Measure C: Public Safety/Essential City Services

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League of Women Voters of California Education Fund

San Joaquin County, CA

November 6, 2012 Election

Measure C
Public Safety/Essential City Services
City of Lathrop
City Ordinance - Majority Approval Required

Pass: 3541 / 77.57% Yes votes ...... 1024 / 22.43% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures

Results as of Dec 3 4:01pm, 100.0% of Precincts Reporting (12/12)

Information shown below: Impartial Analysis | Arguments |

To preserve the City's long-term financial stability and maintain City and public safety services, including police patrols and fire protection; 9-1-1 emergency response; rapid response to gang violence, robberies and burglaries; park safety; youth/senior services; job creation and other city services, shall the City of Lathrop enact a 1-cent sales tax with all money for Lathrop and no money for Sacramento, requiring independent Citizens' Oversight and published annual audits?

Impartial Analysis from Lathrop City Attorney
This ballot measure, if approved by the voters, will generate revenue that may be used by the City to pay for general City operations and programs including public safety provided within City limits for the benefit of City residents by the City or through contract with such entities as the San Joaquin County Sheriff Department and the Lathrop-Manteca Fire District. In additiion, the revenue generated by this measure may also be used by the City to fund general government operations including street maintenance and youth/senior services and programs. This ballot measure proposes a "general purpose tax" rather than a "special purpose tax" and therefore requires only a simple majority vote for adoption (50% + 1).

This ballot measure, if approved by the voters, will increase the transactions and use sales tax rate by 1% from the current rate 7.75% to 8.75%. The transactions and use tax increase proposed by this ballot measure is permanent, with the one cent increment specifically used for the local Lathrop community.

The proposed measure requires the City's independent auditors to complete a financial audit report to include the revenue raised and expended by this measure. This measure also requires an Independent Community Oversight Committee to be established to review the expenditures of the revenue from this transactions and use sales tax.

The above statement is an impartial analysis of the proposed transactions and use tax increase Ordinance. If you desire a copy of the ordinance please call the City Clerk's office at 209-941-7230 and a copy will be mailed or electronically transmitted to you at no cost to you.

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Arguments For Measure C

Did you know that Lathrop can no longer provide adequate services without additional funding? Here are the FACTS:

There are more than 400 documented gang members and gang associates in our community
Lathrop has 18% fewer police officers than the FBI recommends for a city our size
Lathrop's firefighter staffing levels are already below national standards
One of only four local fire stations has been CLOSED

Do something about it! Vote YES on C to protect and maintain police, fire and other essential services!
With recurring State budget deficits and Sacramento's continual raids on local funds, Lathrop could very well face severe cuts for years to come. YES on C provides Lathrop with reliable local funds to protect and maintain our community's essential services no matter what happens in Sacramento.
YES on C maintains police protection services and restores police patrols. YES on C maintains 9-1-1 emergency response times. YES on C maintains firefighters and fire protection services. YES on C maintains rapid response to gang violence. YES on C helps prevent residential property and auto-related crimes such as burglary and robbery. YES on C keeps our Senior and Community centers open to serve the most vulnerable in our community.
Without the funds generated by YES on C, Lathrop will experience longer 9-1-1 response times. We need Measure C funds to ensure that residents suffering from heart attacks, strokes, or other medical emergencies receive the immediate attention they need to survive.
Measure C includes tough fiscal accountability requirements such as an Independent Citizens Oversight Committee and annual independent audits. All audits will be published for the community's review. These fisal safeguards wil ensure funds are spent as promised to you, the taxpayer.
Join Lathrop police officers, firefighters, youth advocates, seniors and business leaders in supporting YES on C.
Submitted by: /s/ J. Chaka Santos, Mayor, City of Lathrop /s/ Gene Neely, Fire Chief, Lathrop-Manteca Fire District /s/ Josh Capper, President, Lathrop-Manteca Firefighters Association /s/ George Jackson, Member, Lathrop Senior Advisory Commission /s/ Mary Kennedy-Bracken, CEO/President, Lathrop Chamber of Commerce

(No arguments against Measure C were submitted)

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Created: December 17, 2012 13:47 PST
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