Clearlake council adopts resolution opposing ballot initiative 21-0042

Clearlake City Council voted unanimously Feb. 17 to adopt Resolution No. 202,209 opposing voter initiative 21-0042, described by staff as the "Taxpayers Protection and Government Accountability Act."

City staff warned the initiative could require voter approval for municipal fees and take local control away from elected bodies. "The initial thing would require all municipal fees to be approved by the voters, and take the local control of the city council or elected body completely away," staff said, adding that some measures already passed could be nullified and require jurisdictions to return them to the ballot.

Staff also said the League of Cities requested jurisdictions consider a formal resolution of opposition because of the measure's expected statewide effects. A council motion to adopt the resolution was made by Councilmember Overton and seconded by Councilmember Cramer; the council voted unanimously to approve Resolution No. 202,209.

During the discussion staff characterized the measure as backed by a special-interest group funded by large corporations; council members said they did not have names for those backers at the meeting. The resolution records the council's formal opposition and directs staff to the procedural steps set out in the staff report.

Council recorded no public comments on the item and took formal action to oppose the initiative at this meeting.