I. RECOMMENDATION:
This item was requested as a Future Agenda Item by Councilman Adkisson.
II. BACKGROUND:
On June 14, 2018, Coalinga City Council adopted Resolution No. 3820 Calling for a Municipal Election to Submit to the Voters a Local Ballot Measure Adopting a One-Percent (1%) Transactions and Use (Sales) Tax to Fund Coalinga City Services including Police and Fire Protection and other General Services and Requesting the Board of Supervisors of Fresno County to Consolidate a Municipal Election on a Local Measure with other Elections to be held on November 6, 2018.
On September 20, 2018, the Coalinga City Council approved Resolution No. 3862 providing a declaration of intent for expenditures related to Measure J revenues within the 10-year period.
On November 6, 2018, Measure J passed.
The one-percent (1%) sales tax went into effect April 1, 2019, and sunsets on April 1, 2029.
III. DISCUSSION:
To date, all Measure J priorities outlined in Resolution No. 3862 have been accomplished or are nearing accomplishment.
They are as follows:
1. Hire 3 additional Firefighter/Paramedics - (Opted for Non-Safety Program instead-ACCOMPLISHED);
2. Reinstate the ten Reserve Firefighter positions to assist with coverage of the community - ACCOMPLISHED;
3. Hire 2 additional Police Officers - ACCOMPLISHED;
4. Reactivate Police Investigations Unit - NEAR ACCOMPLISHING;
5. Make upgrades to City's Emergency Command Center - ACCOMPLISHED;
6. Hire additional public safety personnel - ACCOMPLISHED;
7. Purchase Building-wide UPS (Uninterruptable Power Supply) - ACCOMPLISHED;
8. Pay fair wages to employees - ACCOMPLISHED;
9. Hire a Deputy Fire Chief - ACCOMPLISHED;
10. Improve recruitment, retention and employee morale - ACCOMPLISHED
11. Institute a Financial Reserve - ACCOMPLISHED
This item on the agenda allows Council to discuss Measure J and its renewal and direct staff accordingly.
IV. ALTERNATIVES:
None.
V. FISCAL IMPACT:
None at this time. |