Rules Committee forwards charter amendment limiting use of one‑time revenues to full Board after debate

Supervisor Sean Ellsburn asked the Rules Committee to forward a brief charter amendment that would add section 9.119 to limit expenditures of one‑time revenues to one‑time uses unless the Board votes by a two‑thirds supermajority to override the restriction. He invited former Mayor Art Agnos to describe the history behind the idea.

Mayor Art Agnos told the committee he placed a similar declaration of policy before voters in 1988 (Proposition X), saying the city had too often used one‑time money from settlements and property sales to cover recurring operating costs. "It passed then, in overwhelming fashion, some 67% of the vote," Agnos said, urging supervisors to preserve the principle so short‑term money does not become permanent spending.

Supporters, including Ellsburn, framed the charter language as a best‑practice budgeting tool and cited examples where a two‑thirds override would still allow flexibility in extraordinary circumstances. Supervisor Chiu said codifying the rule could bring stability and predictability for nonprofits and partners that receive city funds.

Opponents, led by Chair Chris Bailey and Supervisor Daly, said placing such a restriction in the charter could reduce the city’s ability to respond to year‑to‑year revenue volatility and could hamstring elected officials’ ability to balance a diversified portfolio of revenue sources. Daly described the city's budget as ‘‘diversified’’ and said explicit charter constraints could be counterproductive in difficult fiscal years.

After debate, Supervisor Chiu moved to send the amendment to the full Board without recommendation. On roll call the committee recorded Supervisor Chu (aye), Supervisor Campos (aye) and Supervisor Daly (no), a 2–1 result; the item will go to the full Board for consideration and, if recommended, to the ballot per the clerk’s calendar note.