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Council Keeps Campaign Contribution Limit, Lets CPI Adjustment Stand; Revisit Possible Under District Elections
Summary
Council approved the annual CPI adjustment to the municipal campaign contribution limit; members agreed to consider whether the base limit previously set for citywide elections should be revisited now that elections are by district.
Thousand Oaks City Council on Oct. 7 approved an ordinance that adjusts the city’s campaign contribution limit by the consumer price index as provided in the existing policy. The motion passed 5–0.
Council member Engler had pulled the item (Item 9G) for discussion. Engler told council that the $750 contribution limit established after citywide elections had been set when the city’s population base and election footprint were larger; under district elections a council district has around one‑fifth of the population, so Engler suggested the city might revisit whether the base limit remains appropriate. Several council members said the subject warrants a study session before any change.
City staff advised the council the existing policy applies a CPI inflator biannually on odd‑numbered years so the council can act before campaign season begins; staff recommended maintaining the CPI adjustment now and, if council desires, directing staff to bring the question back for study and possible revision.
Council accepted staff’s recommendation and adopted the ordinance amending municipal code sections to reflect the CPI adjustment. The ordinance was read and the motion passed 5–0.
