On Wednesday, the Martinez City Council will receive a presentation and hold a discussion about moving the elected city clerk to an appointed position.
The item is before the city council after Mayor Brianne Zorn stated at the October 18 meeting the current city clerk reached out, as the position is up for election, stating it would be appropriate to turn the position into an appointed “staff position”.
“This is something that if we thought was a good idea, it would have to be put on a ballot and put to the voters for a vote. In order to get this on one of these ballots, we actually need to move and start talking about it,” said Zorn.
The recommendation from the City Clerk was prompted by the upcoming end of his elected four-year term in November 2024, and the rapid evolution of complex duties required of the position. The proposed change would require a ballot measure to be placed before the voters at an upcoming election.
According to the staff report, of the 482 cities in California, 100 cities have elected City Clerks. In Contra Costa County as of 2023, only 3 out of the 19 cities have an elected City Clerk – Pittsburg, Antioch, and Martinez. In recent years, the growing trend amongst 80% of cities is the utilization of the appointment process for City Clerks.
Timeline – Should the City Council approve the recommended action, the City and staff will be subject to the following deadlines:
- November 15 (E-111) City Council Meeting: Appointment of Council to draft Argument in Favor; draft ballot proposed.
- December 6 (E-90) City Council Meeting: Adoption of Ballot Resolution with elements outlined above.
- December 7 (E-89) Ballot measure and Primary Argument For submitted to the County Elections Office.
- December 8 (E-88) Last day to place a measure on the ballot.
- December 11 (E-85) Local measure letter assigned.
- December 20 (E-76) Deadline for Primary Arguments For/Against
- December 25* (E-71) Deadline for Rebuttal Arguments
- January 25 (E-40) Estimated Voter Information Guide Mailing
- March 5 Primary Election Day
- Early April Certification of Election Results
Recommendation – With his recommendation, support, and the approaching end of his term, the City Clerk has gifted a unique opportunity allowing the City Clerk’s Office to evolve into a position that can support the growing demands of the City and its community.
Fiscal Impact
Costs are greatly minimized when utilizing an appointment process in comparison to holding an election. Costs can be further reduced by the City’s ability to promote qualified staff internally, avoiding associated costs with outside recruitment. Additional savings can be recovered from salary and health benefits. The Assistant City Clerk estimated an annual savings of approximately $38,850.00.
The cost of the election is determined by the number of registered voters on Election Day. The Assistant City Clerk estimated the cost for placing a Ballot Measure on the 2024 Statewide Primary Election is approximately $66,000 . The cost would not change if the Ballot Measure is placed on the 2024 Statewide General Election. Should the Ballot Measure pass, there will be no additional costs. Should the Ballot Measure fail, there will be additional costs should the City propose the Ballot Measure again at a future election
Also on the Agenda: Update on Homeless Efforts
Also on Wednesday, the Martinez City Council will receive an update on its efforts to help the homeless. The data to be provided is through July 1, 2023 where the program was expanded to a full-time team of two workers providing 40-hours per week in the City of Martinez. The cost is $269,729. — see story.
Martinez City Council Meeting
DATE: Wednesday, November 01, 2023
TIME: 6:00 PM – Study Session
7:00PM – Regular Meeting
PLACE: City Council Chamber, 525 Henrietta Street, Martinez, CA 94553; and via Zoom
Full Agenda – click here
1 comment
This should be required by law everywhere. City clerk should clearly be a professional position rather than an elected one. Same goes for county tax collector/treasurer and sheriff. This isn’t the 19th century.
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