Clear Lake council adopts resolution opposing statewide initiative that would change local fees and penalties

The Clear Lake City Council voted unanimously on March 2 to approve Resolution 2023-14 opposing a proposed statewide voter initiative described in staff materials as the "Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act," sponsored by the California Business Roundtable.

City Manager Alan Flora briefed the council on staff concerns, saying the initiative would change how jurisdictions impose fees and administrative penalties and could require jurisdictions to re-ballot special revenue measures after annexations. "Our administrative citation process, administrative penalties that have been critical to our code enforcement efforts ... would be changed," Flora said, arguing the measure would complicate code enforcement and revenue collection.

Council members expressed alarm at possible impacts to local control and municipal services. Council member Overton said, "This would be so detrimental to our city and probably most small cities," and urged a coordinated outreach effort rather than a single letter of opposition. Council members discussed using League of Cities talking points and engaging civic groups and the media to explain potential consequences to residents.

After public comments asking for clearer, accessible information, Council member Kramer moved to approve the resolution by title; Council member Slooten seconded and the motion passed unanimously, as recorded by the clerk. The council directed staff to circulate League-approved bullet points and to present information to community organizations to inform voters.

The resolution, as described at the meeting, opposes the initiative on grounds it would diminish local authority over revenue measures and code enforcement. The record does not contain the full ballot text; staff advised further public outreach and education as the campaign develops.