Head Start on Ballot Collection 

Assembly Elections and Redistricting Committee – May 13
Assembly Bill 363 (Steinorth) – Support

AB 363 would allow counties to get a head start on collecting ballots from polling locations by permitting their collection prior to the closing of the polls. This will expedite vote tabulation and save county resources by reducing the need for overtime staffing. 

Tax Vote Notice Requirement 

Assembly Appropriations Committee – May 13
Assembly Bill 237 (Daly) – Pending/Comments Requested 

AB 237 would create additional requirements for counties and other local agencies seeking to levy a parcel tax as part of the voter-approval process. Parcel taxes are voted on by the residents of the impacted jurisdiction and are not based on property ownership. AB 237 would, however, require that any property owner, residing within or outside the jurisdiction, whose parcel is subject to the parcel tax also be notified of a forthcoming vote, regardless if they are eligible to vote on the new tax. CSAC is working with the author’s office to provide a more reasonable time frame and align property-owner notification with other codified deadlines regarding voter notification and ballot materials. 

Initial estimates indicate a notification of this type would cost $1 per property subject to the new tax and could also create new work for county assessors to provide the necessary data to other political subdivisions. Only a few counties currently levy a parcel tax but AB 237 may further impede counties’ interested in seeking a parcel tax given the limited opportunities and authority for new revenue sources. CSAC would like to know what, if any concerns or benefits this measure could create for your county. 

Additional Time Given for Annual SCO Reports

Assembly Local Government Committee – May 13 
Assembly Bill B 341 (Achadjian) – Support

AB 341 would significantly extend the current time frame for submitting Financial Transaction Reports and compensation reports to the State Controller’s Office (SCO) annually. The new time frame allows local agencies to report actual data based on full fiscal years and employee compensation rather than estimated or anticipated revenue, expenditures and compensation. CSAC appreciates the collaborative approach led by the bill’s sponsor, the League of California Cities, along with the SCO and California Special Districts Association. Counties should note, the Financial Transaction Reports and compensation reports are now a state mandated activity due to legislation passed last year and CSAC recommends counties keep track their related expenses for potential reimbursement.
 

New Special District Formation by Special Act

Assembly Local Government Committee – May 13
Assembly Bill 3 (Williams) – Concerns

AB 3 would create a new community services district in Santa Barbara County, upon voter approval to form the district. CSAC has worked closely with the author’s office to mitigate negative unintended consequences on local service providers that could result from unprecedented new tax authority for the special district and governance structure for appointed board members.