Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout7246 RESOLUTION NO. 7246 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, CALLING FOR THE PLACEMENT OF A GENERAL TAX MEASURE ON THE BALLOT AT THE JUNE 4, 2019, SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION FOR THE SUBMISSION TO THE QUALIFIED VOTERS OF A PROPOSED ORDINANCE ADDING PART 5.5 TO CHAPTER 6 (TAXES) OF ARTICLE II (ADMINISTRATION) OF THE ARCADIA MUNICIPAL CODE TO ESTABLISH A THREE-QUARTERS PERCENT (THREE-QUARTER CENT) GENERAL TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX (SALES TAX) WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Arcadia is authorized to levy a Transactions and Use Tax for general purposes pursuant to California Revenue and Taxation Code §7285.9, subject to approval by a two-thirds vote of all members of the City Council and by a majority vote of the electorate pursuant to Article XIIIC, §2 of the California Constitution ("Proposition 218"); and WHEREAS, pursuant to California Elections Code §9222, the City Council has authority to place initiative measures on the ballot to be considered at a Municipal Election; and WHEREAS, the City Council would like to submit to the voters an initiative measure establishing a general Transactions and Use Tax ("TUT") on the sale and/or use of all tangible personal property sold at retail in the City ata rate of three-quarters of a cent(3/4¢); and WHEREAS, the TUT is a general sales tax, the revenue of which will be placed in the City's general fund and will be used to pay for important general City services; and WHEREAS, revenue generated by this measure can be used to address community identified spending priorities, such as: maintaining local 911, police and fire services, preventing and investigating property crimes, like thefts and burglaries, keeping fire 1 stations operating at current levels, and maintaining police patrols around neighborhood schools and parks; and WHEREAS in 2017, Arcadia had the highest number of home break-ins and neighborhood property crime in recent history, and with changes in state law allowing for the early release of prisoners and shortening sentences, Arcadia residents have expressed the importance of maintaining police protection and the number of Arcadia officers at current levels; and WHEREAS, The City currently has five fewer police officers than it did in 2008 -- unless additional, locally-controlled revenue is generated, as many as 13 police officers and 10 firefighter/paramedic positions could be cut, affecting emergency response times; and WHEREAS, people live in Arcadia because it offers a better quality of life and better services than nearby communities, and the City seeks to keep taxpayer dollars local; and WHEREAS, doing so will maintain 911 emergency response times, police and fire protection; reduce property crimes like home break-ins, thefts and burglaries; and keep streets and roads repaired; and WHEREAS, this measure includes fiscal accountability by continuing to require annual independent financial audits and public review of expenditures and ensures that all funds remain in the City of Arcadia and cannot be taken by the county, state or federal government; and WHEREAS, on November 6, 1996, the voters of the State of California approved Proposition 218, an amendment to the State Constitution which requires that all general 2 taxes which are imposed, extended or increased must be submitted to the electorate and approved by a majority vote of the qualified electors voting in the election; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Proposition 218 (California Constitution Article XIIIC, §2(b)), an election for the approval of a new or increased general tax must generally be consolidated with a regularly scheduled general election for members of the governing body of the local government; and WHEREAS, Proposition 218 permits the City Council to call a special election for the voters to consider imposing, increasing or extending a general tax if the City Council finds, by a unanimous vote, that there exists an emergency requiring a special election to be conducted earlier than the next regularly scheduled general election at which city council members are to be elected; and WHEREAS, the next regularly scheduled general election at which city council members are to be elected is not until April 14, 2020; and WHEREAS, for those reasons more specifically set forth in Resolution No. 7242 (City Council Mid-Year Budget Revision - adopted February 5, 2019), the health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of the City would be endangered if the City were unable to place this Measure before its voters prior to April 14, 2020; and WHEREAS, the circumstances described above create an emergency situation warranting the placement of the Measure on the next available special election ballot to permit the voters to decide on the Measure pursuant to Proposition 218; and WHEREAS, California Elections Code section 4000(c)(8) and Arcadia Municipal Code Section 1703 authorize conducting this Special Municipal Election by all-mail ballot; and 3 WHEREAS, the initiative ordinance to be considered by the qualified voters and the terms of approval, and collection and use of the general TUT are described and provided for in the initiative ballot measure attached hereto as Exhibit "A" (the "Measure") and by this reference made an operative part hereof, in accordance with all applicable laws. NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY FIND, DETERMINE AND RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. Findings. The City Council finds that all of the preceding recitals are true and correct and are hereby incorporated and adopted as findings and determinations by the City Council as if fully set forth herein. SECTION 2. Declaration of Emergency. Pursuant to California Constitution, Article XIIIC, Section 2(b), the City Council, by a unanimous vote, hereby declares the existence of an emergency in that there are imminent financial risks and dangers, as described above, to the public welfare and the City's financial ability to provide municipal services at current levels and without disruption, so that a special election is necessary to address such risks and dangers. SECTION 3. Submission of Measure. Pursuant to California Constitution, Article XIIIC, Section 2(b), California Elections Code §9222, California Revenue and Taxation Code §7285.9 and any other applicable requirements of the laws of the State of California relating to charter cities, the City Council, by a unanimous vote, hereby calls and orders to be held in the City of Arcadia on Tuesday, June 4, 2019, an all-mail ballot Special Municipal Election for the purpose of submitting the Measure attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and incorporated herein by this reference to the qualified electors of the City. 4 SECTION 4. The Measure shall be presented and printed upon the ballot submitted to the voters in the manner and form set forth in this Section 4. On the ballot to be submitted to the qualified voters at the City Special Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, June 4, 2019, in addition to any other matters required by law, there shall be printed substantially the following: "ARCADIA PUBLIC SAFETY, CITY SERVICES, AND ACCOUNTABILITY MEASURE. To maintain 9-1-1 YES emergency response times, including to home break-ins and thefts; neighborhood, school and park police patrols, fire/paramedic services, fire station operations, emergency preparedness; retain/attract local businesses; maintain streets/infrastructure; provide other general services and maintain City finances, shall the City of Arcadia establish a 3/4¢ sales tax providing approximately $8,600,000 annually until NO ended by voters, requiring annual independent financial audits, all funds remaining in Arcadia?" SECTION 5. Conduct of Election. The City Clerk is authorized, instructed, and directed to procure and furnish any and all official ballots, printed matter and all supplies, equipment and paraphernalia that may be necessary in order to properly and lawfully conduct the all-mail ballot election. In all particulars not recited in this Resolution, the election shall be held and conducted as provided by law for holding all-mail ballot municipal elections. 5 SECTION 6. Notice of Election. Notice of the time and place of holding the election is hereby given, and the City Clerk is authorized, instructed and directed to give further or additional notice of the election, in time, form and manner as required by law. SECTION 7. Impartial Analysis. Pursuant to California Elections Code Section 9280, the City Council hereby directs the City Clerk to transmit a copy of the Measure as set forth herein to the City Attorney. The City Attorney shall prepare an impartial analysis of the Measure, not to exceed 500 words in length, showing the effect of the Measure on the existing law and the operation of the measure, and transmit such impartial analysis to the City Clerk not later than end of business on March 19, 2019. The impartial analysis shall include a statement indicating whether the Measure was placed on the ballot by a petition signed by the requisite number of voters or by the City Council. In the event the entire text of the Measure is not printed on the ballot, or in the voter information portion of the sample ballot, there shall be printed immediately below the impartial analysis, in no less than 10-font bold type, the following: "The above statement is an impartial analysis of Ordinance or Measure " ". If you desire a copy of the ordinance or measure, please call the election official's office at (626) 574-5410 and a copy will be mailed at no cost to you." SECTION 8. Placement on the Ballot. The full text of the Measure shall not be printed in the voter information guide, and a statement shall be printed in the ballot pursuant to Elections Code §9223 advising voters that they may obtain a copy of this Resolution and the Measure, at no cost, upon request made to the City Clerk. SECTION 9. Filing with County. The City Clerk shall, not later than the 88th day prior to the Special Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, June 4, 2019, file with the 6 Board of Supervisors and the County Clerk — Registrar of Voters of the County of Los Angeles, State of California, a certified copy of this Resolution. SECTION 10. Public Examination. Pursuant to California Elections Code Section 9295, this measure will be available for public examination for no fewer than ten (10) calendar days prior to being submitted for printing in the voter information guide. The Clerk shall post notice in the Clerk's office of the specific dates that the examination period will run. SECTION 11. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution. Passed, approved and adopted this 5th day of March, 2019. Mayor of the City orcadia ATTEST: / '' Clerk 1 APPROVED AS TO FORM: Stephen P. Deitsch City Attorney 7 STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) SS: CITY OF ARCADIA ) I, GENE GLASCO, City Clerk of the City of Arcadia, hereby certifies that the foregoing Resolution No. 7246 was passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Arcadia, signed by the Mayor and attested to by the City Clerk at a regular meeting of said Council held on the 5th day of March, 2019 and that said Resolution was adopted by the following vote, to wit: AYES: Beck, Chandler, Verlato, and Tay NOES: None ABSENT: Amundson y Clerk o t►e City of Arcadia 8 Exhibit "A" ORDINANCE NO. MEASURE " " AN ORDINANCE OF THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA ADDING PART 5.5 TO CHAPTER 6 (TAXES) OF ARTICLE II (ADMINISTRATION) OF THE ARCADIA MUNICIPAL CODE TO ESTABLISH A THREE-QUARTERS PERCENT (THREE-QUARTER CENT) GENERAL TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX (SALES TAX), SAID TAX TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TAX AND FEE ADMINISTRATION THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA DO HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. Part 5.5 is hereby added to Chapter 6 (Taxes) of Article II (Administration) of the Arcadia Municipal Code to read as follows: "CHAPTER 6. TAXES Part 5.5 — LOCAL TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX 2655. Title. This Part shall be known as the Arcadia Transactions and Use Tax Ordinance. The City of Arcadia hereinafter shall be called "City." This Part shall be applicable in the incorporated territory of the City. 2655.1. Operative Date. "Operative Date" means the first day of the first calendar quarter commencing more than 110 days after the effective date of this Part, the effective date being as set forth below. 2655.2. Purpose. This Part 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 Cal. Revenue and Taxation Code and § 7285.9 of Part 1.7 of Division 2 which authorizes the City to adopt this tax chapter which shall be operative if a 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 8 insofar as those provisions are not inconsistent with the requirements and limitations contained in Part 1.6 of Division 2 of the Cal. Revenue and Taxation Code. C. To adopt a retail transactions and use tax ordinance that imposes a tax and provides a measure therefore that can be administered and collected by the 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 Cal. 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. 2655.3. Contract with State. Prior to the operative date, the City 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 City 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. 2656. Transactions Tax Rate. For the privilege of selling tangible personal property at retail, a tax is hereby imposed upon all retailers in the incorporated territory of the City at the rate of three-quarters percent (3/4%) 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. 2656.1. 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 his 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. 2657. Use Tax Rate. An excise tax is hereby imposed on the storage, use or other consumption in the City 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 three-quarters percent (3/4%) of the sales price of the property. The 9 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. 2658. 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 Cal. Revenue and Taxation Code, all of the provisions of Part 1 (commencing with Section 6001) of Division 2 of the Cal. Revenue and Taxation Code are hereby adopted and made a part of this chapter as though fully set forth herein. 2658.1. Limitations on Adoption of State Law and Collection of Use Taxes. In adopting the provisions of Part 1 of Division 2 of the Cal. Revenue and Taxation Code: A. Wherever the State of California is named or referred to as the taxing agency, the name of this City 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, State Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board, 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 City 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 chapter. 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 Cal. 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 §§ 6701, 6702 (except in the last sentence thereof), 6711, 6715, 6737, 6797 or 6828 of the Cal. Revenue and Taxation Code. B. The word "City" shall be substituted for the word "State" in the phrase "retailer engaged in business in this State" in § 6203 of the Cal. Revenue and Taxation Code and in the definition of that phrase in § 6203. 10 2658.2. Permit Not Required. If a seller's permit has been issued to a retailer under § 6067 of the Cal. Revenue and Taxation Code, an additional transactor's permit shall not be required by this ordinance. 2658.3. 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 City which is shipped to a point outside the City, 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 section, delivery to a point outside the City shall be satisfied: a. With respect to vehicles (other than commercial vehicles) subject to registration pursuant to Chapter 1 (commencing with § 4000) of Division 3 of the Cal. Vehicle Code, aircraft licensed in compliance with § 21411 of the Public Utilities Code, and undocumented vessels registered under Division 3.5 (commencing with § 9840) of the Cal. Vehicle Code by registration to an out-of-City 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-City 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 paragraphs (B)(3) and (4) of this section, the sale or lease of tangible personal property shall be deemed not to be obligated pursuant to a 11 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 City 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 §§ 6366 and 6366.1 of the Cal. Revenue and Taxation Code. 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 paragraphs (C)(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 paragraph (C)(7), a retailer engaged in business in the City 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 City or participates within the City 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 City or through any representative, agent, canvasser, solicitor, subsidiary, or person in the City under the authority of the retailer. 7. "A retailer engaged in business in the City" shall also include any retailer of any of the following: vehicles subject to registration pursuant to Chapter 1 (commencing with § 4000) of Division 3 of the Cal. Vehicle Code, aircraft licensed in compliance with § 21411 of the Cal. Public Utilities Code, or undocumented vessels registered under Division 3.5 (commencing with § 9840) of the Cal. 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 City. 12 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 Cal. 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. 2659. Annual Audit. By no later than December 31 of each year, the City shall cause an independent auditor to complete a "Arcadia Transactions and Use Tax Report." Such report shall review whether the tax revenues collected pursuant to this ordinance are collected, managed and expended in accordance with the requirements of this chapter. 2659.1. Amendments. All amendments subsequent to the effective date of this ordinance to Part 1 of Division 2 of the Cal. 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 Cal. Revenue and Taxation Code, and all amendments to Part 1.6 and Part 1.7 of Division 2 of the Cal. 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 chapter. 2659.2. 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 City, or against any officer of the State or the City, to prevent or enjoin the collection under this ordinance, or Part 1.6 of Division 2 of the Cal. Revenue and Taxation Code, of any tax or any amount of tax required to be collected. 2659.3. Duration of Tax. The authority to levy the tax imposed by this ordinance shall continue until this ordinance is repealed." SECTION 2. Pursuant to California Constitution, Article XIIIC, Section 2(b) and Revenue and Taxation Code Section 7285.9, this ordinance was approved for placement on the ballot by a unanimous affirmative vote of the City Council and by at least a two- thirds affirmative vote of all members of the City Council on March 5, 2019. SECTION 3. Once the City Council certifies passage of this ordinance by the voters, the City Clerk shall publish the same as required by applicable law, and forward a copy of the adopted ordinance to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. 13 SECTION 4. If any provision of this ordinance or the application thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity or unconstitutionality shall not affect any other provision or applications, and to this end the provisions of this ordinance are declared to be severable. The City Council, and the electorate by initiative, do hereby declare that they would have adopted this ordinance and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, part or portion thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, clauses, phrases, parts or portions thereof, be declared invalid or unconstitutional. SECTION 5. Pursuant to Elections Code Section 9217, this ordinance shall be deemed adopted and become effective only if approved by a majority of the eligible voters of the City of Arcadia voting thereon, at an election to be held on June 4, 2019, and shall take effect ten (10) days after the City Council has certified the results of that election by resolution. SECTION 6. The Mayor is hereby authorized to attest to the adoption of this ordinance by signing where indicated below. [SIGNATURES ON THE NEXT PAGE] 14 Passed, approved, and adopted this 4th day of June, 2019. Mayor of the City of Arcadia ATTEST: City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: Stephen P. Deitsch City Attorney 15