SYNOPSIS OF MEASURE
The City of National City is a "general law" city. In California, general law cities must comply with state law in conducting their affairs, including applicable state law pertaining to the manner of selection of persons to serve as City officials.
The City Clerk and City Treasurer are separate offices within the government of the City of National City. A person is elected to each office by the voters to serve a four-year term. The National City Municipal Code provides that no person shall be eligible for nomination and election to serve in any elective office, which shall include the offices of Mayor, member of the City Council, City Clerk, or City Treasurer, for more than six terms in all offices combined.
The duties of the City Clerk and City Treasurer are set forth in the California Government Code. The Government Code provides that, among those duties, the City Clerk shall keep an accurate record of the proceedings of the City Council; maintain a record of all City ordinances; serve as the City's custodian of records; serve as the custodian of the City seal; and administer oaths and affirmations. Among other duties, the Government Code provides that the City Treasurer shall receive and safely keep all money the Treasurer receives; comply with all laws governing the deposit and securing of public funds; pay out money on warrants signed by legally designated persons; and perform such duties relative to the collection of City taxes and license fees as are prescribed by ordinance.
If approved by a majority vote of the voters voting upon the Measure, this Measure would make the offices of the City Clerk and City Treasurer appointive, rather than elective. The California Government Code provides that when the offices of City Clerk or City Treasurer are appointive, the appointments may be made by either the City Council or by the City Manager. The City Council has adopted a Resolution providing that, if this Measure is approved by the voters, the City Attorney is directed to submit an ordinance to the City Council vesting authority in the City Manager to appoint the City Clerk and City Treasurer. If this Measure is approved, the City Clerk and City Treasurer will serve at the pleasure of the City Manager, and the term limits described above will no longer apply.
The proposed Measure was placed on the ballot by action of the City Council.
The polls will be open between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.