CITY OF MERCED - File #: 19-427

• File #: 19-427
• Version: 1
• Type: Business Item
• Status: Agenda Ready
• File created: 7/22/2019
• In control: Citizens Advisory Charter Review Committee
• On agenda: 7/25/2019
• Title: SUBJECT: Discussion on Article VII of the Merced City Charter to Potentially Add a Tax Transparency Commission Which Would be Charged with Oversight of Existing and Future Tax Measures REPORT IN BRIEF Allows for Charter Review Committee discussion on Article VII of the Merced City Charter to allow for the development of a Tax Transparency Commission as requested by Staff. RECOMMENDATION Citizens Advisory Charter Review Committee - Adopt a motion: A. Providing staff direction on the addition of a Tax Transparency Commission to Article VII of the Charter; or, B. Take no action

Title

SUBJECT: Discussion on Article VII of the Merced City Charter to Potentially Add a Tax Transparency Commission Which Would be Charged with Oversight of Existing and Future Tax Measures

REPORT IN BRIEF

Allows for Charter Review Committee discussion on Article VII of the Merced City Charter to allow for the development of a Tax Transparency Commission as requested by Staff.

RECOMMENDATION

Citizens Advisory Charter Review Committee - Adopt a motion:

A.  Providing staff direction on the addition of a Tax Transparency Commission to Article VII of the Charter; or,

B.  Take no action

Body

DISCUSSION

Staff are requesting that the Charter Review Committee discuss the possibility of adding a new Commission to Article VII of the Merced City Charter entitled the Tax Transparency Commission.  Currently, the City administers two separate tax measures, Measure C (general sales tax) and Measure Y (special sales tax).  Each of these measures establishes an Oversight Committee to ensure that funds are allocated and expended in a manner consistent with what the voters approved.  The Committees are required to meet quarterly and make findings and recommendations to the City Council when necessary.  It has become increasingly difficult to fill appointments on both of these Committees and to hold quarterly meetings.  Staff are recommending that the Charter Review Committee consider establishing a single Commission that would take on the responsibility of oversight for existing and future tax measures adopted within the City of Merced.  At the direction of the Charter Review Committee, staff will return with draft language to add the Tax Transparency Commission to Article VII of the Merced City Charter. 

ATTACHMENTS

1.  Measure C Ordinance

2.  Measure Y Ordinance