To learn more about measures, follow the links for each tab in this section. For most screenreaders, you can hit Return or Enter to enter a tab and read the content within.
Election Results
Passing
3,356 votes yes (64.83%)
1,821 votes no (35.17%)
Shall the office of City Treasurer be appointed, with the first appointment to be made upon the earlier of (i) the expiration of the term of office of the person elected to serve as City Treasurer at the March 3, 2020 General Municipal Election; or (ii) a vacancy in such office?
What is this proposal?
Details — Official information
Impartial analysis / Proposal
Mark D. Hensley, City Attorney
The City Council has placed before the voters the question whether to amend the City's municipal code to transition from an elected City Treasurer to an appointed City Treasurer. A full copy of the proposed ordinance is printed in these ballot materials.
Currently, the City Treasurer is elected by the El Segundo voters to a four-year term of office. Except the City Council members and the City Clerk, who are also elected, all other city officers and department heads are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the City Council.
The current City Treasurer's term ends in March 2020, and the elected City Treasurer seat is included on the March 2020 ballot, along with this measure. If someone is elected as City Treasurer and the measure passes, then the elected City Treasurer could choose to serve the entire four-year term, until March 2024. Upon conclusion of the four-year term, or if the City Treasurer's office becomes vacant at any point during the term, the position would then automatically convert to an appointed position, and either the City Council or the City Manager could then appoint someone to be the City Treasurer without holding an election.
The ballot measure was proposed by the current elected City Treasurer who believes that converting the office to an appointed position ensures the position is filled with someone with the required skills and experience in managing public funds. The city's finance department estimates that, if the voters approve the measure, the city could potentially save up to $39,000 per year on expenses associated with the elected position. This estimated amount includes, but is not limited to, election costs every four years as well as special compensation paid to the elected City Treasurer in the form of a monthly stipend, health benefits and CalPERS pension benefits.
A "Yes" vote is a vote in favor of the ordinance converting the elected City Treasurer office to an appointed position.
A "No" vote is a vote against the ordinance and keeps the City Treasurer office an elected position.
This measure will be approved if it receives a simple majority of "Yes" votes.
Published Arguments — Arguments for and against
Arguments FOR
Vote "Yes" on Measure T to improve government efficiency and save taxpayer money.
El Segundo currently elects a part-time Treasurer to manage the City's cash and investments of $100 million. The only requirements to be the elected Treasurer is that you must be 18 years of age or older and a resident of the City. There are no educational or experience requirements to be the Treasurer.
Two-thirds of California cities have converted their elected Treasurer to an appointed position in an effort to streamline government financial operations, increase transparency, as well as reduce salary costs. By appointing a City Treasurer, existing overlapping duties in the finance functions will be eliminated and will place responsibility for managing the City's cash and investments with a qualified and experienced finance professional.
The City will save approximately $39,000 per year in salary, health insurance and retirement benefits. In addition, the City will maintain complete transparency of its finances and will continue with its longstanding practice of annual audits by independent third-party accounting firms.
Measure T is a step forward in making government more responsible and efficient while increasing transparency and reducing spending on salaries.
CRISTA BINDER
Treasurer, City of El Segundo
DREW BOYLES
Mayor, City of El Segundo
CAROL PIRSZTUK
Mayor Pro Tem, City of El Segundo
SCOT NICOL
Councilmember, City of El Segundo
CHRIS PIMENTEL
Councilmember, City of El Segundo
Arguments AGAINST
NO ARGUMENT AGAINST THIS MEASURE WAS SUBMITTED
