HomeMy WebLinkAbout13. Receive and File Measure S Semi-Annual Reporttan■�•a
APPROVED
361 1i
TO'. HONORABLE MAYORTHE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
: JOHN OSKOUI, P.E., ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER
DATE JANUARY 22, 2019
SUBJECT: MEASURE S SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
includedMeasure S a requirementadvisory • -- be created to review,on
a quarterly basis, the City's expenditure and revenues generated by Measure S. On
June 28, 2017, the City Counciladopted Resolution • 16-7657 establishing -
ChairpersonIndependent Citizens' Oversight Committee.
The Citizens' Oversight Committee is comprised of five Downey residents appointed by
the City Council from each of the five Council districts. Appointed members include
David R. Gafin, Vice Chairperson Mario A. Guerra,Members Donald
Dorothy - •- • . Frometa.- - election s1
Claudia• to the City Council• - •- 1 became vacant and
was recently filled by Carmela Uva, who was appointed to the committee on January 8,
2019.
The Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee has held meetings on April 11) Ju y
• October 30, 2018.provided a -- Members with updateson
expendituresfor public safetypersonnel ant equipment,on
variousparks and facilities improvementprojects.
The Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee has completed a comprehensive
review of financial reports detailing the revenues and expenditures of Measure S funds,
The attached Measure S Annual Report (Attachment A) includes the Committee's
findings regarding the use of Measure S funds.
MEASURE S ANNUAL REPORT
JANUARY 22, 2019
Fiscal Responsibility
Efficiency & Adaptability
oiuuu�x�.
Qualitg•f , I
11�11111��1111
r-,vFv—,TQv.PWw
111MR-11ro Mell
Measure S, an increase of Y2percent to the transactions an use tax, was approved by
63% of Downey voters in November 2016 and went into effect on April 1, 2017.
Measure S is expected to generate approximately $9 million per year to protect and
enhance the quality of services to the community. Measure S spending is focused on
enhancing public safety, as well as improving City parks and facilities. The Measure
expires in 20 years and cannot be renewed without voter approval.
Measure S included a requirement that an advisory committee be created to review on
a quarterly basis, the City's expenditure and revenues generated by Measure S. This
review is to oversee that Measure S funds are being utilized in accordance with the City
Council's directives as to usage of such funds. On June 28, 2017, the City Council
adopted Resolution No. 16-7657 establishing the Independent Citizens' Oversight
The Citizens' Oversight Committee is comprised of five Downey residents appointed by
the City Council from each of the five Council districts. Appointed members include
Chair David R. Gafin, Vice Chair Mario A. Guerra, Members Donald LaPlante, Dorothy
Pemberton, and Claudia Frometa. As a result of the election of Claudia Frometa to the
City Council in November 2018, this seat became vacant and was recently filled by
Carmela Uva who was appointed to the committee on January 8, 2019.
The Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee has held meetings on April 11 , July 11,
and October 30, 2018. City Staff has provided Committee Members with updates on
expenditures for Public Safety personnel and equipment, as well as a status on the
various parks and facilities improvement projects.
INIZ-0 I 11TINTASIS 19-1 W -t- 1 011 &�ge ra t; I I I I a [�! a I I IZZ Vlayly.] mv�-- a W- 61 elf I I U I rZTW a LTA -
Measure S funds are collected by businesses and remitted to the State Board of
Equalization (BOE), similar to other sales taxes. The BOE then sends these funds t
the City. A total of $11,258,330 in Measure S payments from the BOE have been
received by the City from April 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018. Approximately $9.2
million is expected in sales tax revenue from Measure S for the 2018-2019 fiscal ye I
1
The City has budgeted $9.2 million or t e sca year in revenue an
expenditures as follows: $4.6 million will be spent for operations, which includes $4."�
million for Public Safety and $450,000 for General Operations.
The City has hired a total of 22 new Police and Fire positions to enhance public safety
services. These positions include:
10 Police Offic-
P •
Pg Enforcement Office
1 Safety Dispatcher
1 System Network Engineer
996 R -1-44-11W I a
1 Fire Captain
1 Ambulance Operator Coordinator
6 Ambulance Operators
So far, the City has purchased 160 new portable and 61 new mobile radio units to
replace the existing obsolete units for the Police Department and Code Enforcement
Division. In addition, an upgraded software system for existing radios was purchased,
as well as 11 additional M5 Coban video mobile data computers, and new dispatch
radio consoles. This new, updated equipment will provide the Police Department with
the best possible radio communications available. The City will also be purchasing
seven (7) new police vehicles for a cost of approximately $545,370.
Mr -MM=
go go 0 so
��
N
and $450,000 for capital reserve). The City issued a $50 million bond to finance
Measure S capital improvement projects.
As of November 30, 2018, the City has completed` approximately $2.6 million in
infrastructure improvements funded by Measure S.
The Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee has verified that Measure S funds have
been used to enhance the quality of services within the community. During this
reporting period, funds have been spent on the hiring of public safety personnel,
purchasing of Police and Fire Department equipment, and design and construction work
for City parks and facilities.
The Citizens' Oversight Committee understands the passage of Measure S represents
a trusted investment by Downey residents. We believe Measure S funds are being
used as intended for the betterment of the Downey community. During the review
period, City staff has been cooperative and helpful to the Citizens' Oversight
Committee.
The Citizens' Oversight Committee looks forward to the continued completion of City
parks and facilities improvement projects in the coming years.
Sincerely,
David R. Gafin, Chair
Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee
3