03 Explanation Packet for Charter Study Com Report

Home Browse Search

EXPLANATION: The requirement that 100 or more residents sign a petition before a grave public necessity could be declared, allowing the city budget to be amended, makes emergency amendment difficult and time consuming, which is inconsistent with a need for prompt response to a grave public necessity. The amendment allows the city greater leeway to respond to true emergency (homeland security) issues by permitting the budget to be amended in emergencies as provided by state law and allows non-emergency, simple amendments if they do not increase the amount of funds to be expended. PROPOSITION 37: Section 62. Bond ordinance and election. The city shall authorize the issuance of bonds by a bond ordinance passed by an affirmative vote of a majority of all members of the city council, and approved by a majority of the qualified property taxpayiBg voters voting as an election called for the purpose of authorizing the issuance of such bonds. The bond ordinance shall provide for proper notice, the calling of the election and the propositions to be submitted. The later shall distinctly specified: (1) the purpose for which the bonds are to be issued, and, where possible, the probable period of usefulness of the improvements for which the bond funds are to be expended; (2) the amount thereof; (3) the rate of interest; (4) the levy of taxes sufficient to pay interest and inking fund; (5) that the bonds to be issued shall mature serially within a given number of years not to exceed 40. The bond ordinance and the manner of conducting the election shall in all respects conform to the general laws of this state. EXPLANATION: This amendment would remove the no-longer valid requirement that voters own property in order to vote on a bond issue. PROPOSITION 38: Section 63. Issuance of bonds. 17 r r-.-""'+~ ...-.