addition to the
exemptions provided in Sections 6366 and 6366,1 of the Revenue and Taxation Code
of the State of California.
3, If the purchaser is obligated to purchase the property for a fixed price pursuant to a
contract entered into prior to the operative date of this ordinance,
4. If the possession of, or the exercise of any right or power over, the tangible personal
property arises under a lease which is a continuing purchase of such property for any
period of time for which the lessee is obligated to lease the property for an amount
fixed by a lease prior to the operative date of this ordinance.
5, For the purposes of subparagraphs (3) and (4) of this section, storage, use, or other
consumption, or possession of, or exercise of any right or power over, tangible
personal property shall be deemed not to be obligated pursuant to a contract or lease
for any period of time for which any party to the contract or lease has the
unconditional right to terminate the contract or lease upon notice, whether or not
such right is exercised.
6. Except as provided in subparagraph (7), a retailer engaged in business in the District
shall not be required to collect use tax from the purchaser of tangible personal
property, unless the retailer ships or delivers the property into the District or
participates within the District in making the sale of the property, including, but not
limited to, soliciting or receiving the order, either directly or indirectly, at a place of
business of the retailer in the district or through any representative, agent, canvasser,
solicitor, subsidiary, or person in the District under the authority of the retailer.
7. "A retailer engaged in business in the District" shall also include any retailer of any of
the following: vehicles subject to registration pursuant to Chapter 1 (commencing
with Section 4000) of Division 3 of the Vehicle Code, aircraft licensed in compliance
with Section 21411 of the Public Utilities Code, or undocumented vessels registered
under Division 3.5 (commencing with Section 9840) of the Vehicle Code. That retailer
shall be required to collect use tax from any purchaser who registers or licenses the
vehicle, vessel, or aircraft at an address in the District.
D. Any person subject to use tax under this ordinance may credit against that tax any
transactions tax or reimbursement for transactions tax paid to a district imposing, or
retailer liable for a transactions tax pursuant to Part 1.6 of Division 2 of the Revenue and
Taxation Code with respect to the sale to the person of .the property the storage, use or
other consumption of which is subject to the use tax.
Section 12. AMENDMENTS. All amendments subsequent to the effective date of this
ordinance to Part 1 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code relating to sales and use taxes
and which are not inconsistent with Part 1.6 and Part 1.7 of Division 2 of the Revenue and
Taxation Code, and all amendments to Part 1.6 and Part 1.7 of Division 2 of the Revenue and
Taxation Code, shall automatically become a part of this ordinance, provided however, that no
such amendment shall operate so as to affect the rate of tax imposed by this ordinance.
Section 13, ENJOINING COLLECTION FORBIDDEN., No injunction or writ of mandate or
other legal or equitable process shall issue in any suit, action or proceeding in any court against
the State or the County, or against any officer of the State or the County, to prevent or enjoin the
collection under this ordinance, or Part 1.6 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, of
any tax or any amount of tax required to be collected.
Section 14, SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this ordinance or the application thereof
to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the ordinance and the application
of such provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.
Section 15. EFFECTIVE DATE. This ordinance relates to the levying and collecting of the
District transactions and use taxes and shall take effect immediately.
Section 16. TERMINATION DATE., The authority to levy the tax imposed by this ordinance
shall expire March, 31, 2029.
Section 17. ELECTION COSTS, Payment for the costs of the election shall be the
responsibility of the County. If the election is successful, the County shall be reimbursed for the
cost of the election from the proceeds of the tax.
Section 18. CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TAX AND FEE ADMINISTRATION COSTS. Payment
for the costs of contracting with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration for
administration of the tax shall be the responsibility of the County. If the election is successful, the
County shall be reimbursed for any fee charged by the California Department of Tax and Fee
Administration from the proceeds of the tax.
Section 19. INCREASE OF THE APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT. The appropriations limit of the
County shall be increased by the amount of revenue anticipated to be collected by the County
from the transactions and use tax to allow spending of the tax for the period allowed by law.
Section 20. ADOPTION OF THE EXPENDITURE PLAN, The Board hereby adopts the attached
Expenditure Plan, which is incorporated into this Ordinance by reference.
Section 21.INDEPENDENT CITIZENS' OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE AND ANNUAL AUDIT. As
further defined in Expenditure Plan (Exhibit A) the Board of Supervisors shall establish a citizens'
oversight committee to provide transparency and ensure fiscal accountability.
Section 22. COMPLIANCE WITH CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA),
Pursuant to the State CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(4), adoption of this Ordinance and
Expenditure Plan is not a "project" subject to the requirements of CEQA. Prior to the
commencement of any project included in the Expenditure Plan, any necessary environmental
review required by CEQA shall be completed. Estimated costs in the Expenditure Plan include the
cost of such environmental review.
PASSED AND ADOPTED
In regular session of the Board of Supervisors of the County of Sonoma introduced on
the 10th day of July, 2018, and finally passed and adopted this 7th day of August, 2018, on
regular roll call of the members of said Board by the following vote:
SUPERVISORS:
Gorin: Ave Rabbitt: Ave Zane: Ave Hopkins: Ave Gore: Ave
Ayes: 5 Noes: 0 Absent: 0 Abstain: 0
WHEREUPON, the Chair declared the above and foregoing ordinance duly adopted and
SO,,O�RDERED
Chajr�Bo rdof Supervisors
--Bounty o 0noma'''
ATTEST:
Sheryl Bratton, County Clerk and
Clerk of the Board of Supervisor
Exhibit A
EXPENDITURE PLAN
SONOMA COUNTY PARKS IMPROVEMENT, WATER QUALITY AND FIRE SAFETY MEASURE The
expenditure plan for Sonoma County Parks Improvement, Water Quality, and Fire Safety
Measure ("Expenditure Plan") provides for investment into four program categories. Each
program category will receive a percentage share of sales tax revenues, currently estimated at
$115 million (in 2018 dollars) over a 10 -year period.
Project Descriptions
The Expenditure Plan has four program categories that include specific program areas. The
Expenditure Plan calls for a specific percentage of revenue to be allocated to each of the
categories and the funding then distributed to the proposed list of program areas.
Cost for the items listed under each expenditure category includes support cost for accounting,
planning, reservations and marketing, project management and audits.
The list below does not reflect priority order.
1. SUPPORT FOR LOCAL CITY PARKS AND RECREATION NEEDS - 33.3% $38,300,000
Maintain parks and recreation facilities to ensure safe, clean, accessible visitor
experiences
Improve and develop athletic fields, playgrounds, restrooms, picnic areas and visitor
amenities
Create and expand parks, trails, bikeways, public art, and recreation & historical facilities
Plan and develop bike paths and trails with connections to schools, community spaces
and regional trails
Provide recreation, education and health programs for the community
Decrease future fire risks, fuel loads and invasive plants on city owned open space parks
Improve trails along waterways and riparian areas to benefit fish, wildlife habitat and
water quality
2. INVEST IN MAINTENANCE, SAFETY AND RECREATION SERVICES IN SONOMA COUNTY $28,750,000
REGIONAL PARKS, TRAILS AND OPEN SPACE PRESERVES — 25%
Complete deferred maintenance in parks, trails, parking areas and restrooms
Improve ongoing maintenance of parks, trails, signs, parking areas, fences and buildings
Provide recreation, education and health programs
Build and update playgrounds and natural play areas
Improve sports fields and active recreation parks
Improve and expand permanent restrooms, picnic areas, and visitor centers
Provide environmental and cultural education at visitor centers and community sites
Complete trails and amenities in existing open space parks
3. IMPROVE ACCESS TO SONOMA COUNTY REGIONAL PARKS, TRAILS AND OPEN SPACE $26,840,000
PRESERVES — 23.4%
Operate and maintain parks to ensure safe, clean, accessible visitor experiences
Repair and expand regional trails, including Class 1 bike paths
Enhance access to Sonoma Coast, including expansion of coastal trails
Improve and expand access to Russian River and Petaluma River
Provide outdoor education and recreation programs for underserved children, families
and seniors
Update park signs, maps and visitor information
Plan, develop, operate and maintain new open space parks
Support expansion of Bay Area Ridge and San Francisco Bay Trails in Sonoma County
4. PROTECT NATURAL RESOURCES IN SONOMA COUNTY REGIONAL PARKS, TRAILS AND OPEN
SPACE PRESERVES —18.3%
Decrease future fire risks, fuel loads and invasive plants
Improve waterways and riparian areas to benefit fish, wildlife habitat and water quality
Monitor and manage soil, vegetation and wildlife conditions
$21,110,000
a�°
Develop and implement natural resource management plans
Enhance grazing to improve fire safety and biodiversity
Protect and interpret natural and cultural resources through educational programs and
services
TOTAL EXPENDITURE PLAN COST OVER 10 YEARS
10 YR Measure —1/3`d to City Parks and Recreation Needs
10 YR Measure - 2/3rds to Regional Parks
*Assumes $11.5 million per year
Oversight and Administration
*$115,000,000
$38,300,000
$76,700,000
The implementation of the Sonoma County Parks Improvement, Water,Quality, and Fire Safety
Measure will be the responsibility of the Sonoma County Regional Parks Department (SCRPD).
The SCRPD Director reports to the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors.
Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee and Annual Audit
The Board of Supervisors shall establish a citizens' oversight committee to provide transparency
and ensure fiscal accountability. The committee shall review the receipt and expenditures of the
revenue from the transactions and use tax, including the County's annual independent audit. The
committee's review shall be completed in conjunction with the County's budget process. The
committee shall produce an annual oral or written report on its review which shall be considered
by the Board at a public meeting: The committee may provide budget recommendations to the
Board and City Councils regarding expenditures from the transactions and use tax. Any written
report shall be a public record. The Board shall adopt a resolution regarding the appointment of
seven committee members, and any additional duties of the committee. A minimum of two of
Committee members will be selected from list of names submitted by the Mayors of Sonoma
County Cities, provided such suggested names are submitted. In the absence of one or both
names from City Mayors the Sonoma County Parks Advisory Commission Chair and Vice Chair will
serve on the Oversight Committee. Each Board of Supervisor Member will appoint one person to
serve on the Citizen's Oversight Committee. Committee members will serve a three year term
and are eligible to be reappointed to one additional three year term.
The funds collected from the transactions and use tax ordinance shall be accounted for and
tracked by the County Auditor -Controller Treasurer -Tax Collector in four separate funds to
facilitate citizen oversight.
The amount generated by this revenue source and how it was used shall be included in the annual
audit of the County's financial operations by an independent certified public accountant, which
the committee shall review.
To preserve the integrity and independence of the oversight process, the committee's
responsibilities shall not include decision-making on spending priorities, financing plans or tax
rate projections or assumptions and the committee shall have no authority to direct, nor shall it
direct, County or City staff or officials.
Annual Report
An annual Sonoma County Parks Improvement, Water Quality, and Fire Safety Measure
Transactions and Use Tax Ordinance Report shall be prepared by the SCRPD and each city no later
than the last day of the sixth month following the end of each fiscal year. The Report shall be
submitted to the Citizens' Oversight Committee for review. The Committee will submit their
findings and conclusions to the County Board of Supervisors and City Councils, The Report will
also be made available to the public. The Annual Report shall detail the prior fiscal year's activities
related to the retail transactions and use tax. The Report shall include revenues generated by the
Transactions and Use Tax, expenditures (in summary form), funds carried over from previous
fiscal years, and any remaining funds to be carried over for expenditure in subsequent fiscal
years. The report may also include any future expenditures/projects that the entity is considering
and for which they are seeking confirmation of eligibility for use of the proceeds from this Parks
measure.
California Department of Tax and Fee Administration Costs.
Payment for the costs of contracting with the California Department of Tax and Fee
Administration for administration of the tax shall be the responsibility of the County. If the
election is successful, the County shall be reimbursed for any fee charged by the California
Department of Tax and Fee Administration from the proceeds of the tax. -
Election and Administration Costs
Payment for the costs of the election shall be the responsibility of the County. If the election is
successful, the County shall be reimbursed for the cost of the election from the proceeds of the
tax. The annual administrative cost borne by the County's Auditor staff and the California
Department of Tax and Fee Administration will be deducted from the annual proceeds from 1/8%
sales tax before distribution to the cities and the County park department.
Allocation of Transaction Tax Proceeds
The net proceeds from the 1/8th % tax after deduction for California Department of Tax and Fee
Administration and the County Auditor -Controller, Treasurer, Tax Collector cost for the
administration of the tax shall be distributed as follows: 33.3% of proceeds from the 1/8th
percent transaction tax will be distributed to all incorporated cities based on their pro rata share
of the most current total population of incorporated Sonoma County cities as provided by the
State of California Finance Department, A onetime changeover the 10 year term of this measure
can be made to the per capita method of distributing the 333% share to cities by agreement of
a 2/3rds majority of the City Managers or their designee's from each of the incorporated Sonoma
County Cities,
Maintenance of Effort Requirement
The proceeds from this measure should not be used to supplant an agency's historical general
fund(s) contribution in support of the operating (non -capital project) cost for providing its park
and recreation programs, facilities and services. Other'than during times of financial downturn
or other unexpected event, General Fund contributions, adjusted for onetime funding, should
not be less than allocated for the previous fiscal year. For purposes of this section a financial
downturn is defined as a time where total general fund revenues for the county/city have
declined by 1% or more when compared to the previous year.
Tax proceed recipients (cities and county) with reductions to General Funded Parks Departments
due to financial downturn will not be deemed as in violation of the maintenance of effort
requirement provided the actual amount of General Funds provided for operating Parks and
Recreation programs, facilities and services is no less than the lowest amount provided over the
three fiscal years of 15/16, 16/17 and 17/18 as shown in those three years' Adopted
Budgets. Tax proceed recipients as part of their budgeting process shall annually determine the
budgeted general fund(s) non -capital contributions, adjusted for onetime funding, for parks and
recreation uses.
Implementation Guidelines
A. The duration of the tax will be 10 years, beginning on April 1, 2019 and expiring on March 31,
2029.
B. Environmental reporting, review and approval procedures as provided for under the National
Environmental Policy Act, and/or the California Environmental Quality Act, or other
applicable laws will be adhered to as a prerequisite to the implementation of any project,
C. Actual tax proceeds may be higher or lower than estimated in this Sonoma County Parks
Improvement, Water Quality, and Fire Safety Measure Transactions and Use Tax Ordinance
overthe 10-yearterm. The Expenditure Plan is based on the percentage distributions to each
Program Category and the dollar values included are estimates only. Actual tax proceeds will
be programmed annually in accordance with the percentage distributions in the Expenditure
Plan.