Current Measure Information

55% Vote Required

Natomas Schools Repair, Safety, Education Measure. To continue providing quality education/ career training; repair aging infrastructure/ electrical systems/ classrooms/ leaky roofs; improve school safety/ security/ access for students with disabilities/ safe play areas, by repairing, constructing, acquiring classrooms/ facilities, shall Natomas Unified School District's measure authorizing $300,000,000 in bonds at legal rates; levying $60 per $100,000 of assessed valuation; raising approximately $22,000,000 annually while bonds are outstanding; requiring oversight, disclosure, audits, no money for administrators' salaries, be adopted?

Impartial Analysis Prepared by County Counsel

The California Constitution and Education Code authorize school districts to issue bonds for specified purposes if approved by the voters within district boundaries. Measure D was placed on the ballot by the governing board of the Natomas Unified School District (“District”). If approved, Measure D would allow the District to incur bonded indebtedness up to a maximum amount of $300 million dollars.  The proceeds from the issuance and sale of such general obligation bonds could only be used for the acquisition, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation and/or replacement, including furnishing and equipping of school facilities. Measure D lists the specific school facilities projects that the District intends to finance by the proposed bond sales.

No funds derived from bond sales may be used for general school operating expenses, including administrator and teacher salaries or pensions, or for any purpose or project other than those expressly stated in the measure. 

To ensure that funds are spent only as specified in the measure, Measure D requires: 1) the appointment of a citizen’s oversight committee; 2) completion of annual independent performance and financial audits; and 3) creation of an account into which proceeds of the bonds shall be deposited.

If Measure D is passed, the actual dates of sale and the amount of bonds sold would be governed by the District based on the need for construction funds and other factors.  If Measure D is approved, the tax rates necessary for payment of principal and interest on any bonds sold will largely be dictated by the timing of the bond sales, the amount sold at a given sale, market interest rates at the time of each sale (although in no event greater than the maximum bond interest rate allowed by law), as well as actual assessed valuation of taxable property in the District over the term of repayment. The District’s Tax Rate Statement contains the best estimates of tax rates required to service the bond debt. The District estimates the average annual tax rate levy to fund this bond is $59.38 per $100,000 of assessed valuation. The final fiscal year in which the tax is anticipated to be collected will be 2053-54.  The District estimates that the total amount repayable during the life of the bond, including principal and interest, is approximately $600 million dollars.

Passage of Measure D requires approval by 55% of the voters voting thereon.

A “YES” vote on Measure D means you wish to allow the District to issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $300 million dollars.

A “NO” vote on Measure D means you do not wish to allow the District to issue the proposed bonds.

“Approval of Measure D does not guarantee that the proposed project or projects in the Natomas Unified School District that are the subject of bonds under Measure D will be funded beyond the local revenues generated by Measure D.  The school district’s proposal for the project or projects may assume the receipt of matching state funds, which could be subject to appropriation by the Legislature or approval of a statewide bond measure.”

***YOU CAN FIND THE MEASURE ARGUMENTS FOLLOWING THE FULL TEXT OF THIS MEASURE***

Full Text of Measure D

NATOMAS SCHOOLS REPAIR, SAFETY, EDUCATION MEASURE

By approval of this measure by at least fifty-five percent (55%) of the registered voters voting thereon, the Natomas Unified School District (“District”) shall be authorized to issue and sell bonds in the aggregate principal amount of up to $300,000,000 to provide financing for the specific school facilities projects listed below in the Bond Project List, subject to all accountability safeguards specified herein.

INTRODUCTION

The Natomas Unified School District serves an area of approximately 38 square miles in the northwestern portion of Sacramento County, consisting of the Natomas community, north of the downtown area of the City of Sacramento. A diverse population of approximately 102,000 people live within the District’s boundaries, including approximately 17,000 students enrolled among 19 schools of the District and its associated charter schools. 

The District and the community are committed to providing modern learning spaces and safe, effective, and accessible classrooms that allow every child to reach their potential in school. Quality education requires quality school facilities, and local facilities funding is a necessary component of school facilities finance, in order to build and repair schools to meet the needs of our community and students.  High quality school facilities also contribute to the economic health of the region, helping to maintain property values.

The District actively and diligently maintains our aging classrooms and school facilities by keeping up with minor repairs and maintenance, however significant upgrades and improvements are beyond what can simply be accomplished or funded as maintenance.  The District’s priority facilities needs include necessary roof repairs, repairs and upgrades heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical systems, security and safety system upgrades, and remediation to remove hazardous materials in old buildings such as lead paint, mold, and asbestos.  Classrooms, labs, and technology must be upgraded to ensure all students have access to a strong educational foundation in science, technology, engineering and math.

To keep children and teachers safe at school the District must upgrade school security including emergency communications systems, security lighting, controlled entry door locks and gates, security cameras, and alarm systems at all school campuses.

The District is dedicated to offering excellent educational programs to ensure the community’s students are given every opportunity to succeed and excel in school and beyond.  Significant growth within the District’s territory has pushed many District schools to near capacity, and planned future growth will require additional classroom space in order to avoid severe overcrowding. 

SUMMARY STATEMENT OF THE BOND MEASURE

Natomas Schools Repair, Safety, Education Measure. To continue providing quality education/ career training; repair aging infrastructure/ electrical systems/ classrooms/ leaky roofs; improve school safety/ security/ access for students with disabilities/ safe play areas, by repairing, constructing, acquiring classrooms/ facilities, shall Natomas Unified School District’s measure authorizing $300,000,000 in bonds at legal rates; levying $60 per $100,000 of assessed valuation; raising approximately $22,000,000 annually while bonds are outstanding; requiring oversight, disclosure, audits, no money for administrators' salaries, be adopted?

ACCOUNTABILITY MEASURES

In order that the voters and taxpayers of the District may be assured that their money will be spent to address specific facilities needs of the District as provided in this Measure and in compliance with the State Constitution and the Strict Accountability in Local School Construction Bonds Act of 2000 (codified at Education Code Section 15264 et seq., the Board of Trustees covenants to diligently implement the following accountability measures:

(a)   Use the bond proceeds only for the purposes authorized hereunder, including the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or replacement of school facilities, furnishing and equipping of school facilities, or the acquisition or lease of real property for school facilities and related uses, and costs incident thereto, and not for any other purpose, including salaries and other routine school operating expenses;

(b)   Create an account into which proceeds of the bonds shall be deposited;

(c)    Conduct an annual, independent performance audit to ensure that the bond proceeds have been expended only on the projects and uses listed in this Measure;

(c)   Conduct an annual, independent financial audit of the proceeds from the sale of the bonds until all of those proceeds have been expended for school facilities projects and uses listed in this Measure; and

(d)   Establish and appoint members to an independent citizens’ oversight committee to ensure the bonds are used only for the projects and uses listed in this Measure.

BOND PROJECT LIST

The Natomas Unified School District has conducted extensive evaluation of the most urgent and critical facility needs, including safety issues, class size, computer and information technology, enrollment trends and needs analysis in developing the scope of projects to be funded with the Bonds.  In conducting the facilities needs evaluations, the District sought and received extensive public input through school site interactions, community surveys, stakeholder engagement meetings, and interactive materials.  Teachers, staff, parents, community members and the Board have prioritized needed facilities repairs, including leaky roof systems, building and mechanical system repairs (electrical, plumbing, HVAC), student health and safety upgrades, security system upgrades, replacement of aging temporary classrooms (portables), and acquisition and construction of new facilities and classrooms where needed to accommodate growth. 

This Bond Project List is designed so that the most critical facility needs will be addressed. The Board concluded that if these needs are not addressed now, the problems will only become more pressing and expensive to fix, as facilities continue to age and construction costs continue to rise.  The scope of specific projects, the order of construction, and their completion is contingent on final project costs and the availability of needed funds. The District will aggressively pursue State funding to reduce the District’s share of the costs of the projects and maximize what can be accomplished with local bond funding.

Bond proceeds may be expended on the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or replacement of District facilities, furnishing and equipping of District facilities, or the acquisition or lease of real property for District facilities.  Bond projects may be completed at all current and future District sites, including the following school campuses and facilities:

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

·       H. Allen Hight Elementary (TK-6)

·       Natomas Park Elementary (TK-6)

·       Two Rivers Elementary (TK-6)

·       Witter Ranch Elementary (TK-6)

TK-8 SCHOOLS

·       American Lakes School (TK-8)

·       Bannon Creek School (TK-8) /

Larry G. Meeks Virtual Academy

·       Heredia-Arriaga School (TK-8)

·       Heron School (TK-8)

·       Jefferson School (TK-8)

·       Paso Verde School (TK-8)

MIDDLE SCHOOLS

·       Natomas Middle School (7-8)

HIGH SCHOOLS

·       Discovery High School

·       Inderkum High School

·       Natomas High School

CHARTER SCHOOLS

·       Leroy Greene Academy (6-12)

·       Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep Elementary School

·       Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep Middle School

·       Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep High School

·       Natomas Charter School

·       Westlake Charter School (K-12)

The specific types of projects authorized to be financed with proceeds of the bonds include but are not limited to the following: 

SCHOOL RENOVATION, REPAIR AND UPGRADES

·       Renovate and repair classrooms.

·       Repair and refurbish restrooms, including fixtures and plumbing systems.

·       Repair or replace deteriorating and leaking roofs.

·       Upgrade and classrooms for modern career education, including to replace classroom furnishings and equipment, and upgrade/expand and install science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) lab facilities and technology equipment.

·       Improve school site parking, and student pickup/drop-off areas, and repair asphalt and paving where needed.

·       Improve and equip music, theater, and performing arts rooms and spaces.

·       Construct, refurbish or upgrade expand sports and athletic facilities, play fields, and playgrounds.

·       Provide, upgrade, or replace window and floor coverings, trim, siding, sealing, and paint.

·       Renovate and upgrade cafeterias and kitchens.

HEALTH, SAFETY, SECURITY & ACCESSIBILITY

·       Upgrade, replace, and/or install fire safety systems, including smoke/fire detectors and alarm, and sprinkler systems.

·       Install or upgrade security locks on windows and doors, and fire door systems.

·       Install or upgrade intercom and emergency communication systems.

·       Install security cameras.

·       Provide safe places for children to play.

·       Improve drinking water and air quality with filtration systems and equipment.

·       Remove asbestos, mold, lead paint, and other hazardous materials where encountered.

·       Improve and increase access for students with disabilities.

ENERGY, EFFICIENCY, AND BUILDING SYSTEMS

·       Complete renewable energy, energy-saving, or energy systems projects, including

o   solar electricity generation and distribution systems, including parking lot shade structures,

o   geothermal systems,

o   upgraded insulation,

o   efficient lighting, energy management and conservation systems,

o   windows and structures to support such systems, and

o   related infrastructure.

·       Repair, replace, upgrade and/or install aging and outdated building systems, including:

o   heating and air-conditioning systems,

o   electrical systems, and

o   plumbing systems including water supply and sewer systems.

CLASSROOM EXPANSION AND NEW CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

·       Replace aging temporary classrooms, including portables / trailers.

·       Acquire or construct additional classroom space at existing sites.

·       Transitional Kindergarten (TK) expansion.

·       Expand special education and student support spaces.

·       Convert elementary sites to serve students through grade 8, in order to reduce costs by avoiding the need for additional middle schools.

·       Construct career technical education (CTE) facilities/centers.

·       Construct new schools to accommodate population and enrollment growth.

·       Acquire land for new school sites to accommodate growth.

***

Incidental Costs and Facilities.  Each project is assumed to include its share of costs which are incidental and related to the projects including but not limited to costs of design, engineering, and other professional services, facilities assessments, inspections, site preparation, utilities, landscaping, bond project construction management, administration and other planning and permitting, legal, environmental study and reporting, accounting and similar costs; independent annual financial and performance audits; customary construction contingency; demolition and disposal of existing structures; the costs of interim housing and storage during construction including relocation and construction costs incurred relating to interim facilities; the preparation or restoration of construction, renovation or remodeling; rental or construction of storage facilities and other space on an interim basis for materials and other equipment and furnishings displaced during construction; costs of relocating facilities and equipment as needed in connection with the projects; and any necessary project components mandated by building codes and access requirements.  Authorized incidental costs also include the costs of the election, bond issuance costs, and project administration as authorized by law. In addition to the listed projects, bond proceeds may also be spent on the acquisition, construction, repair, renovation, and replacement of faculty and administrative support spaces and other District-wide support facilities and operational facilities, including, but not limited to District offices, transportation facilities, maintenance and operations facilities, and nutrition services facilities; and temporary housing of dislocated District activities caused by any bond construction project.  The repair of school facilities includes site and campus improvements in addition to building envelope and interiors, such as campus accessibility, utilities, grounds equipment, playground equipment, hard court surfaces, shade structures, signage; fire sensors; athletic fields, irrigation systems, gym bleachers; electrical wiring; athletic and play fields; solar power and water treatment/recycling systems; renovate and paint interior and exterior building surfaces to extend their useful life; security, safety and communication systems and equipment; upgrade irrigation systems; improvements and furnishings and/or other electronic equipment and systems. 

Alterations to Scope. Demolition and/or replacement or reconstruction of existing facilities scheduled for repair and upgrade may occur, if the Board determines that such an approach would be more cost-effective in creating enhanced and operationally efficient campuses. This may include land acquisition, relocation and construction at a new or alternative site, and/or demolition and reconstruction and/or repurposing on the original site, including an expanded site, and all costs relating thereto. In addition, this Measure authorizes the acquisition of real property, including necessary rights of ways, easements, or other real property interests, required to expand District facilities or to provide access.

Interim Financing Included; Joint Use Projects Authorized. Authorized bond expenditures include paying and/or prepaying interim or previously obtained financing for the types of projects included on the Bond Project List, such as bond anticipation notes, reduction or retirement of outstanding lease obligations including those issued to finance projects on the Bond Project List, and prepayment of lease payments to acquire title to facilities and/or equipment. Projects may also be undertaken on a joint use basis with other public entities, and such projects may include participation in the State Facility Program’s Joint-Use Program to gain matching funds for teacher education, multi-purpose rooms, gymnasiums, libraries, childcare, and other qualifying joint-use facilities.  With respect to such joint-use projects, the bond funds authorized by this Measure may be used to pay all of the local share needed to qualify the projects for special State matching funds under the State Facility Program’s Joint-Use Program requirements.

The Board of Trustees hereby certifies that it has evaluated the safety, class-size reduction, and information technology needs of the District in developing this list of school facilities projects.

STATE MATCHING FUNDS

California Education Code section 15122.5 requires the following statement to be included in this sample ballot:

“Approval of this bond measure does not guarantee that the proposed projects in the Natomas Unified School District that are the subject of bonds under this measure will be funded beyond the local revenues generated by this bond measure. The school district's proposal for certain of the projects assumes the receipt of matching state funds, which are subject to appropriation by the Legislature or approval of a statewide bond measure.”

ANNUAL TAX AMOUNT, RATE, AND DURATION

The bonds shall bear interest at an annual rate not exceeding the statutory maximum. The maturity of the bonds shall not exceed the maximum term allowed by law at the time of issuance (currently 25 years if issued under Education Code section 15140, or 40 years if issued under Government Code section 53508, so long as the bonds are not capital appreciation bonds (“CABs,” which CABs are limited to 25 years)).  Accordingly, as further set forth in the tax rate statement, the ad valorem tax will be levied at such rates and for so long as may be required to meet the debt service needs of the bonds proposed to be issued, including such bonds that may be issued to refund any approved bonds. 

Tax Rate Statement

NATOMAS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS
MEASURE D

An election will be held in the Natomas Unified School District (the "District'') on November 3, 2026, for the purpose of submitting to the electors of the District the question of incurring bonded indebtedness of the District in the maximum principal amount of $300,000,000. If such bonds are authorized and sold, the principal thereof and interest thereon will be payable from the proceeds of taxes levied on taxable property in the District. The following information regarding tax rates is given in compliance with Section 9401 of the California Elections Code. This information is based upon the best estimates and projections presently available from official sources, upon experience within the District and other demonstrable factors.

Based upon the foregoing and projections of the assessed valuations of taxable property in the District, and assuming the entire debt service on the bonds will be paid through property taxation:

1.         The best estimate of the average annual tax rate that would be required to be levied to fund the bond issue over the entire duration of the bond debt service, based on assessed valuations available at the time of the filing of this statement, or a projection based on experience within the same jurisdiction or other demonstrable factors is $59.38 per $100,000 of assessed valuation (5.938 cents per $100 of assessed valuation) of all property to be taxed. It is estimated that the final fiscal year in which the tax is anticipated to be collected is 2053-54.

2.         The best estimate of the highest tax rate that would be required to be levied to fund the bond issue, based on estimated assessed valuations available at the time of the filing of this statement, or a projection based on experience within the same jurisdiction or other demonstrable factors, is $60 per $100,000 of assessed valuation (6.000 cents per $100 of assessed valuation) of all property to be taxed. The estimated year in which such estimated highest tax rate will first apply is fiscal year 2027-28.

3.         The best estimate of the total debt service, including the principal and interest, that would be required to be repaid if all the bonds are issued and sold is $599,856,974.

Attention of voters is directed to the fact that the foregoing information is based upon projections and estimates only. The actual timing of sales of the bonds and the amount to be sold at any time will be governed by the needs of the District and other factors. The actual interest rates at which the bonds will be sold, which will not exceed the maximum permitted by law, will depend upon the bond market at the time of sale. The actual assessed valuations in future years will depend upon the value of property within the District as determined in the assessment and the equalization process. Therefore, the actual tax rates and the years in which those tax rates will be applicable may vary from those presently estimated and stated above.

Voters should note that estimated tax rates are based on the ASSESSED VALUE of taxable property on the County's official tax rolls, not on the property's market value. Property owners should consult their own property tax bills to determine their property's assessed value and any applicable tax exemptions.

s/Robyn Castillo
Superintendent, Natomas Unified School District

Argument in Favor of Measure D

VOTE YES ON MEASURE D.

Every student deserves a quality education in a school that's built for learning. Measure D will help provide safe campuses, repair aging classrooms, and expand hands-on career training opportunities. Thanks to Natomas Unified School District's strong fiscal stewardship, Measure D will not raise your tax rate. Most homes will see no change to their rate; some may see a slight reduction.

Measure D will address critical school facility needs, including upgrades to campus emergency systems and improvements to safe play areas that are accessible for students of all abilities.

Measure D will help repair deteriorating facilities by replacing outdated heating, cooling, ventilation, plumbing, and electrical systems. At the same time, Measure D will modernize learning environments to include technology and science upgrades. Measure D will expand career technical and vocational education, giving students opportunities to receive hands-on job training, technical knowledge, and specialized skills to earn good paying jobs after graduation.

Every dollar stays local and is protected by strict accountability. By law, none of the funds generated can be spent on administrative salaries. There will be independent annual audits, public disclosure of all expenditures, and oversight by a citizens' committee to ensure funds are spent efficiently and effectively. Measure D allows students in Natomas to have safe, clean, modern schools, without increasing your taxes.

Please Vote YES on Measure D so that we may continue to advance educational opportunities for all of our students on all of our school campuses.

Learn more at VoteNatomasKids.com.

s/Angelique Ashby
California State Senator

s/Micah Grant, President
Natomas Unified School District

s/Karina Talamantes
Vice Mayor, City of Sacramento

s/Lisa Kaplan
Councilmember

 

***NO REBUTTAL TO ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF MEASURE D WAS FILED***

***NO ARGUMENT AGAINST MEASURE D WAS FILED***

***NO REBUTTAL TO ARGUMENT AGAINST MEASURE D WAS FILED***

55% Vote Required

To upgrade local schools; improve school and student safety; replace leaky roofs and decaying pipes; replace failing heating and cooling systems; and update hands-on science and early job training classrooms and accommodate growing enrollment, shall Center Joint Unified School District’s measure authorizing $197 million in bonds, at legal rates, levying approximately $60 per $100,000 assessed value, (averaging $12,300,000 annually) while bonds are outstanding, with citizen oversight and audits, all funds staying local and none for administrator salaries, be adopted?

Impartial Analysis Prepared by County Counsel

The California Constitution and Education Code authorize school districts to issue bonds for specified purposes if approved by the voters within district boundaries. Measure E was placed on the ballot by the governing board of the Center Joint Unified School District (“District”). If approved, Measure E would allow the District to incur bonded indebtedness up to a maximum amount of $197 million dollars.  The proceeds from the issuance and sale of such general obligation bonds could only be used for the acquisition, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation and/or replacement, including furnishing and equipping of District facilities. Measure E lists the specific school facilities projects that the District intends to finance by the proposed bond sales.

No funds derived from bond sales may be used for general school operating expenses, including administrator and teacher salaries or pensions, or for any purpose or project other than those expressly stated in the measure. 

To ensure that funds are spent only as specified in the measure, Measure E requires: 1) the appointment of a citizen’s oversight committee; and 2) completion of annual independent performance and financial audits.

If Measure E is passed, the actual dates of sale and the amount of bonds sold would be governed by the District based on the need for construction funds and other factors.  If Measure E is approved, the tax rates necessary for payment of principal and interest on any bonds sold will largely be dictated by the timing of the bond sales, the amount sold at a given sale, market interest rates at the time of each sale (although in no event greater than the maximum bond interest rate allowed by law), as well as actual assessed valuation of taxable property in the District over the term of repayment. The District’s Tax Rate Statement contains the best estimates of tax rates required to service the bond debt. The District estimates the average annual tax rate levy to fund this bond is $54.94 per $100,000 of assessed valuation. The final fiscal year in which the tax is anticipated to be collected will be 2068-69.  The District estimates that the total amount repayable during the life of the bond, including principal and interest, is approximately $517 million dollars.

Passage of Measure E requires approval by 55% of the voters voting thereon.

A “YES” vote on Measure E means you wish to allow the District to issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $197 million dollars.

A “NO” vote on Measure E means you do not wish to allow the District to issue the proposed bonds.

 

“Approval of Measure E does not guarantee that the proposed project or projects in the Center Joint Unified School District that are the subject of bonds under Measure E will be funded beyond the local revenues generated by Measure E.  The school district’s proposal for the project or projects may assume the receipt of matching state funds, which could be subject to appropriation by the Legislature or approval of a statewide bond measure.”

 

***YOU CAN FIND THE MEASURE ARGUMENTS FOLLOWING THE FULL TEXT OF THIS MEASURE***

 

 

Full Text of Measure E

FULL TEXT BALLOT PROPOSITION OF THE CENTER JOINT UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT BOND MEASURE ELECTION FOR NOVEMBER 3, 2026

“To upgrade local schools; improve school and student safety; replace leaky roofs and decaying pipes; replace failing heating and cooling systems; and update hands-on science and early job training classrooms and accommodate growing enrollment, shall Center Joint Unified School District’s measure authorizing $197 million in bonds, at legal rates, levying approximately $60 per $100,000 assessed value, (averaging $12,300,000 annually) while bonds are outstanding, with citizen oversight and audits, all funds staying local and none for administrator salaries, be adopted?”

PROJECT LIST

            The Board of Trustees of the Center Joint Unified School District (the “District”) certifies that it has evaluated the District’s urgent and critical school needs, including school and student safety issues, enrollment trends, class size reduction, overcrowding, energy efficiency and computer technology, seismic safety requirements, and aging, outdated or deteriorating school buildings in developing the scope of projects to be funded.  The Board of Trustees will prioritize the key health and safety and sustainability needs so that the most critical school site needs are addressed.  The District conducted an evaluation at all school sites and received public input in developing the scope of school projects to be funded.  The exact size, configuration and location of each project will be determined by the Board of Trustees based on the needs of the District. 

            The Board of Trustees has made the following key findings:

•        The District is committed to providing quality education to its students, from TK/Kindergarten through 12th grade at its eight school sites.

•        Dedicated teachers and staff strive to deliver rigorous academic programs, personalized instruction, and a variety of extracurricular activities to serve the diverse communities and talents of the students.

•        District schools are aging and need repairs, such as replacing aging plumbing and electrical systems, repairing leaky roofs, updating HVAC systems and helping meet current school safety and academic standards.

•        The District also serves a community in one of California’s fastest growing regions and is experiencing significant growth in student enrollment, and needs to construct new schools, classrooms, and district facilities to serve these students.

•        A local funding source, such as a school improvement bond measure, could enable the District to provide new and upgraded school facilities for its present and future students.

•        A bond measure would provide funds for essential improvements and repairs, such as improving school and student safety and security, replacing portable classrooms that have exceeded their usable lifespans, updating hands-on science and early job training classrooms, and helping prepare the District for the growing student population.

•        The District conducted and adopted a comprehensive Facilities Master Plan that identifies the updates needed at each school site, meets the District’s goals for supporting current academic standards, and addresses specific priorities at individual school sites.

•        Funding from the State of California is not sufficient to serve the District’s current and growing population, and the limited State dollars available for facility upgrades typically take years and require local matching funds that could be provided by a local bond measure.

•        This school bond improvement measure could qualify our schools for millions in State matching funds that would otherwise go to other school districts.

•        This bond measure includes strict accountability, including the appointment of an independent citizens' oversight committee and annual audits to ensure all funds are spent locally as promised.

            In approving this Project List, the Board of Trustees determines that the District should:

(i)              Upgrade classrooms and other support facilities to support the District’s academic programs, including math, science, reading and writing.

(ii)             Qualify for State matching grant funds,

(iv)           Purchase school facilities as needed, or those currently being leased,

(iii)            Adhere to specific FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY safeguards such as:

(a)    All expenditures will be subject to annual independent financial and performance audits.

(b)    All funds will be subject to local control and provide improvements at District facilities and schools.

(c)     No funds will be used for administrators’ salaries and pensions.

(d)    An independent citizens’ oversight committee will be appointed to ensure that all funds are spent only as authorized.

            The Project List includes the following types of projects:

•        Make repairs to protect the community's long-term investment in District facilities, including fixing leaky roofs, decaying water and sewer pipelines, failing heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, repairing damaged pavement, and replacing substandard security gates;

•        Modernize or reconstruct existing permanent classrooms at our oldest schools or construct new classrooms, schools, and other district facilities, including labs, school support facilities, cafeterias, multipurpose rooms, and libraries;

•        Replace portable classrooms and older schools with new permanent facilities;

•        Construct, equip and furnish school facilities as permitted, including new school facilities;

•        Reconfigure, renovate and modernize classroom to accommodate modern classroom technology, including upgraded furnishings, fixtures, and equipment designed to transform the functionality of learning spaces;

•        Update hands-on science and early job training classrooms, including career technical education facilities;

•        Construct, renovate, remodel, equip and furnish student support facilities, including but not limited to libraries and student resource centers;

•        Provide infrastructure and technology to better serve students in the digital age and increase their academic achievement;

•        Construct, renovate, remodel, equip and furnish improvements to play areas and restrooms, including to ensure access for students and staff with disabilities; and

•        Address unforeseen conditions revealed during construction/modernization activities (e.g., plumbing or gas line breaks, dry rot, seismic or structural concerns, removal of asbestos, etc.) and perform necessary sitework in connection with new construction or renovation, and fund deferred maintenance as permitted by law.

            In addition to the listed projects stated above, bond proceeds may also be spent on the acquisition of a variety of instructional, maintenance and operational equipment, the construction of new schools, new classrooms and other new school facilities and District facilities, reconstruction, rehabilitation and repair of existing classrooms, school facilities and District facilities, all of which may include, but not be limited to, some or all of the following: construction, repair and/or renovation of student and staff restrooms; installation, repair and replacement of heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems; construction, installation, repair, modernization and upgrade of facilities for energy efficiency and to reduce costs and fire risks; installation, construction, repair and replacement of worn-out and leaky roofs, ceilings, windows, walls, doors and drinking fountains, including for energy efficiency or compliance with code or State or federal law; installing and modernizing interior and exterior floor covering; painting interior and exterior of facilities; installation, repair and upgrade of interior and exterior lighting systems; installing or rehabilitating covered walkways; installation of signage, bells and clocks; installation and upgrades of wiring and electrical systems to safely accommodate computers, technology and other electrical devices and needs, including replacement or addition of additional electrical service capacity; deferred maintenance projects; installation, repairing and replacing fire and smoke alarms, emergency communications and security systems; surfacing, resurfacing or replacing of hard courts, turf (including artificial turf), and fields; installation, repair or refurbishment of play apparatus and surfaces, and other play areas and fields, including to meet current safety requirements; constructing, installation, modernization, upgrade, replacement or refurbishing of irrigation systems, sprinklers and landscaping; building new and/or renovating existing physical education facilities, including gymnasiums, pools and aquatic facilities, stadiums, including installation of modern scoreboards, audio-visual equipment, and lighting of stadiums and other athletic facilities, replacement or purchase of athletic and aquatic furnishing and equipment, upgrading or construction of locker rooms, changing facilities, showers, bleachers and seating areas, concession spaces and box offices; installation or rehabilitation of lunch shelters; construction, reconstruction, upgrading, modernization, rehabilitation or replacing libraries, cafeterias, kitchens, nutrition services facilities, support spaces, multipurpose rooms, childcare facilities, laboratories, adult education facilities, district offices and administrative spaces; construction, reconstruction, upgrading, modernization, rehabilitation or replacing of performing arts spaces and music and art studios, including stage and backstage areas, scene shops, costume shops, dressing rooms, rehearsal spaces, seating, lighting systems, sound systems, recording systems, orchestra pit, public lobby, box office, and other related services and other furnishings and equipment appropriate for modern music, theater and art programs; improving sanitation and recycling; construction, reconstruction, repair and modernization of administrative support spaces and district offices; leasing or purchase of land for expansion or construction of parking lots, drop-off and pick-up areas, and other transportation facilities, including for staff parking and school buses; demolition of facilities to make room for new construction or reconstruction, and demolition of unsafe facilities; construction and reconstruction of various forms of storage and support spaces; removing and replacement of portable classrooms; upgrading, installing and replacing water and sewer lines and other plumbing systems; and replacing outdated security systems. The District may construct, install, upgrade, repair, replace or rehabilitate safety and security systems in connection with any of the projects listed herein, including security doors, fencing, lighting, security cameras and closed-circuit systems, gates, door locks and centralized lockdown systems, emergency exits, emergency communications systems, emergency power, smoke detectors, fire alarms and sprinklers, safety doors, and other security devices and systems. Any project herein may include construction or reconstruction of any facilities to comply with accessibility requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act; the removal or abatement of asbestos, lead paint, mold or other hazardous materials; or improvements to meet State seismic and other structural integrity standards.

            The District may construct facilities to serve students and reduce class sizes, as well as upgrading schools to provide competitive and modern learning environments and to prepare students for high school, college and careers and improve student access to instruction in science, technology, engineering, the arts and math. The upgrading of technology infrastructure and modernization of facilities includes all District facilities, including and not limited to, classrooms, labs, libraries, office and support spaces, and includes the installation, construction, upgrade and refurbishment or all necessary infrastructure, hardware and software and modern technology devices and instructional aides and devices, including but not limited to wiring and electrical systems, monitors, computers, tablets, modern projectors, portable interface devices, racks, servers, switches, routers, modules, wireless systems, sound projection, access control systems, printers, digital white boards, document projectors and cameras, videoconferencing equipment, upgraded voice-over IP, communications systems and call managers, collaborative systems, network management software, enterprise-wide software system replacements or upgrades, cabling, wiring, fiberoptics, wi-fi capabilities, access points, and network security/firewall, media control stations, centralized storage and backup systems, uninterruptible power supplies, and other miscellaneous equipment and software, and other modern equipment conducive to a modern learning environment or to increase bandwidth and internet access.

            Listed building construction, repair and rehabilitation projects and upgrades may be completed as needed.  Each project is assumed to include its share of furniture, equipment, architectural, engineering, and similar planning costs, program/project management, staff training expenses and a customary contingency for unforeseen design and construction costs. It also includes the acquisition of land, payment of the costs of preparation of all facility planning, facility assessment reviews, facility master plan updates, environmental studies (including environmental investigation, remediation and monitoring) and construction documentation, acquiring and leasing of real property for school facilities or new construction, and acquiring and leasing of property for temporary housing of dislocated District activities caused by bond projects. Proceeds of the bonds may be used to fund design, engineering and program management costs, as well as to make lease payments for leases, or to purchase authorized leased facilities, and may also be used to fund the cost of issuing the bonds, certain allowable election costs, and the cost of obtaining and disseminating information, as authorized under State law. The District may acquire real property for school facilities (including the acquisition of leases of real property or leasing of such property), including the purchase of leased facilities and the refinancing of outstanding lease obligations of the District, which may include the prepayment, refunding, or exercise of purchase options for certificates of participation, lease revenue bonds, or other lease obligations or debt instruments, any of which may be currently existing or which may exist in the future.

            When specific projects are included in the above list, they are presented to provide examples and are not intended to limit the generality of the broader description of authorized projects.  The order in which particular projects are listed is not intended to indicate priority for funding or completion.  Projects at each site will be accomplished to address the individual site deficiencies and priorities as enumerated in the District’s facilities master plan and as determined by the Board of Trustees.  The building construction, repair and rehabilitation projects and upgrades listed herein will be completed as needed.

            The allocation of bond proceeds may be affected by the District’s receipt of State matching funds and the final costs of each project.  Approval of Measure E does not guarantee that the proposed Project or Projects within the District that are the subject of bonds under Measure E will be funded beyond the local revenues generated by Measure E. The District’s proposal for the project or projects may assume the receipt of matching state funds, which could be subject to appropriation by the Legislature or approval of a statewide bond measure. In the absence of State matching funds, which the District will aggressively pursue to reduce the District’s share of the costs of the projects, the District may undertake fewer than all of the projects listed above.

            Any of the projects listed herein may be completed as a joint use project in conjunction with other public education, city, county, or college institutions, including libraries, childcare centers, multipurpose rooms, gymnasiums, athletics or physical education facilities, classrooms, and facilities for business development and career technology centers, all as determined by the Board of Trustees. The District may also pursue public-private partnerships or partnerships with nonprofit organizations or entities to complete any of the projects listed herein and reduce costs to the District, in compliance with applicable law and at the direction of the Board of Trustees.

            The final cost of each project will be determined as plans are finalized, construction contracts are awarded and projects are completed.  Based on the final costs of each project, certain projects described above may be delayed or may not be completed.  Demolition of existing facilities and reconstruction of facilities scheduled for new construction, repair and upgrade may occur, if the Board of Trustees determines that such an approach would be more cost-effective in creating more enhanced and operationally efficient campuses.  Necessary site preparation/restoration may occur in connection with new construction, renovation or remodeling, or installation or removal of relocatable classrooms, including ingress and egress, removing, replacing or installing irrigation, storm drain, and utility lines, trees and landscaping, relocating fire access roads, and acquiring any necessary easements, licenses, or rights of way to the property.  Proceeds of the bonds may be used to pay or reimburse the District for the costs of District staff when performing work on or necessary and incidental to bond projects.  Bond proceeds shall only be expended for the specific purposes identified herein  Projects financed with bond proceeds will be subject to oversight of a professional construction/program management firm. In addition, authorized projects include reimbursements for paid project costs and paying and/or prepaying interim or previously obtained financing for the types of projects included on the project list, such as bond anticipation notes or lease financings including certificates of participation relating to facilities projects and/or equipment previously financed.

            As required by the California Constitution, the proceeds from the sale of the bonds will be used only for the provision of school facilities by construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, refinancing or replacement of school facilities, including the furnishing and equipping of school facilities, or the acquisition or lease or real property for school facilities, and not for any other purpose, including teacher and administrator salaries and other school operating expenses.

            The District will conduct an annual, independent performance audit to ensure that the funds have been expended only on projects included in the Project List set forth above.

            The District will conduct an annual, independent financial audit of the proceeds from the sale of the bonds until all of those proceeds have been expended on projects included in the Project List set forth above.

Pursuant to Section 15772 of the Education Code, the Board will appoint a citizens’ oversight committee and conduct annual independent audits to assure that bond proceeds are spent only on projects included in the Project List set forth above and for no other purposes.

            NO ADMINISTRATOR SALARIES.  PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF THE BONDS AUTHORIZED BY THIS PROPOSITION SHALL BE USED ONLY FOR THE ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, RECONSTRUCTION, REHABILITATION, OR REPLACEMENT OF DISTRICT FACILITIES, INCLUDING THE FURNISHING AND EQUIPPING OF FACILITIES, AND NOT FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSE, INCLUDING PENSIONS, TEACHER AND SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR SALARIES AND OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES.

            FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY.  THE EXPENDITURE OF BOND MONEY ON THESE PROJECTS IS SUBJECT TO STRINGENT FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY REQUIREMENTS.  BY LAW, PERFORMANCE AND FINANCIAL AUDITS WILL BE PERFORMED ANNUALLY, AND ALL BOND EXPENDITURES WILL BE MONITORED BY AN INDEPENDENT CITIZENS’ OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE (EDUCATION CODE SECTION 15278 ET SEQ.) TO ENSURE THAT FUNDS ARE SPENT AS PROMISED AND SPECIFIED.  THE CITIZENS’ OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE MUST INCLUDE, AMONG OTHERS, REPRESENTATIVES OF A BONA FIDE TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION, A BUSINESS ORGANIZATION AND A SENIOR CITIZENS ORGANIZATION.  NO DISTRICT EMPLOYEES OR VENDORS ARE ALLOWED TO SERVE ON THE CITIZENS’ OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE.

Tax Rate Statement

An election will be held in Center Joint Unified School District (the “District”) on November 3, 2026, for the purpose of submitting to the electors of the District the question of issuing bonds of the District in the principal amount of $197,000,000.  If such bonds are authorized and sold, the principal thereof and interest thereon will be payable from the proceeds of taxes levied on the taxable property in the District.  The following information regarding tax rates is given in compliance with Section 9401 of the California Elections Code. This information is based upon the best estimates and projections presently available from official sources, upon experience within the District and other demonstrable factors.

Based upon the foregoing and projections of the assessed valuations of taxable property in the District, and assuming the entire debt service on the bonds will be paid through property taxation:

            1.         The best estimate from official sources of the average annual tax rate that would be required to be levied to fund the bond issue over the entire duration of the bond debt service, based on estimated assessed valuations available at the time of the filing of this statement, or on a projection based on experience within the District or other demonstrable factors, is $54.94 per $100,000 of assessed valuation of all property to be taxed.  The final year in which the tax is anticipated to be collected is 2068-69.

            2.         The best estimate from official sources of the highest tax rate that would be required to be levied to fund the bond issue, and an estimate of the year in which that rate will apply, based on estimated assessed valuations available at the time of the filing of this statement, or on a projection based on experience within the District or other demonstrable factors, is 60.00 per $100,000 of assessed valuation of all property to be taxed and the fiscal year is 2031-32.

            3.         The best estimate from official sources of the total debt service, including principal of and interest on the bonds, that would be required to be repaid if all of the bonds are issued and sold under the authorization, is $516,728,015.

            Attention of voters is directed to the fact that the foregoing information is based upon projections and estimates.  The actual timing of sales of the bonds and the amount to be sold at any time will be governed by the needs of the District and other factors.  The actual interest rates at which the bonds will be sold, which will not exceed the maximum permitted by law, will depend upon the bond market at the time of sale.  The actual assessed valuations in future years will depend upon the value of property within the District as determined in the assessment and the equalization process. Assessed valuation is not the same as market price of real property. Therefore, the actual tax rates and the years in which those tax rates will be applicable may vary from those presently estimated and stated above.

s/Scott Loehr
Superintendent
Center Joint Unified School District

Argument in Favor of Measure E

Vote YES on E to support quality education in Center Joint Unified School District schools WITHOUT INCREASING TAXES.

Some of our classrooms and school facilities are over 65 years old and need urgent repairs and updates to meet current academic, health, and safety standards. Measure E will allow for essential repairs and upgrades to school roofs, windows, water and sewer systems, and HVAC before repairs become more costly down the road.

Nothing is more important than ensuring our children are safe at school. Voting YES on E will improve student safety and campus security by modernizing door locks, installing cameras to control access better, and reconfiguring student pickup and drop-off areas on school campuses.

Measure E will provide classrooms that meet today’s standards for science, technology, engineering, math, and job and career readiness programs so that our graduates are well-prepared to become leaders in college and the future workforce.

Vote YES on E to:

•        Repair leaky roofs, windows, and decaying water and sewer pipelines

•        Upgrade or replace failing HVAC systems to ensure healthy classrooms

•        Update hands-on science, technology, engineering, math, and early job training classrooms

•        Accommodate growing enrollment

•        Replace deteriorating portable classrooms with permanent classrooms

Measure E is fiscally accountable:

•        Tax rates will not increase above what we already pay

•        An independent citizens’ oversight committee, annual audits, and a detailed project list ensure funds are spent as promised

•        All funds stay local to support local schools

•        Funds cannot be spent on administrators’ salaries or pensions

Our community is growing fast – now is the time to plan for the future. Measure E will ensure our community has the school facilities needed to meet the demand, without allowing overcrowding to impact the quality of student education.

Vote YES on E to support high-quality education WITHOUT INCREASING TAX RATES.

s/Steve Jackson
Retired Educator; Heritage Placer Vineyard Resident

s/Yvonne Leggett
CJUSD Parent Leader

s/Jeri Wartena
Retired 28-Year CJUSD Employee; Community Advocate

s/Kevin Kelly
Community Resident & Volunteer

s/Kourtney Hobart
CJUSD Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee Member

***NO REBUTTAL TO ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF MEASURE E WAS FILED***

***NO ARGUMENT AGAINST MEASURE E WAS FILED***

***NO REBUTTAL TO ARGUMENT AGAINST MEASURE E WAS FILED***

Shall the measure amending the City of Sacramento Charter – to provide a mechanism to terminate the Sacramento City Employees’ Retirement System (SCERS) when conditions are met; ensure that the City of Sacramento’s obligations to remaining members, surviving spouses, and other beneficiaries are fulfilled; with any surplus funds remaining after termination to be used to establish or contribute to a housing revolving loan fund and to finance affordable housing and market-rate housing with affordable financing components – be adopted?

55% Vote Required

Galt Joint Union High School District, Repair/Safety and Vocational Training Measure. To upgrade classrooms to maintain quality education/school safety by preparing students for skilled trades including welding/construction/plumbing; repairing leaky roofs; removing asbestos/mold; shall Galt Joint Union High School District’s measure be adopted, authorizing $43,000,000 in bonds at legal rates, levying $30 per $100,000 of assessed valuation, generating $3,100,000 annually, while bonds are outstanding, prohibiting funds for administrators salaries/pensions, requiring independent citizens’ oversight, audits, all funds locally controlled?

Impartial Analysis Prepared by County Counsel

The California Constitution and Education Code authorize school districts to issue bonds for specified purposes if approved by the voters within district boundaries. Measure G was placed on the ballot by the governing board of the Galt Joint Union High School District (“District”). If approved, Measure G would allow the District to incur bonded indebtedness up to a maximum amount of $43 million dollars.  The proceeds from the issuance and sale of such general obligation bonds could only be used for the acquisition, construction, improvement, upgrading and/or equipping of high school facilities in the District. Measure G lists the specific school facilities projects that the District intends to finance by the proposed bond sales.

No funds derived from bond sales may be used for general school operating expenses, including administrator and teacher salaries or pensions, or for any purpose or project other than those expressly stated in the measure. 

To ensure that funds are spent only as specified in the measure, Measure G requires: 1) the appointment of a citizen’s oversight committee; and 2) completion of annual independent performance and financial audits.

If Measure G is passed, the actual dates of sale and the amount of bonds sold would be governed by the District based on the need for construction funds and other factors.  If Measure G is approved, the tax rates necessary for payment of principal and interest on any bonds sold will largely be dictated by the timing of the bond sales, the amount sold at a given sale, market interest rates at the time of each sale (although in no event greater than the maximum bond interest rate allowed by law), as well as actual assessed valuation of taxable property in the District over the term of repayment. The District’s Tax Rate Statement contains the best estimates of tax rates required to service the bond debt. The District estimates the average annual tax rate levy to fund this bond is $29.62 per $100,000 of assessed valuation. The final fiscal year in which the tax is anticipated to be collected will be 2055-56.  The District estimates that the total amount repayable during the life of the bond, including principal and interest, is approximately $94 million dollars.

Passage of Measure G requires approval by 55% of the voters voting thereon.

A “YES” vote on Measure G means you wish to allow the District to issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $43 million dollars.

A “NO” vote on Measure G means you do not wish to allow the District to issue the proposed bonds.

 

“Approval of Measure G does not guarantee that the proposed project or projects in the Galt Joint Union High School District that are the subject of bonds under Measure G will be funded beyond the local revenues generated by Measure G.  The school district’s proposal for the project or projects may assume the receipt of matching state funds, which could be subject to appropriation by the Legislature or approval of a statewide bond measure.”

 

***YOU CAN FIND THE MEASURE ARGUMENTS FOLLOWING THE FULL TEXT OF THIS MEASURE***

 

Full Text of Measure G

GALT JOINT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
REPAIR, SAFETY, AND STUDENT JOB TRAINING MEASURE

INTRODUCTION

The Galt Joint Union High School District was established in 1911 and serves the Galt community and dozens of surrounding communities, located at the southern end of Sacramento County and including portions of northern San Joaquin County.  The District serves a student population approaching 2,000 high school students at Galt High School, Liberty Ranch High School, and Estrellita High School. 

The District takes pride in its neighborhood high schools, which are the heart of the communities in Galt and the surrounding areas.  The District is dedicated to advancing the academic and physical, social, and personal skills of the community’s high school students, and to its mission of maximizing opportunities and pathways for students as they prepare and progress to college and successful careers.  Our excellent teaching staff are a critical part of this mission. 

Quality education requires quality and modern facilities. Upgrading and repairing aging facilities, and providing space and technology necessary for modern high school instruction, will help the District attract and retain the best teachers.

The District diligently maintains the high schools.  Many urgently needed projects, however, cannot be addressed through routine maintenance alone.  Leaky roof systems, deteriorating bathrooms and plumbing systems, and asbestos and mold in facilities built during prior eras, must be addressed with local funding.  In addition, upgrades are needed to fire, security, and electrical systems, and classrooms need upgrades and repairs to provide modern facilities.  Aging sewer and gas lines need repairs and replacement.  Aging portable classrooms must be replaced.

When these issues go unaddressed, the cost of repairs and upgrades rises exponentially.

This measure will help upgrade all our local high schools’ outdated classroom electrical systems, technology and vocational classrooms and labs that provide training opportunities, with a greater emphasis on twenty-first-century education in science, computers, engineering and math. This investment in our local students will prepare them to be competitive and thrive as they move onto college, and enable students who choose not to go to college to acquire real-world skills and compete for jobs when they graduate.  Career technical education helps area students prepare for work in skilled trades such as construction, electrical engineering, welding, plumbing, and agricultural careers. 

This measure will address the most urgent repairs facing our neighborhood high schools such as repairing leaky roofs; removing asbestos and mold; repairing aging bathrooms and plumbing; and upgrading outdated electrical wiring and heating and ventilation systems.

The District still has classroom trailers housing students, including some that have been in use for nearly 40 years, well past their recommended lifespan.  Local funding is needed to replace outdated portables with permanent classrooms to ensure our students can learn in reliable, well-ventilated, and technologically up-to-date academic settings.

Neighborhood high schools have outdated security and safety features, including aging locks, alarms, and cameras, and do not have adequate security fencing and lighting and emergency communications systems.

The District last asked the community to support District facilities with a bond measure in 2016. Ten years later, those funds have been spent effectively and efficiently, saving taxpayers millions of dollars, yet aging facilities and technologies still need to be addressed. 

The State of California requires a local match, funded primarily through local, general obligation bonds, for school districts wishing to pursue matching state funds for the upgrade or replacement of school buildings and facilities.  The millions of dollars potentially available through the State match allows local taxpayers to benefit from the tax dollars they already pay to the State. 

Local funding is a critical and necessary component of school facilities funding, and local support is needed to ensure our students have the educational opportunities they deserve, and a school environment the community can take pride in.

All funds from a school bond measure must be spent on classroom and facility upgrades and repairs at Galt High School, Estrellita High School, Liberty Ranch High School, and other District facilities, and cannot be used for administrator salaries or pensions. Additionally, funding from this measure cannot be taken by the State.

This bond measure is subject to strict accountability requirements, including public disclosure of all spending, independent annual audits, and review of all spending by an Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee.

Summary Statement of Measure

Galt Joint Union High School District, Repair/Safety and Vocational Training Measure. To upgrade classrooms to maintain quality education/school safety by preparing students for skilled trades including welding/construction/plumbing; repairing leaky roofs; removing asbestos/mold; shall Galt Joint Union High School District’s measure be adopted, authorizing $43,000,000 in bonds at legal rates, levying $30 per $100,000 of assessed valuation, generating $3,100,000 annually, while bonds are outstanding, prohibiting funds for administrators salaries/pensions, requiring independent citizens’ oversight, audits, all funds locally controlled?

As required by the California Constitution, the proceeds from the sale of the bonds will be used only for the purposes authorized under Article XIIIA of the California Constitution, including construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or replacement of school facilities, furnishing and equipping of school facilities, or the acquisition or lease of real property for school facilities, as specifically set forth in this Measure, and costs incident thereto, and not for any other purpose, including salaries and other routine school operating expenses. 

The following list describes the specific projects the District proposes to finance with proceeds of the bonds. The scope of specific projects, the order of construction, and their completion is contingent on final project costs and the availability of needed funds. Further, projects on the project list are of the type that issuing the authorized general obligation bonds as stated will not cause the State to reduce any financial hardship contribution that would otherwise be available to the District had these bonds not been authorized, issued, and or expended for their stated purpose.

SCHOOL FACILITIES PROJECTS TO BE FUNDED FROM BOND PROCEEDS

The following list includes both projects that can be completed using the bond proceeds, along with State matching funds and other building funds the District is projected to receive and projects that are planned and needed but whose construction is contingent on the amount of bond funds available, plus the amount of State matching and other building funds the District may receive in the future, which is a function of the State building program rules, passage of State bonds, and the growth rate of the District. The completion of specific projects is also contingent on final project costs.

All District Sites, including but not limited to:

GALT HIGH SCHOOL, built in 1927, located at 145 North Lincoln Way

ESTRELLITA HIGH SCHOOL, built in 2007, located at 12935 Marengo Road

LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL, built in 2009, located at 12945 Marengo Road

·        Renovate, modernize, or relocate classrooms and school facilities to provide adequate learning environments.

• Make health, safety, and security improvements, including installation of outdoor shade structures, upgrades and repairs to fire safety systems, security/alarm systems and door locks, emergency communication and intercom systems, security cameras, seismic retrofitting, structural improvements, and mold/asbestos remediation where needed in existing facilities.
• Replace, repair, and/or modernize deteriorating and leaky roofs, leaking pipes, outdated plumbing, sewer, storm drainage, water, technology, and gas systems.
• Seal, repair, or replace outdated windows.
• Make energy efficiency upgrades including lighting replacement and retrofitting.
• Upgrade, replace, or repair water supply systems to ensure clean drinking water.
• Renovate and upgrade, and/or construct, bathroom facilities.
• Upgrade, replace and/or repair inadequate technology and electrical systems including wiring, panels, and infrastructure.
• Abate and remove hazardous materials and address unforeseen conditions revealed by construction/modernization (such as plumbing or gas line breaks, dry rot, seismic, structural, mold, asbestos, and other hazardous materials, and decaying walls.)
• Replace aging portable classrooms.
• Upgrade, expand, or construct gymnasium and athletic facilities, including bleachers, lighting, and concession facilities, including replacement or acquisition of physical education fields, indoor and outdoor athletic fields, tracks, bleachers, locker rooms, lighting, irrigation, and drainage.
• Acquire, install, repair and/or replace heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems.
• Update, repair, and/or replace exterior building envelopes, including periodic coating, sealing, and painting
• Repair, repave or replace deteriorating asphalt, concrete, sidewalks, parking lots, driveways and walkways.
• Repair, and install additional fencing and gates to improve campus security.
• Update facilities to comply with federal and state-mandated Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility requirements and as mandated by the Division of the State Architect (DSA) including site access, parking, restrooms, relocation of some existing electrical devices, drinking fountains, etc.
• Construction, renovation, or remodeling, replacement, or installation or removal of classrooms and school facilities including relocatable classrooms, including ingress and egress, removing, replacing, or installing landscaping, irrigation, utility lines (such as gas lines, water lines, electrical lines, sewer lines, and communication lines), trees and landscaping, relocating fire access roads, and acquiring any necessary easements, licenses, or rights of way to the property.
• Rental or construction of storage facilities and other space on an interim basis, as needed to accommodate construction materials, equipment, and personnel, and interim classrooms (including relocatables) for students and school functions or other storage for classroom materials displaced during construction.
• All work necessary and incidental to specific projects described above, including demolition of existing structures.

Approval of the District’s bond measure does not guarantee that all of the identified projects within this bond project list will be funded.  The District plans to pursue funds from the State of California, if available, to complete certain of the identified facilities projects.  The District is unable to anticipate all unforeseen circumstances which may prevent some of the projects listed above from being undertaken or completed.

 

The order in which projects are listed in the foregoing bond project list does not suggest an order of priority.  Project prioritization is vested in and will be determined by the District Board of Trustees.  Bond proceeds shall only be expended for the specific purposes identified herein.  The District shall create an account into which proceeds of the bonds shall be deposited and comply with the reporting requirements of Government Code section 53410.

The Board of Trustees hereby certifies that it has evaluated the safety, class-size reduction, and information technology needs of the District in developing this list of school facilities projects.

Each of the bond projects described in this bond project list include the costs of furnishing and equipping such facilities, and all costs which are incidental but directly related to the types of projects described above.  The bond projects described in the project list may be completed at any or all District sites, and projects completed at such sites may include any portion of the campus or District-owned property, including school or District administration offices.

These projects may include participation in the State Facility Program’s Joint-Use Program to gain matching funds for teacher education, multi-purpose rooms, gymnasiums, libraries, childcare, and other qualifying Joint-Use facilities. With respect to such joint-use projects, the bond funds authorized by this Measure may be used to pay all of the local share needed to qualify the projects for special State matching funds under the State Facility Program’s Joint-Use Program requirements.

ACCOUNTABILITY MEASURES

If the bonds are approved, the Board of Trustees will implement the following accountability measures in accordance with State law:

(a)   Use the bond proceeds only for the purposes authorized under Article XIIIA of the California Constitution, including construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or replacement of school facilities, furnishing and equipping of school facilities, or the acquisition or lease of real property for school facilities and related uses, as specifically set forth in this Measure, and costs incident thereto, and not for any other purpose, including salaries and other routine school operating expenses;

(b)   Conduct an annual, independent performance audit to ensure that the bond proceeds have been expended only on the projects and uses listed in this Measure;

(c)   Conduct an annual, independent financial audit of the proceeds from the sale of the bonds until all of those proceeds have been expended for school facilities projects and uses listed in this Measure; and

(d)   Establish and appoint members to an independent citizens’ oversight committee to ensure the bonds are used only for the projects and uses listed in this Measure.

STATE MATCHING FUNDS

California Education Code section 15122.5 requires the following statement to be included in this Measure and provided to the voters:

Approval of this bond measure does not guarantee that the proposed projects in the Galt Joint Union High School District that are the subject of bonds under this measure will be funded beyond the local revenues generated by this bond measure. The District’s proposal for certain of the projects assumes the receipt of matching state funds, which are subject to appropriation by the Legislature or approval of a statewide bond measure.

ANNUAL TAX AMOUNT, RATE, AND DURATION

The bonds shall bear interest at an annual rate not exceeding the statutory maximum. The maturity of the bonds shall not exceed the maximum term allowed by law at the time of issuance (currently 25 years if issued under Education Code section 15140, or 40 years if issued under Government Code section 53508, so long as the bonds are not capital appreciation bonds (“CABs,” which CABs are limited to 25 years)).  Accordingly, as further set forth in the tax rate statement, the ad valorem tax will be levied at such rates and for so long as may be required to meet the debt service needs of the bonds proposed to be issued, including such bonds that may be issued to refund any approved bonds.

* * *

To the extent permitted by law examples of incidental costs include, but are not limited to: costs of design, engineering, architect and other professional services, facilities assessments, inspections, site preparation, utilities, landscaping, construction management and other planning and permitting, legal, accounting and similar costs; independent annual financial and performance audits; a customary construction contingency; demolition and disposal of existing structures; the costs of interim housing and storage during construction including relocation and construction costs incurred relating to interim facilities; rental or construction of storage facilities and other space on an interim basis for materials and other equipment and furnishings displaced during construction; costs of relocating facilities and equipment as needed in connection with the projects; interim classrooms and facilities for students, administrators, and school functions, including modular facilities; federal and state-mandated safety upgrades; addressing unforeseen conditions revealed by construction/modernization and other necessary improvements required to comply with existing building codes, including the Field Act; access requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act; costs of the election; project construction oversight, management and administration during the duration of such projects, including by District personnel, and bond issuance costs.

Unforeseen conditions may arise during the course of planning, design and construction resulting in the scope and nature of any of the specific projects described above being altered by the District.  In the event that the District determines that, with respect to a modernization or renovation project, it is more economical for the District or otherwise in the District’s best interests to be undertaken as new construction, this bond measure authorizes said new construction, including land acquisition, relocation, expansion and construction and/or reconstruction, and all costs relating thereto.  Conversely, if the District determines that it is more economical or otherwise in the best interests of the District to modernize or renovate District facilities instead of undertaking a new construction project, this bond measure authorizes such a project.  In addition, this measure authorizes the acquisition of real property, including necessary rights of ways or other real property interests, required to expand District facilities, to provide access to school or other District facilities, or to provide additional school or related facilities.  Further, authorized projects include reimbursements for project costs previously paid and paying and/or prepaying interim financing for the types of projects included on the project list, such as bond anticipation notes.  Finally, projects on this list may be undertaken and used as joint use projects with other public agencies.

Tax Rate Statement

GALT JOINT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS
MEASURE G

An election will be held in the Galt Joint Union High School District (the “District”) on November 3, 2026, for the purpose of submitting to the electors of the District the question of incurring bonded indebtedness of the District in the maximum principal amount of $43,000,000.  If such bonds are authorized and sold, the principal thereof and interest thereon will be payable from the proceeds of taxes levied on taxable property in the District.  The following information regarding tax rates is given in compliance with Section 9401 of the California Elections Code.  This information is based upon the best estimates and projections presently available from official sources, upon experience within the District and other demonstrable factors.

Based upon the foregoing and projections of the assessed valuations of taxable property in the District, and assuming the entire debt service on the bonds will be paid through property taxation:

1. The best estimate of the average annual tax rate that would be required to be levied to fund the bond issue over the entire duration of the bond debt service, based on assessed valuations available at the time of the filing of this statement, or a projection based on experience within the same jurisdiction or other demonstrable factors is $29.62 per $100,000 of assessed valuation (2.962 cents per $100 of assessed valuation) of all property to be taxed.  It is estimated that the final fiscal year in which the tax is anticipated to be collected is 2055-56.

2. The best estimate of the highest tax rate that would be required to be levied to fund the bond issue, based on estimated assessed valuations available at the time of the filing of this statement, or a projection based on experience within the same jurisdiction or other demonstrable factors, is $30 per $100,000 of assessed valuation (3.000 cents per $100 of assessed valuation) of all property to be taxed.  The estimated year in which such estimated highest tax rate will first apply is fiscal year 2029-30.

3. The best estimate of the total debt service, including the principal and interest, that would be required to be repaid if all the bonds are issued and sold is $93,507,933.

Attention of voters is directed to the fact that the foregoing information is based upon projections and estimates only.  The actual timing of sales of the bonds and the amount to be sold at any time will be governed by the needs of the District and other factors.  The actual interest rates at which the bonds will be sold, which will not exceed the maximum permitted by law, will depend upon the bond market at the time of sale.  The actual assessed valuations in future years will depend upon the value of property within the District as determined in the assessment and the equalization process.  Therefore, the actual tax rates and the years in which those tax rates will be applicable may vary from those presently estimated and stated above.

Voters should note that estimated tax rates are based on the ASSESSED VALUE of taxable property on the County’s official tax rolls, not on the property’s market value.  Property owners should consult their own property tax bills to determine their property’s assessed value and any applicable tax exemptions.

s/Anna Trunnel
Superintendent
Galt Joint Union High School District

Argument in Favor of Measure G

Vote YES on G to Keep Galt's High Schools Safe, Modern, and Clean.

Every day, our Galt high schools prepare students for future success. Our students graduate with the necessary skills to be hired by local businesses, pursue skilled careers, or succeed in college.

While some of our schools have been updated over the years, many of the classrooms and labs that our students rely on are aging and were built for a different era of education. Leaky roofs, asbestos and mold damage, aging bathrooms and plumbing, outdated electrical wiring and old heating and ventilation systems must be addressed.

Our students deserve the same opportunities as others in the region, so they are ready to compete in college or be able to enter the local job force when they graduate.

Measure G will upgrade and expand career vocational education programs with the equipment and classrooms needed to offer job training in good-paying fields including agriculture, engineering, and skilled trades including welding.  

Strict Fiscal Accountability Keeps Measure G Local:

●      All funds under local control and cannot be taken by the State

●      No funds can be used for administrators' salaries or pensions

●      Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee and annual audits required

●      Public disclosure of all spending so funds are used as promised

 

 

Measure G: Vote Yes for Galt High Schools

●      Upgrade classrooms and labs to prepare students for college and careers

●      Repair leaky roofs and remove asbestos and mold

●      Keep high schools safe and clean

●      Upgrade school safety and security systems

We can’t rely on the state to fix our schools. Measure G provides dedicated local funding. Supporting quality education is a wise investment that strengthens our local economy and supports home values.

Join trusted community leaders in voting YES on Measure G for safe schools, skilled graduates, and a strong Galt community.

s/Don Nottoli
Community Member

s/Diann Kitamura
Former Board Member/Employee, GJUHSD

s/Mathew Pratton
Life Long Galt Citizen

s/William T. Roper
R&M Electric Owner

s/Josh Blevins
Blevins Construction

 

***NO REBUTTAL TO ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF MEASURE G WAS FILED***

***NO ARGUMENT AGAINST MEASURE G WAS FILED***

***NO REBUTTAL TO ARGUMENT AGAINST MEASURE G WAS FILED***

55% Vote Required

With funds that cannot be taken by the State, public disclosure of all spending, and no increase in tax rates, shall Los Rios Community College District's measure to prepare students, workers, veterans for jobs with affordable college and career training facilities; provide safe drinking water; and repair leaky roofs be adopted authorizing $1.1 billion in bonds with legal rates, average levies below $17 per $100,000 assessed valuation ($74,500,000 annually while outstanding), independent audits, oversight, and all funds staying local?

Impartial Analysis Prepared by County Counsel

(Los Rios Community College School Facilities District No.1- School Bond Measure)

The California Constitution and Education Code authorize school districts to issue bonds for specified purposes if approved by the voters within district boundaries. Measure H was placed on the ballot by the governing board of the Los Rios Community College School Facilities District No.1 (“District”). If approved, Measure H would allow the District to incur bonded indebtedness up to a maximum amount of $1 billion 100 hundred million dollars.  The proceeds from the issuance and sale of such general obligation bonds could only be used for the acquisition, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation and/or replacement, including furnishing and equipping of facilities and equipment in the District. Measure H lists the specific school facilities projects that the District intends to finance by the proposed bond sales.

No funds derived from bond sales may be used for general school operating expenses, including administrator and teacher salaries or pensions, or for any purpose or project other than those expressly stated in the measure. 

To ensure that funds are spent only as specified in the measure, Measure H requires: 1) the appointment of a citizen’s oversight committee; 2) completion of annual independent performance and financial audits; 3) establishment of a separate account in which proceeds of bond sales will be deposited; and 4) submission of an annual status report to the Board.

If Measure H is passed, the actual dates of sale and the amount of bonds sold would be governed by the District based on the need for construction funds and other factors.  If Measure H is approved, the tax rates necessary for payment of principal and interest on any bonds sold will largely be dictated by the timing of the bond sales, the amount sold at a given sale, market interest rates at the time of each sale (although in no event greater than the maximum bond interest rate allowed by law), as well as actual assessed valuation of taxable property in the District over the term of repayment. The District’s Tax Rate Statement contains the best estimates of tax rates required to service the bond debt. The District estimates the average annual tax rate levy to fund this bond is $16.55 per $100,000 of assessed valuation. The final fiscal year in which the tax is anticipated to be collected will be 2050-51.  The District estimates that the total amount repayable during the life of the bond, including principal and interest, is approximately $1.79 billion dollars.

Passage of Measure H requires approval by 55% of the voters voting thereon.

A “YES” vote on Measure H means you wish to allow the District to issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $1.1 billion dollars.

A “NO” vote on Measure H means you do not wish to allow the District to issue the proposed bonds.

 

“Approval of Measure H does not guarantee that the proposed project or projects in the Los Rios Community College District School Facilities Improvement District No.1 that are the subject of bonds under Measure H will be funded beyond the local revenues generated by Measure H.  The school district’s proposal for the project or projects may assume the receipt of matching state funds, which could be subject to appropriation by the Legislature or approval of a statewide bond measure.”

 

 

***YOU CAN FIND THE MEASURE ARGUMENTS FOLLOWING THE FULL TEXT OF THIS MEASURE***

Full Text of Measure H

LOS RIOS COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT SCHOOL FACILITIES IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 1
(Sacramento and Yolo Counties)

BOND AUTHORIZATION

By approval of this bond measure described and entitled as the “Los Rios Community College District Job Training, Affordable Higher Education Bond Measure” by at least 55 percent of the registered voters voting on the measure, the Los Rios Community College District (the “District”) will be authorized to issue and sell bonds with respect to its School Facilities Improvement District No. 1 (“SFID No. 1”) of up to $1.1 billion in aggregate principal amount at interest rates not to exceed legal limits and to provide financing for the specific school facilities projects listed under the heading “Bond Project List” below, subject to all the accountability requirements specified below.

SFID NO.1

SFID No. 1 was formed by the District Board of Trustees on April 8, 2026 pursuant to State laws and following a noticed public hearing.  SFID No. 1 was formed for the purpose of addressing facilities needs within its boundaries with the proceeds of voter-approved general obligation bonds.  The territory of SFID No. 1 consists of the portions of the District located in Sacramento County and Yolo County.  The official boundary map of SFID No. 1 is available from the District’s administrative office.  Only voters within the boundaries of SFID No. 1 are entitled to vote on this measure.

ACCOUNTABILITY REQUIREMENTS

Expenditures to address specific facilities needs of the District will be in compliance with the requirements of Article XIIIA, Section 1(b)(3), of the State Constitution and the Strict Accountability in Local School Construction Bonds Act of 2000 (codified at Education Code Sections 15264 and following), all as further confirmed in the resolution adopted by the District Board of Trustees (the “District Board”) placing this measure before voters (the “Resolution”).

Evaluation of Needs.  As required by State law, the District Board hereby certifies that it has evaluated safety, class size reduction, enrollment growth, and information technology needs in developing the Bond Project List shown below.

Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee.  Following approval of this measure, the District Board will establish an Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee, under Education Code Sections 15278 and following, to ensure bond proceeds are expended only on the types of school facilities projects listed below.  The committee will be established within 60 days of the date when the results of the election appear in the minutes of the District Board.

Performance Audits.  The District Board will conduct annual, independent performance audits to ensure that the bond proceeds have been expended only on the school facilities projects listed below.

Financial Audits.  The District Board will conduct annual, independent financial audits of the bond proceeds until all of those proceeds have been spent for the school facilities projects listed below.

Government Code Accountability Requirements.  As required by Section 53410 of the Government Code, (1) the specific purpose of the bonds is set forth in this Full Text of the Measure, (2) the proceeds from the sale of the bonds will be used only for the purposes specified in this measure, and not for any other purpose, (3) the proceeds of the bonds, when and if issued, will be deposited into a building fund to be held by the Sacramento County Treasurer, as required by the California Education Code, and (4) the Chancellor of the District shall cause an annual report to be filed with the District Board each year, which report shall contain pertinent information regarding the amount of funds collected and expended, as well as the status of the projects listed in this measure, as required by Sections 53410 and 53411 of the Government Code.

NO TEACHER OR ADMINISTRATOR SALARIES

Proceeds from the sale of bonds authorized by this measure shall be used only for the purposes specified in Article XIII A, Section 1(b)(3), being the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or replacement of school facilities in SFID No. 1, including the furnishing and equipping of school facilities, and the acquisition or lease of school facilities, and not for any other purpose, including teacher and administrator salaries and other school operating expenses.

STATE MATCHING FUNDS

The following statement is included in this measure pursuant to Education Code Section 15122.5:  Approval of this measure does not guarantee that the proposed project or projects that are the subject of bonds under this measure will be funded beyond the local revenues generated by this measure. The District's proposal for the project or projects described below may assume the receipt of matching state funds, which, if available, could be subject to appropriation by the Legislature or approval of a statewide bond measure.

INFORMATION ABOUT ESTIMATES AND PROJECTIONS INCLUDED IN BALLOT

Voters are informed that any estimates or projections in the bond measure or ballot materials, including relating to estimated rates of ad valorem property taxes, the duration of issued bonds and related levies and collections of ad valorem property taxes are provided as informational only and are not binding on the District.  Such amounts are estimates and are not maximum amounts or limitations on the terms of the bonds, the rate or the duration of the tax supporting repayment of issued bonds.  Such estimates depend on numerous variables which are subject to variation and change over the term of the District’s overall facilities and bond financing plan, including but not limited to the amount of bonds issued and outstanding at any one time, the interest rates applicable to issued bonds, market conditions at the time of sale of the bonds, when bonds mature, timing of project needs and changes in assessed valuations in the SFID No. 1. 

While estimates and approximations are provided based on information currently available to the District and its current expectations, such estimates and approximations are not limitations and are not binding upon the District. In addition, the abbreviated and condensed statement of the bond measure presented to voters which is subject to a word count limitation imposed by State law does not limit the scope and more complete meaning of the measure provided in this Full Text of Bond Measure, the Resolution and related ballot materials.

Furthermore, the District currently expects that bonds issued pursuant to this measure will not increase the cumulative tax rate supporting District bonds above the 2025-26 tax rate, although the final maturity of outstanding bonds will be extended by this measure.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, voters are informed that general obligation bonds authorized by this measure are secured by an ad valorem tax unlimited as to rate or amount under State law. Although the current expectation is that the cumulative tax rate for bonds will not be increased by this measure, voters are informed that this expectation does not result in a cap or limitation on the tax levies required to amortize bonds authorized hereby. The District cannot anticipate all events which can result in assessed valuation changes in the future including declines which may result in levies and projected levies higher than the rate described in this section.

BOND PROJECT LIST

Specific School Facility Project List.  The items presented on the following list provide the specific school facilities projects authorized to be financed with voter-approved bond proceeds.  Examples provided in each category do not limit the broader meaning of the type of project authorized. Authorized projects are:

AMERICAN RIVER COLLEGE

·       Construct and Modernize Classrooms and Student Service Facilities at:

American River College	Natomas Center
Sacramento Regional Public Safety Training Center

·       Expansion, reconfiguration and modernization of the Public Safety Training Center, including for mechanical upgrades and leak mitigation.

·       Improvements to ensure health and well-being, including no exposure to toxic chemicals and provide clean drinking water.

·       Repair/replace aging and/or leaky roofs.

·       Construction, modernization and improvements of classrooms, labs and other spaces to provide subject-specific instruction.

·       Construct and improve facilities for technology instruction, including improvements such as insulation and roofing to the Centrex Building, and spaces to test and showcase new technology, including all related equipment and relate infrastructure needs.

·       Provide a new STEM facility to expand instructional capacity, including flexible instructional spaces to support lecture, group work, and independent study.

·       Construct a new Science facility to expand capacity for labs, classrooms, and offices, supporting modern, safe, and adaptable science instruction aligned with 21st-century standards.

·       Updated Hybrid-Flexible classrooms to effectively support hybrid learning.

·       Provide, replace or upgrade HVAC systems.

·       Construct a Davies Hall replacement building, serving as a central hub for instruction in the humanities and social sciences.

·       Construct a building for Manufacturing, Construction and Transportation division programs, preparing students for high-demand technical careers through hands-on learning and industry-aligned training, supporting workforce development in critical trades and technologies.

·       Provide common areas that promote collaboration and build community among students, including creating indoor/outdoor connected spaces, and breakout and flex spaces, and provide flexible work spaces for faculty and staff, including private and shared office spaces.

·       Construct a new fine arts building and facility to accommodate program growth and expanded studio capacity, providing modernized, flexible classrooms and labs that respond to evolving practices in visual and performing arts.

·       Construct a new Tech Ed facility and other facilities to support expansion, integrating Sync-Flex classrooms to accommodate hybrid teaching models, including space for immersive technology needs and related equipment, including relocating and reconfiguring facilities.

·       Expansion, construction and modernization of the Natomas Center, including land acquisition and construction, and improvements to encourage campus engagement by students such as providing more on-campus food services and related improvements.

·       Improvements to enhance transportation between sites, including a transit hub.

·       Improvements to campus open spaces and pedestrian connectivity including lighting.

·       Improvements to indoor and outdoor spaces for learning, gathering and socializing, including seating, tables, lighting and shade structures.

·       Campus security and safety improvements, such as cameras, controlled points of entry, alarms and communication systems.

·       Address all site-related improvements and upgrades such as parking lots and garages, drop-off area and pedestrian and crossing improvements, paving, improving circulation, pathways and signage, exterior work such as lighting and landscaping, improvements to gateways and quads.

·       Modernize and reconfigure facilities to provide efficient learning and collaboration spaces.

·       Relocation/removal of temporary structures and replace with more permanent buildings and facilities.

·       Renovations to restrooms for modernization and code compliance.

·       Site-wide upgrades for modern technology and digital connectivity, including necessary infrastructure, networks, and equipment and devices, and addressing acoustics/adequate sound systems.

·       Upgrades to infrastructure serving all sites and campuses, including water, sewer, electrical, and including to improve climate resilience and water and energy efficiency including solar and charging stations.

·       Upgrading and providing all furniture, fixtures and equipment.

·       The acquisition of interests in real property relating to said colleges and centers including parcels, buildings, easements, rights of ways and other similar interests in real property.

·       Ensure compliance with all access and ADA requirements.

COSUMNES RIVER COLLEGE

·       Construct and Modernize Classrooms and Student Service Facilities at:

Cosumnes River College

Elk Grove Educational Center

·       Modernize and improve classrooms, labs, faculty facilities and other spaces with additions and expansions as needed, including modernization of the Business and Social Sciences Building.

·       Improvements to ensure health and well-being, including no exposure to toxic chemicals and provide clean drinking water.

·       Repair/replace aging and/or leaky roofs.

·       Campus security and safety improvements, such as cameras, fencing, controlled points of entry, alarms and communication systems.

·       Construct a new Technology Building including classroom spaces, makerspace labs with an emphasis on Career Education programs.

·       Facilities for student well-being including space for Health and Wellness and a new Hawk Cares center, providing an integrated space for student support.

·       Library replacement and modernization project.

·       Improve and renovate the Animal Health Tech facility.

·       Cafeteria modernization project.

·       Pools and Aquatic Center modernization project including solar heating, and modernization of the Physical Education Building to meet college needs, improve safety, and accessibility, including HVAC upgrades improving function and energy efficiency.

·       Black Box Theater, Recital Hall, and VPAC space modernization projects to meet college needs, improve safety, and accessibility, including HVAC upgrades improving function and energy efficiency.

·       Construct a new child care development center and all related facilities.

·       Consolidation and updating custodial, maintenance, receiving and printing services facilities.

·       Stadium expansion project, including lighting, seating, and other capital and equipment improvements to the stadium and related facilities.

·       Address site-related improvements and upgrades such as parking, drop-off area and pedestrian and crossing improvements, paving, improving circulation, pathways and signage, exterior work such as lighting and landscaping, improvements to gateways and quads, and including the North Road Project preparing for future campus development and growth.

·       Renovations to restrooms for modernization and code compliance.

·       Site-wide upgrades for modern technology and digital connectivity, including necessary infrastructure, networks, and equipment and devices, and addressing acoustics/adequate sound systems.

·       Upgrades to infrastructure, including water, sewer, electrical, and including to improve climate resilience and water and energy efficiency including solar and charging stations.

·       Construct an affordable housing project for students, currently is expected to be partially funded with a State grant.

·       Upgrading and providing all furniture, fixtures and equipment.

·       The acquisition of interests in real property relating to said colleges and centers including parcels, buildings, easements, rights of ways and other similar interests in real property.

·       Ensure compliance with all access and ADA requirements.

FOLSOM LAKE COLLEGE

·       Construct and Modernize Classrooms and Student Service Facilities at:

Folsom Lake College (Main Campus)

Rancho Cordova Center

·       Construction, modernization, expansions and improvements of classrooms, labs, buildings and other spaces and providing common areas that promote collaboration and build community among students, including creating indoor/outdoor connected spaces, and breakout and flex spaces.

·       Improvements to ensure health and well-being, including no exposure to toxic chemicals and provide clean drinking water.

·       Repair/replace aging and/or leaky roofs.

·       Campus security and safety improvements, such as cameras, controlled points of entry, alarms and communication systems.

·       Construct new instructional buildings and all related facilities.

·       Aspen Hall Renovation Project.

·       Enhanced Connection to Athletics Complex, including improvements and creation of pedestrian crossings, drop-off zone and roundabout improvements, and parking improvements and expansions.

·       Construct Cultural Center and Outdoor Classroom and all related facilities and amenities fostering education opportunities and cultural appreciation and encourage community engagement.

·       Continue the expansion, modernization and improvement of the Rancho Cordova Center, including new buildings, improving site access, public transportation integration, parking, and building accessibility. 

·       Environmental Staircase Stage and Improvements, including shade structures, seating pads, outdoor amphitheater, landscaping, grading and other related improvements.

·       Expand and improve athletic complex, including new press box, amenities for athletes and visitors, including seating, lighting, restrooms, changing rooms, locker rooms and shade structures.

·       Improve student spaces such as the bookstore location to improve student collaboration, study, gathering and engagement.

·       Provide, replace or upgrade HVAC systems.

·       Improvements to enhance transportation between sites, including a transit hub.

·       Improvements to campus open spaces and pedestrian connectivity including lighting.

·       Improvements to indoor and outdoor spaces for learning, gathering and socializing, including seating, tables, lighting and shade structures.

·       Address all site-related improvements and upgrades such as parking lots and garages, drop-off area and pedestrian and crossing improvements, paving, improving circulation, pathways and signage, art and murals, entrances, expanded corporation yard and storage, exterior work such as lighting and landscaping, improvements to gateways and quads.

·       Modernize and reconfigure facilities to provide efficient learning and collaboration spaces.

·       Renovations to restrooms for modernization and code compliance.

·       Site-wide upgrades for modern technology and digital connectivity, including necessary infrastructure, networks, and equipment and devices, and addressing acoustics/adequate sound systems.

·       Upgrades to infrastructure serving all sites and campuses, including water, sewer, electrical, and including to improve climate resilience and water and energy efficiency including solar and charging stations.

·       Upgrading and providing all furniture, fixtures and equipment.

·       The acquisition of interests in real property relating to said colleges and centers including parcels, buildings, easements, rights of ways and other similar interests in real property.

·       Ensure compliance with all access and ADA requirements.

SACRAMENTO CITY COLLEGE

·       Construct and Modernize Classrooms and Student Service Facilities at:

Sacramento City College	West Sacramento Educational Center
Davis Educational Center

·       Construct, Modernize and/or Renovate Student Services Facilities and Classrooms at Rodda Hall North and South, including facilities and equipment supporting programs in Social Science, Math, Health Occupations, Science, and Support Services.

·       Construct new instructional buildings, and renovate existing buildings, including Learning Resource Centers, the Lusk Building, Cosmetology Building and all related improvements.

·       Construct, Modernize and/or Renovate facilities for the arts including music and theater.

·       Construct, renovate and/or modernize facilities for physical fitness, sports and related activities, including New South Gym, pools and aquatics including Hoos Pool, UNS and Softball Complex, including all related facilities and improvements, such as restrooms, changing rooms and locker rooms, scoreboards, seating, announcements and display systems, lighting and concessions.

·       Construct, renovate and/or modernize campus support and student service spaces including business centers, bookstores, student centers, makerspaces, cafes and cafeterias and other gathering spaces.

·       Improvements to outdoor spaces for learning, gathering and socializing, including seating, tables, lighting and shade structures.

·       Improvements to ensure health and well-being, including no exposure to toxic chemicals and provide clean drinking water.

·       Repair/replace aging and/or leaky roofs.

·       Provide, replace or upgrade HVAC systems.

·       Campus security and safety improvements, such as cameras, controlled points of entry, alarms and communication systems.

·       Address all site-related improvements and upgrades such as parking lots and garages, drop-off area and pedestrian and crossing improvements, paving, improving circulation, pathways and signage, exterior work such as lighting and landscaping, improvements to gateways and quads.

·       Renovations to restrooms for modernization and code compliance.

·       Improvements, renovations and expansion of operations and vehicle compound.

·       Site-wide upgrades for modern technology and digital connectivity, including necessary infrastructure, networks, and equipment and devices, and addressing acoustics/adequate sound systems.

·       Upgrades to infrastructure serving all sites and campuses, including water, sewer, electrical, and including to improve climate resilience and water and energy efficiency including solar and charging stations.

·       Upgrading and providing all furniture, fixtures and equipment.

·       The acquisition of interests in real property relating to said colleges and centers including parcels, buildings, easements, rights of ways and other similar interests in real property.

·       Ensure compliance with all access and ADA requirements.

SUPPORT FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS

·       Improve, modernize and expand the District Office Complex Facilities, including interiors, exteriors, roofs, infrastructure, parking, restrooms, accessibility, offices and meeting spaces.

The order in which the foregoing projects are listed does not suggest an order of priority.  Project prioritization is vested in and will be determined by the District Board.

Scope of Projects.  Bond proceeds will be expended on the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or replacement of school facilities of the Los Rios Community College District within its SFID No. 1, including furnishing and equipping, and the acquisition or lease of real property for school facilities, and not for any other purpose, including teacher and administrator salaries or other school operating expenses, all in compliance with California Constitution Article XIIIA, Section 1(b)(3). This measure authorizes bond projects to be undertaken at all current and future District properties, sites, campuses, education centers and support facilities in SFID No. 1, and includes real property acquisition.

Furnishing and Equipping; Incidental Expenses. Each of the bond projects described on the above Bond Project List include the costs of furnishing and equipping such facilities, and all costs which are incidental but directly related to the types of projects described above.  Examples of incidental costs include, but are not limited to: costs of design, engineering, architect and other professional services, facilities assessments and updates to master plan documents, inspections, site preparation, utilities, landscaping, construction management and other planning and permitting, legal including litigation, accounting and similar costs; independent annual financial and performance audits; a customary construction contingency; demolition and disposal of existing structures; the costs of interim housing and storage during construction including relocation/moving costs  and construction costs incurred relating to interim facilities; rental or construction of storage facilities and other space on an interim basis for materials and other equipment and furnishings displaced during construction; costs of relocating facilities and equipment as needed in connection with the projects; interim classrooms and facilities for students, administrators, and school functions, including modular and parking facilities; federal and state-mandated safety upgrades; addressing unforeseen conditions revealed by construction/modernization and other necessary improvements required to comply with existing building codes, including the Field Act; access requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act; costs of the election; bond issuance and compliance costs; and project administration during the duration of such projects including by District staff, as permitted by law.

Alterations to Scope; New Construction; Real Property Interests. The scope, nature and priority of any of the specific projects described above may be altered by the District Board. This may occur due to unforeseen conditions that may arise during the course of planning, design and construction, or due to other compelling factors which become apparent in the course of project planning and execution, for example changing project cost considerations, safety considerations including discoveries, programmatic considerations or other considerations that arise or become apparent over the several years of undertaking bond financed projects.  In the event that a modernization or renovation project is determined by the Board to be more economical or otherwise in the best interests of the District to be undertaken as new construction, this bond measure authorizes land acquisition, relocation and construction at a new or alternative site, and/or demolition and reconstruction and/or repurposing on the original site, including an expanded site, and all costs relating thereto.  In addition, new construction of a facility may be revised to modernization of an existing facility due to any of the factors mentioned herein, among other possible reasons.  This measure authorizes the acquisition of interests in real property, including necessary rights of ways or other real property interests, required to expand District facilities, to provide access to school or other District facilities, or to provide additional school or related facilities.  This measure also authorizes payment of costs related to consolidation of facilities or campuses. 

Interim Financing Included; Joint Use Projects Authorized.  In addition, authorized projects include reimbursements for paid project costs and paying and/or prepaying interim or previously obtained financing for the types of projects included on the project list, such as bond anticipation notes or lease financings relating to projects and/or equipment previously financed. Finally, projects on this list may be undertaken and used as joint use projects with other public agencies.

Other Funding Sources.  The Bond Project List presents more projects than are expected can be addressed with proceeds of this bond measure. The District Board will determine project prioritization and there is no guarantee that all projects included on this List will be addressed.  Additional funds for facilities projects are expected to be pursued from the State’s facilities matching funds program, if and to the extent available and qualifying, to provide additional funding to complete additional facilities projects. 

Unforeseen Circumstances. Many factors which the District cannot predict or control may impact its ability to address each of the projects, including but not limited to construction cost issues, supply chain issues which can cause project delays, labor shortages, and unknown environmental factors or site conditions, among others.  The District is unable to anticipate all unforeseen circumstances which may limit or prevent some of the projects listed above from being undertaken or completed.

Interpretation. The terms of this Bond Measure and the words used in the Bond Project List shall be interpreted broadly to effect the purpose of providing broad and clear authority for the officers and employees of the District to provide for the school facilities projects the District proposes to finance with the proceeds of the sale of bonds authorized by this proposition within the authority provided by law, including Article XIIIA, Section 1(b)(3) of the California Constitution, Education Code Section 15000 et seq. and the Strict Accountability in Local School Construction Bonds Act of 2000.  Authorized projects may include projects outside the boundaries of SFID No. 1 provided that they serve and support facilities in SFID No. 1.  Examples included on the project list are not intended to limit the broader types of projects described and authorized by this measure. Words used in the Project List such as repair, improve, upgrade, expand, modernize, renovate, and reconfigure are used to describe school facilities projects in plain English but are not intended to expand the nature of such projects beyond what is authorized by State law. The Bond Project List only authorizes capital expenditures.

Severability. The District Board hereby declares, and the voters by approving this Bond Measure concur, that every section and part of this bond proposition has independent value, and the District Board and the voters would have adopted each provision hereof regardless of every other provision hereof. Upon approval of this measure by the voters, should any part be found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid for any reason, all remaining parts hereof shall remain in full force and effect to the fullest extent allowed by law, and to this end the provisions of this bond measure are severable.

Tax Rate Statement

TAX RATE STATEMENT
REGARDING PROPOSED
LOS RIOS COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS
WITH RESPECT TO
SCHOOL FACILITIES IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 1

An election will be held within the territory of School Facilities Improvement District No. 1 (the “SFID No. 1”) of Los Rios Community College District (the “District”) of Sacramento County and Yolo County, California, on November 3, 2026, to authorize the sale of up to $1.1 billion in bonds of the District with respect to SFID No. 1 to finance school facility improvements as described in the measure described and entitled as the “Los Rios Community College District Job Training, Affordable Higher Education Bond Measure”.  If such bonds are authorized and sold, principal and interest on the bonds will be payable only from the proceeds of ad valorem property tax levies made upon the taxable property in the boundaries of SFID No. 1.  The following information is provided in compliance with Sections 9400-9404 of the Elections Code of the State of California.  Such information is based upon the best estimates and projections presently available from official sources, upon experience within SFID No. 1, and other demonstrable factors.

Based upon the foregoing and projections of SFID No. 1’s assessed valuation, the following information is provided:

1.     The best estimate of the average annual tax rate which would be required to be levied to fund this bond issue over the entire duration of the bond debt service, based on a projection of assessed valuations available at the time of filing of this statement, is $16.55 per $100,000 of assessed value. The final fiscal year in which the tax is anticipated to be collected is 2050-51.

2.     The best estimate of the highest tax rate which would be required to be levied to fund this bond issue, based on a projection of assessed valuations available at the time of filing of this statement, is $20.80 per $100,000 of assessed value.  It is estimated that such rate would be levied in fiscal years 2044-45 through 2047-48.

3.     The best estimate of the total debt service, including the principal and interest, that would be required to be repaid if all the bonds are issued and sold is approximately $1.79 billion.

The estimated tax rates and total debt service identified herein are only for bonds issued pursuant to this measure, and are not combined with other outstanding bonded indebtedness of the District.

Voters should note the estimated tax rate is based on the assessed value (not market value) of taxable property on Sacramento County’s and Yolo County’s official tax rolls.  In addition, taxpayers eligible for a property tax exemption such as the homeowner’s exemption will have a lower effective tax rate than described above.  Property owners should consult their own property tax bills and tax advisors to determine their property’s assessed value and any applicable tax exemptions.

The attention of all voters is directed to the fact that the foregoing information is based upon projections and estimates only, which amounts are not maximum amounts and are not binding upon the District.  The actual debt service, tax rates and the years in which they will apply may vary from those used to provide the estimates set forth above, due to factors such as variations in the timing of bond sales, the par amount of bonds sold and market interest rates available at the time of each sale, actual assessed valuations over the term of the bonds, and other factors.  The date and amount of bonds sold at any given time will be determined by the District based on the need for project funds and other considerations.  The actual interest rates at which the bonds will be sold will depend on conditions in the bond market at the time of sale.  Actual future assessed valuations will depend upon the amount and value of taxable property within SFID No. 1 as determined by each County Assessor in the annual assessment and the equalization process.

s/Torence Powell
Chancellor
Los Rios Community College District

Argument in Favor of Measure H

Maintain  Local Community College Affordability WITHOUT RAISING TAXES –YES on H.

California public university now costs six times as much as one of our local, Los Rios Community College District campuses. AI is eliminating jobs and replacing people.  Too many students are being priced out of higher education.  

Yes on H prevents cuts to affordable higher education and protects AI-proof career training for nurses, firefighters, emergency responders, and other skilled professions our communities and local employers depend on.

YES on H helps  Los Rios Colleges stay self-reliant and serve students in safe, up-to-date classrooms – with FULL PUBLIC DISCLOSURE, and WITHOUT RAISING TAXES.

YES on H provides safe, clean drinking water

YES on H repairs leaky roofs

YES on H removes asbestos and lead pipes

Measure H includes strict accountability requirements including:

·       Public disclosure of all spending/annual independent financial audits

·       NO increase in taxes

·       ALL funds stay local – can’t be taken by the state and spent elsewhere

YES on H maintains our affordable local colleges – Sacramento City, American River, Cosumnes River and Folsom Lake campuses – preparing students, workers, and veterans for good-paying jobs and better futures WITHOUT RAISING TAXES.

The federal government is dismantling the U.S. Department of Education, and Los Rios colleges could face millions in funding cuts, threatening affordable college and job training for local students and workers.

Again, by law all Measure H money is required to be used solely for our local campuses:  Sacramento City, American River, Cosumnes River and Folsom Lake community colleges.

“Without City College, I couldn’t have afforded college. Students need Yes on H!” Angel Binuya, Student Senate President, Sacramento City College.

Join a broad coalition of Los Rios Colleges Board Members, Alumni, Faculty and  Local Firefighters, Nurses, Small Business Owners, and Civic  Leaders – YES on H!

“We strongly support Los Rios Colleges’ fiscally responsible plan  for serving future generations of students.” –Claudia Bonsignore, Co-President, League of Women Voters, Sacramento County

s/Claudia Bonsignore
Co-President, League of Women Voters, Sacramento County

s/Monique Rodgers RN
Professor, American River College Nursing Program

s/Zachary Styles-Brown
Local Firefighter and Graduate, Cosumnes River College Firefighter Training Program

s/Patrick Mulvaney
Local Business Owner/Civic Leader

s/John Ruden
fmr Independent Citizens Bond Oversight Committee member

Rebuttal to the Argument in Favor of Measure H

Measure H has nothing to do with "costs"; with Al; or with "affordability and pricing students out." It does not and will not prevent cuts. Enrollment costs are controlled by the state legislature.

Yes the measure does not raise your property tax it does extend that tax to many, many future generations of property owners and runs up the payback bill three times the loan amount.

The district's physical plant occupies three million square feet. Half of that space remained mostly empty over the past several years. This is because over 50 percent of instruction is no longer provided by faculty within buildings but by the internet. Why would the district want to add at least 32 new buildings when half of the existing buildings remain empty or under used. What kind of logic is this?

The instructional or curriculum rationale for the new buildings is largely absent. What is a Manufacturing , construction and transportation building; a tech ed facility; a cultural facility; The fact is the measure is a ATM machine with no rational guidance or process that directs the selection of projects...a wishful grab bag! Over the past 20 years the District trustees have never participated in the selection of projects and are unlikely to be involved in the future. This is a serious governance matter and needs to be remedied.

Measure H was not supported by me and John Knight. Had one other board member voted "no"the matter would not have been on the ballot.

s/Robert Jones

Trustee District 2 Vice President Emeritus CSUS

Argument Against Measure H

I have served as a Trustee for the LRCCD for twenty years; and for forty years as an administrator and faculty at CSU, UC and three community colleges. Based on this experience, the bond is entirely unnecessary to advance the exceptional educational quality the district provides to the Sacramento region. I urge you to vote against this mind-boggling loan.

The District does not need this money now. No impending career technical or academic program will be imperiled by another forever multi-year tax obligation on property owners. It would be an unwise decision to authorize the District to borrow $1.1 billion for a bewildering range of thrown- together projects that are unhinged to any coherent plan.

The District does not need more unstructured buildings now. Our colleges have space equivalent to the amount of square footage in four forty-eight story San Francisco Transamerica Pyramid buildings. Despite this huge physical footprint, only half of our students use this space. The remaining fifty percent of students are taking courses on the internet and through remote learning. They rarely step foot on our campuses rendering vast portions of the colleges unused. The District Administration has not proposed a plan for how this space might be repurposed or sold. Essentially the bond measure is indifferent to this vast vacant and stranded facility and classroom space and the evolving preferences of our students and faculty for online learning.

Through this election, we should send the District Administration back to the drawing board and Trustees for a new plan that addresses the actual needs of the students, faculty and our communities with a cogent, comprehensive and cohesive plan for how that money will be used.

s/Robert G Jones

Trustee LRCCD Emeritus Vice President CSUS

Rebuttal to the Argument Against Measure H

DON’T BE FOOLED BY IRRATIONAL POLITICAL GRANDSTANDING!

Join the League of Women Voters of Sacramento County and a Broad Coalition of Faculty, Nurses, Firefighters, Paramedics, Students, and Small Business Owners-- Vote YES on H, the Fiscally Responsible Plan to maintain affordable, local community colleges, WITHOUT RAISING TAXES.

Measure  H is Fiscally Accountable.

-Maintains affordability at local community colleges WITHOUT RAISING TAXES.

- Spending Plan developed over two years, with input by nearly 4,000 community members, students, faculty and staff; nurses, firefighters and public safety leaders; and an Independent Bond Oversight Committee.

- All spending must be publicly disclosed.

-NO funds can be taken by the State.

Measure H was specifically developed to protect the affordability of our local community colleges. Trump’s dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education means more funding cuts. Tuition has skyrocketed at UC/State college systems.

Without Measure H, budget cuts will be made to skilled career training local students and midcareer adults need to survive in the age of AI, and our small businesses need for a locally trained workforce.

Every dime of Measure H will be invested into priorities identified by the public, including basic upgrades to provide safe, clean drinking water on local campuses and asbestos removal.  The plan includes funding for American River College’s  Regional Public Safety Training Center, which trains our local firefighters.

That’s why SIX Los Rios Community College District Trustees, all four College Presidents, our Student Senate Presidents, and the Los Rios College Foundation, support Yes on H. Join us today!

For Information:  LosRios.edu/MeasureH

Get Involved:       LosRiosYesonH.Com

s/Dr. Torence Powell
Chancellor, Los Rios Community College District

s/Claudia Bonsignore
Co-President, League of Women Voters, Sacramento County

s/Patrick Mulvaney
Local Business Owner/Civic Leader

s/Monique Rodgers RN
Professor, American River College Nursing Program

s/Zachary Styles-Brown
Local Firefighter and Graduate, Cosumnes River College Firefighter Training Program

 

Shall the measure amending the Adopted Charter of the City of Folsom to have the City Council appoint and direct the City Attorney and to make related operational changes, be adopted?

Impartial Analysis Prepared by City Counsel

CITY OF FOLSOM
City Clerk’s / Elections Official’s Impartial Analysis of Measure “I”
Charter Amendment to Change the Procedure for Appointing and Removing the
Folsom City Attorney and Making Related Procedural Changes

The Folsom City Charter requires the City to be legally represented by a City Attorney. The City Attorney is a City department head and his/her duties include: (i) legally advising the City Council, individual Councilmembers, the City Manager and department heads regarding the law relating to City affairs, (ii) representing the City in all legal proceedings, (iii) preparing all ordinances and other needed legal documents, (iv) reviewing and approving all City contracts as to legal form, and (iv) performing such other duties as may be prescribed by ordinance.  The Charter also authorizes the City Attorney to retain outside special legal counsel to assist the City as needed.

The City Charter currently provides that the City Attorney is a department head who may be appointed and removed by the Folsom City Manager.   

On July 14, 2026, the City Council placed Measure “I” on the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election ballot.  If passed by a majority of Folsom voters (50%+1), Measure “I” would amend the City Charter to provide that the City Council, and not the City Manager, shall have the power to appoint, suspend or remove the City Attorney. 

Measure “I” requires the Council to appoint a City Attorney through an employment agreement, like other City department heads under the City Charter.  Measure “I” expressly requires the City Attorney to be a member of the California State Bar and chosen solely on the basis of administrative qualifications.  The City Attorney is not required to be a resident of the State or City and shall be paid a salary fixed by the Council commensurate with the responsibilities of the position.

Measure “I” provides that the City Attorney shall serve at the pleasure of the City Council and may be removed or suspended by the City Council as provided herein.   The City Attorney has the right to a public hearing prior to being removed or suspended, which hearing shall be held and a Council decision made only after 10 days' published notice is provided.  Measure “I” further prohibits the City Council from removing, suspending, requesting the resignation of, or reducing the duties, salary or benefits of the City Attorney during a period of 90 days immediately following the installation of any newly elected or newly appointed City Councilmember.  

A “yes” vote on Measure “I” will authorize a Charter amendment to give the City Council the authority to appoint, suspend or remove the City Attorney, subject to the procedural and timing rules above.

A “no” vote on Measure “I” will not authorize a Charter amendment to give the City Council the authority to appoint, suspend or remove the City Attorney, subject to the procedural and timing rules above.

The above statement is an impartial analysis of Measure “I”.  If you desire a copy of the Measure, please call the City’s elections official at (916) 461-6035 and a copy will be mailed at no cost to you.

s/Christa Freemantle
City Clerk/Elections Official

***YOU CAN FIND THE MEASURE ARGUMENTS FOLLOWING THE FULL TEXT OF THIS MEASURE***

Full Text of Measure I

ORDINANCE NO. 1371

AN ORDINANCE OF THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF FOLSOM
AMENDING SECTION 4.03, “CITY ATTORNEY,” OF THE CITY CHARTER TO HAVE THE CITY COUNCIL APPOINT AND DIRECT THE CITY ATTORNEY AND TO MAKE RELATED OPERATIONAL CHANGES

            The People of the City of Folsom hereby do ordain and amend the Adopted Charter of the City of Folsom as follows:

SECTION 1  CHARTER AMENDMENT

            Section 4.03, “City Attorney”, of Article IV, “Departments, Agencies and Employees”, of The Adopted Charter of the City of Folsom is hereby amended to read as follows:

4.03 City Attorney:

The office of City Attorney is hereby created. The City Attorney shall be the chief legal officer of the City, and, notwithstanding any other provision of this Charter:

A.    Duties. Shall advise the City Council, individual Councilmembers, the City Manager and his/her assistants, and department heads regarding the law relating to City affairs.

B.    Additional Duties. Shall represent the City in all legal proceedings, prepare all ordinances and other needed legal documents, select and retain specialist counsel where there is a need for such specialized legal services, and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by ordinance.

C.    Department Head. May be a full time department head of the City appointed by the City Council, or may be contracted by the City Council as a department head.

D.    Approval of Contracts. Shall review and approve all City contracts as to legal form.

E.    Special Counsel. The City Council may retain special counsel in any matter where representation by the City Attorney would create an impermissible conflict, including the discipline or dismissal of the City Manager.

F.  City Attorney Appointment. The City Council shall appoint a City Attorney for an indefinite term through the mechanism of an employment agreement the same as those afforded department heads under this Charter. The City Attorney:

1.     Serve At Pleasure. Shall serve at the pleasure of the Council;

2.     How Chosen. Shall be chosen solely on the basis of administrative qualifications and, at time of appointment need not be a resident of the State or City but shall be a member of the California State Bar;

3.     Salary. Shall be paid a salary fixed by the Council commensurate with the responsibilities of the position.

G.  Dismissal Hearing. Shall have the right to a public hearing on any motion to remove or to suspend his/her employment, which public hearing shall be held only after provision of 10 days' published notice prior to the Council voting on the motion to remove or to suspend the City Attorney.

H.  Restriction on Dismissal.  During a period of 90 days immediately following the date of installation of any person newly elected to the Council at a regular or special City election, or of any person newly appointed to the Council, the Council shall take no action, whether immediate or prospective, to remove, suspend, request the resignation of, or to reduce the duties, salary or benefits of the City Attorney.

I.  Appointment of Employees. The City Attorney shall appoint all other members of the City Attorney’s Office to positions authorized by the Council.  These employees shall serve at the pleasure of the City Attorney but shall have permanent status subject to all rights and limitations in the City merit system.   

SECTION 2  SCOPE

            Except as set forth in this Ordinance, all other provisions of The Adopted Charter of the City of Folsom shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 3  SEVERABILITY

            If any section, subsection, clause, phrase, or portion of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance.  The People of the City of Folsom hereby declare that they would have adopted this Ordinance and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, clauses, phrases or portions be declared invalid or unconstitutional.

 

SECTION 4  EFFECTIVE DATE

            If a majority of the registered voters of the City voting upon this proposed Charter amendment vote in favor of it, the amendment shall become effective thirty (30) days after the City Council certifies the election returns. 

SECTION 5  PUBLICATION

            The City Clerk shall file the results of the Charter amendment election with the Secretary of State within 45 days following the election. 

            In addition, the City Clerk is directed to cause a copy of this Ordinance to be published in full or in summary in a newspaper of general circulation in the City within twenty (20) days after the City Council certifies the election returns indicating that a majority of the registered voters of the City voting upon the proposed Charter amendment voted in favor of it.   

Argument in Favor of Measure I

Vote YES on Measure I to improve accountability for legal advice to the City of Folsom. 

Measure I updates the City Charter so the City Council, rather than the City Manager, appoints and directs the City Attorney. The City Attorney is Folsom’s chief legal officer, advising the City Council, individual Councilmembers, the City Manager, and department heads; representing the City in legal proceedings; reviewing contracts; and preparing ordinances and legal documents.

Folsom is a clear outlier. City councils appoint the city attorney in 469 of California’s 482 incorporated cities. In ten charter cities, voters elect the city attorney directly. Only Folsom and Shafter currently give this appointment authority to the city manager. Measure I would bring Folsom in line with standard practice for independent legal advice in California.

The City Council is elected by and directly accountable to Folsom voters. The City Attorney serves the City as a whole, and accountability should rest with the elected officials who represent the public, not with an appointed administrator.

Measure I includes important safeguards. The City Attorney must be a member of the California State Bar, must be selected solely on administrative qualifications, and is entitled to a public hearing following published notice before any vote to remove or suspend the City Attorney.

Measure I does not impose a tax, create a new department, or expand the City’s legal authority. It simply clarifies responsibility for appointing and directing the City’s chief legal officer.

The proposal followed five public Charter Review Committee meetings and two public hearings before the City Council. Voters now have the final say.

The Folsom City Council urges you to Vote YES on Measure I for clear responsibility, transparent oversight, and public accountability to Folsom residents.

s/Justin Raithel
Mayor, City of Folsom

***NO REBUTTAL TO ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF MEASURE I WAS FILED***

***NO ARGUMENT AGAINST MEASURE I WAS FILED***

***NO REBUTTAL TO ARGUMENT AGAINST MEASURE I WAS FILED***

Shall the measure amending the Adopted Charter of the City of Folsom to confirm the City Council may grant decision making authority to Boards and Commissions by ordinance, be adopted?

Impartial Analysis Prepared by City Counsel

CITY OF FOLSOM
City Attorney’s Impartial Analysis of Measure J

The Folsom City Council appoints residents to serve on commissions to guide important decisions affecting the community.  These bodies hold public meetings where specific community issues are reviewed in detail.  The appointed commissioners receive reports from City staff, presentations from those seeking permits or other City approvals, and public comments from members of the community.    

There are currently six City commissions, including the Arts and Culture Commission, the Historic District Commission, the Library Commission, the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Planning Commission, and the Utility Commission.     

The City Charter gives the City Council authority to set the powers and duties of the Planning Commission, the Parks and Recreation Commission, and other boards and commissions created by the Council. 

Separately, the City Charter says that boards and commissions “only shall be advisory to the Council”.  Advisory bodies make recommendations and advise the City Council but cannot make binding decisions.  

On July 14, 2026, the City Council voted to place Measure J on the November ballot.  If approved by a majority of Folsom voters (50% + 1), Measure J would amend the City Charter to remove the requirement that boards and commissions “only shall be advisory to the Council” to confirm that the City Council may grant decision-making authority to these appointed bodies by ordinance.

Measure J would not require the City Council to grant decision-making authority to any board or commission.  It would give the City Council discretion to grant individual boards or commissions decision-making authority. This authority could be broad or limited to specific circumstances, as determined by the Council.  The City Council could also remove this authority to make a board or commission only advisory.     

Measure J does not affect appeal rights.  Any decision made by a City commission can be appealed to the City Council. 

The commission most likely to be affected by Measure J is the Historic District Commission.  This commission reviews development proposals in Folsom’s Historic District to help preserve and enhance its historic atmosphere and to ensure that new development is consistent with the historical character of the district.  The City Council currently makes all binding decisions affecting development in the Historic District.  If Measure J passes and the commission has decision-making authority, certain projects in the Historic District may proceed more quickly because separate City Council approval will not be required.       

A “yes” vote on Measure J will authorize a Charter amendment to allow the City Council to grant decision-making authority to City boards and commissions.

A “no” vote on Measure J will not authorize a Charter amendment to allow the City Council to grant decision-making authority to City boards and commissions.  These bodies would remain advisory to the Council.

The above statement is an impartial analysis of Measure J.  If you desire a copy of the Measure, please call the City Clerk’s Office at (916) 461-6035 and a copy will be mailed at no cost to you.

 

s/Sari Myers Dierking
City Attorney

 

***YOU CAN FIND THE MEASURE ARGUMENTS FOLLOWING THE FULL TEXT OF THIS MEASURE***

Full Text of Measure J

ORDINANCE NO. 1372

AN ORDINANCE OF THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF FOLSOM
AMENDING SECTION 4.07, “BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS,” OF THE CITY CHARTER TO CONFIRM THAT THE CITY COUNCIL MAY GRANT DECISION MAKING AUTHORITY TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS BY ORDINANCE

The People of the City of Folsom hereby do ordain and amend the Adopted Charter of the City of Folsom as follows:

SECTION 1  CHARTER AMENDMENT

            Section 4.07, “Boards and Commissions”, of Article IV, “Departments, Agencies and Employees”, of The Adopted Charter of the City of Folsom is hereby amended to read as follows:

4.07     Boards and Commissions:

            The City Council may by ordinance create other Boards and Commissions and prescribe their powers and duties, determine the number and qualification of the members, their method of selection, term of office and removal, and fix their compensation, if any.  All boards and commissions only shall be advisory to the Council.  Each member of any Board or Commission shall be a resident and registered voter of the City.

SECTION 2  SCOPE

            Except as set forth in this Ordinance, all other provisions of The Adopted Charter of the City of Folsom shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 3  SEVERABILITY

            If any section, subsection, clause, phrase, or portion of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance.  The People of the City of Folsom hereby declare that they would have adopted this Ordinance and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, clauses, phrases or portions be declared invalid or unconstitutional.

SECTION 4  EFFECTIVE DATE

            If a majority of the registered voters of the City voting upon this proposed Charter amendment vote in favor of it, the amendment shall become effective thirty (30) days after the City Council certifies the election returns. 

SECTION 5  PUBLICATION

            The City Clerk shall file the results of the Charter amendment election with the Secretary of State within 45 days following the election. 

            In addition, the City Clerk is directed to cause a copy of this Ordinance to be published in full or in summary in a newspaper of general circulation in the City within twenty (20) days after the City Council certifies the election returns indicating that a majority of the registered voters of the City voting upon the proposed Charter amendment voted in favor of it.

Argument in Favor of Measure J

Vote YES on Measure J to clarify conflicting language in our City Charter and maintain elected official oversight over our boards and commissions.

The current charter contains a sentence that “all boards and commissions only shall be advisory to the Council”, yet three separate sentences in the Charter allow the City Council to set Commission powers, duties, qualifications, removal, and compensation, if any, by ordinance.

Measure J resolves this inconsistency. It confirms the Council may, by ordinance, grant defined decision-making authority to a board or commission when doing so best serves Folsom residents.

Measure J does not expand the authority of unelected commissioners. Any authority must be granted through a public ordinance adopted by the City Council that specifies exactly what authority is assigned, to which body, and under what rules. Decisions made under delegated authority remain subject to appeal to the City Council, preserving final oversight and accountability to voters.

Commissioners must continue to be Folsom residents and registered voters. The Council also retains responsibility for establishing each board’s or commission’s powers, membership, qualifications, selection, terms, removal, and compensation, if any.

This practical clarification can reduce unnecessary duplication, allow routine or specialized matters to be handled by qualified resident commissioners, and let the City Council focus on major policy, budget, and community priorities.

Measure J followed five public meetings of Folsom’s Ad Hoc Charter Review Committee and two public hearings before the City Council. It creates no tax and requires no delegation of authority. Measure J simply removes contradictory language and gives the City flexibility to define commission responsibilities clearly, publicly, and responsibly.

The Folsom City Council urges you to Vote YES on Measure J for a clearer Charter and more efficient local government.

s/Justin Raithel
Mayor, City of Folsom  

Rebuttal to the Argument in Favor of Measure J

The argument in favor of Measure J asserts that amending Charter Section 4.07 would "clarify conflicting language" and "maintain elected official oversight" of Boards and Commissions. But there is no conflicting language in the current Section 4.07 and, while Measure J would amend the Charter to allow the City Council to give final decision-making authority to Boards and Commissions, the amendment neither establishes nor guarantees elected official oversight of that final authority.

The existing Section 4.07 gives broad authority to the City Council to establish and define the duties of Boards and Commissions, with just a single restriction that Boards and Commissions “only shall be advisory." That provision disallows the City Council from giving Boards and Commissions authority to take final actions on behalf of the City. The provision is not "conflicting language," and is an important restriction prohibiting delegation of final authority to non-elected Boards and Commissions.

Moreover, nothing in the Measure J amendment provides for elected official oversight of decisions by Boards and Commissions. Although citizens might be able to appeal decisions of Boards and Commissions to the City Council, the Council recently raised the appeal fee to $1,500 making appeals cost-prohibitive for many citizens.

The existing City Charter works in favor of public participation and responsible decision making and should not be amended to allow the Council to delegate final authority to non-elected members of Boards and Commission. Vote NO on Measure J.

s/Robert Delp
Individual Voter

Argument Against Measure J

City Charter Section 4.07 gives the City Council broad flexibility to establish and define the roles and responsibilities of Boards and Commissions. Section 4.07 has one important restriction which is that Boards and Commissions may only serve in an advisory capacity and may not be granted authority to make final decisions on behalf of the City. Section 4.07 currently strikes a wise balance in allowing the City Council to create Boards and Commissions to serve important functions while restricting our elected City Council from granting its decision-making authority to non-elected individuals sitting on Boards and Commissions.

Don’t be fooled by the ballot question. The City Council is spending tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars to ask voters to amend the City Charter so that the Council can grant decision making authority to Board and Commissions composed of individuals that are not elected by or accountable to the voters. The Council’s ballot question suggests that a yes vote would merely “confirm” that the Charter does not limit Boards and Commissions to advisory roles. However, approval of this ballot measure would allow the Council to give unlimited authority to non-elected Boards and Commissions. 

Amending the City Charter to allow the City Council to delegate decision making authority to non-elected individuals will reduce City Council accountability to the voters and should be rejected. 

To maintain City Council accountability, vote NO. 

s/Robert Delp
Individual Voter

Rebuttal to the Argument Against Measure J

City Councils throughout California commonly delegate minor decision-making authority to Commissions. This practice helps local governments make permit decisions faster and cheaper. In Folsom, we have delegated smaller decisions to our Planning Commission since the City's incorporation in 1946 and to our Historic District Commission since its creation in 1998. Measure J will allow the Council to continue delegating minor decisions, such as those involving residents who want to make changes to their homes or new businesses that want to install a sign. Residents and applicants can appeal any decision made by a Commission to the City Council. In practice, this means 99% of decisions are not appealed because the neighbors have no concerns or their concerns get addressed by the Commission. The controversial projects are appealed and decided by our elected officials with lots of community input.

Our City Charter, adopted in 1990, clearly outlines this ability to delegate authority three times but a sentence later in the Charter seems to be in conflict. Mr. Delp has sued the city citing this inconsistency. The City Council is placing this measure on the ballot so we no longer have to spend taxpayer dollars on lawsuits to defend against a resident who wants to restrict his neighbors from making minor changes to their homes and the yards around them without Council approval.

Vote YES on Measure J to stop legal conflicts over our Charter.

s/Justin Raithel
Mayor, City of Folsom 

Shall the measure increasing the campaign contribution limit from $150 to $500 per donor per election on campaigns for Folsom City Council be adopted? 

Impartial Analysis Prepared by City Counsel

CITY OF FOLSOM
City Attorney’s Impartial Analysis of Measure K

Campaign contribution limits are rules set by governmental authorities to cap how much money donors can give to candidates running for office.  In California, cities may set a limit on donations to candidates running for city council.    

In 1994, Folsom voters passed an initiative measure establishing a $150 per person per election limit on donations to candidates for City Council.  This rule has not been updated since 1994. 

On July 14, 2026, the City Council voted to place Measure K on the November ballot.  If passed by a majority of Folsom voters (50% + 1), Measure K would amend the Folsom Municipal Code to increase the campaign contribution limit applicable to candidates for Folsom City Council from $150 per person per election to $500 per person per election.        

Measure K sets an upper limit for donations.  Any person may donate less than $500 per election to any candidate running for Folsom City Council. 

Measure K does not apply outside the City of Folsom, and it does not apply to any City election other than an election for Folsom City Council.  For example, Measure K does not apply to ballot measures.   

A “yes” vote on Measure K will authorize an increase in the campaign contribution limit applicable to candidates for Folsom City Council from $150 to $500 per person per election.

A “no” vote on Measure K will not authorize an increase in the campaign contribution limit applicable to candidates for Folsom City Council from $150 to $500 per person per election.  The $150 per person per election campaign contribution limit will remain in place.  

The above statement is an impartial analysis of Measure K.  If you desire a copy of the Measure, please call the City Clerk’s Office at (916) 461-6035 and a copy will be mailed at no cost to you.

s/Sari Myers Dierking
City Attorney

 

***YOU CAN FIND THE MEASURE ARGUMENTS FOLLOWING THE FULL TEXT OF THIS MEASURE***

Full Text of Measure K

ORDINANCE NO. 1373

AN ORDINANCE OF THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF FOLSOM
AMENDING SECTION 2.48.030, “CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION LIMITATION”, OF THE FOLSOM MUNICIPAL CODE TO INCREASE THE CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION LIMIT

            The People of the City of Folsom hereby do ordain as follows:

SECTION 1  ORDINANCE AMENDMENT

            Section 2.48.03, “Campaign Contribution Limitation”, of the Folsom Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

2.48.030 Campaign contribution limitation.

A.    No person other than a candidate shall make, and no campaign treasurer shall solicit or accept, any contribution which will cause the total amount contributed by such person with respect to a single election in support or opposition to such candidate, including contributions to all committees supporting or opposing such candidate, to exceed $150 $500.

B.    Extension of credit for a period of more than 90 days is prohibited. Extension of credit for more than $1,000 is prohibited; provided, however, a candidate may personally borrow any amount and such funds shall be considered as a contribution by the candidate personally; provided, further, that such transaction is fully disclosed and documented in accordance with applicable law.

C.    The terms of this section are applicable to any contributions made to a candidate or committee hereunder, whether used by such candidate or committee to finance a current campaign, to pay deficits incurred in a prior campaign, or otherwise.

D.    If any person is found guilty of violating the terms of this section, the amount of funds received constituting such violation shall be paid by the candidate or committee treasurer who received such funds to the city finance director for deposit in the general fund of the city.

E.    As used in this section, “extension of credit” means any loan, gift, forbearance or forgiveness of debt without adequate compensation.

SECTION 2  SCOPE

            Except as set forth in this Ordinance, all other provisions of the Folsom Municipal Code shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 3  SEVERABILITY

            If any section, subsection, clause, phrase, or portion of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance.  The People of the City of Folsom hereby declare that they would have adopted this Ordinance and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, clauses, phrases or portions be declared invalid or unconstitutional.

SECTION 4  EFFECTIVE DATE

            If a majority of the registered voters of the City voting upon this proposed Ordinance amendment vote in favor of it, the Ordinance amendment shall become effective thirty (30) days after the City Council certifies the election returns. 

SECTION 5  PUBLICATION

            The City Clerk is directed to cause a copy of this Ordinance to be published in full or in summary in a newspaper of general circulation in the City within twenty (20) days after the City Council certifies the election returns indicating that a majority of the registered voters of the City voting upon the proposed Ordinance amendment voted in favor of it.   

Argument in Favor of Measure K

Vote Yes on Measure K and help level the playing field in city elections. 

In 1994, Folsom voters imposed a $150 limit on contributions to individual candidates in an attempt to limit the influence of wealthy special interests including land owners, developers,  and other special interests which had been pumping hundreds of thousands of dollars into city elections.  The limit helped, until the courts removed virtually all restrictions on money flowing into so-called “independent expenditure committees”.  The result has been a system that allows a handful of donors to put more money into our city elections than hundreds of city residents.

If you believe there is too much money in politics, you’re right!  Limits on campaign contributions seem to make sense.  That was the reason a group of concerned residents put the measure on the ballot.  But times have changed and the current limit now works against those who want to see more accountability in local elections.

While we cannot overrule the courts and limit large donations to independent expenditure committees, we can take a step toward leveling the playing field.  Measure K would raise the limit to $500, allowing residents to provide more support directly to the candidate of their choice.  A highly diverse committee of residents reviewing our city Charter looked at the data from recent elections and concluded its time to raise the individual campaign contribution limit.  The City Council studied it further and came to the same conclusion. 

The proposed $500 limit would allow candidates to raise more money from their supporters. It would encourage more direct support, which in turn would provide more accountability and public disclosure. Let’s give candidates the tool they need to compete effectively and restore balance to our city elections. 

Vote Yes on Measure K.

s/Tom Aceituno
Former Vice-Mayor and City Council Member, City of Folsom

***NO REBUTTAL TO ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF MEASURE K WAS FILED***

***NO ARGUMENT AGAINST MEASURE K WAS FILED***

***NO REBUTTAL TO ARGUMENT AGAINST MEASURE K WAS FILED***

Shall the offices of Galt Treasurer and Galt City Clerk be appointive?

Impartial Analysis Prepared by City Counsel

A city treasurer and city clerk may either be appointed or elected to their office.  The City Treasurer and the City Clerk for the City of Galt are currently elected offices. 

An elected city treasurer and an elected city clerk must reside and be registered to vote in the city where they hold office.  No minimum training or experience qualifications apply to elected city treasurers and city clerks. 

An appointed city treasurer and city clerk are not subject to state law residency requirements, and the City Council may set education and training requirements and review the City Treasurer and City Clerk’s performance annually. 

California Government Code section 36508 permits a city council to submit to the electors the question of whether an elective office, other than that of city council member, shall be made appointive.  The Galt City Council directed that a measure be submitted to Galt voters pursuant to Government Code section 36508 concerning whether the offices of Galt City Treasurer and City Clerk shall be made appointive. 

A “yes” vote on this measure would approve of making the offices of Galt City Treasurer and City Clerk both appointive.  If a majority of Galt voters approve this measure, the offices of Galt City Treasurer and Galt City Clerk would become appointive, starting after the 2028 general election.  Thereafter, both the Galt City Treasurer and the Galt City Clerk would hold office at the pleasure of the City Council and be subject to the City’s terms of employment and other applicable personnel policies and procedures. 

A “no” vote on this measure would disapprove of making the offices of Galt City Treasurer and City Clerk appointive.  If a majority of Galt voters reject the measure, the offices of Galt City Treasurer and Galt City Clerk will remain an elective office.

The above statement is an impartial analysis of Measure L. If you desire a copy of the measure, contact the Assistant City Clerk, Rose Rodacker, Administration Department at (209) 366-7130 x7 and a copy will be mailed at no cost to you.

s/Frank Splendorio, Interim City Attorney
City of Galt

 

“The above statement is an impartial analysis of Ordinance or Measure L. If you desire a copy of the ordinance or measure, please call the elections official’s office at 209-366-7130 and a copy will be mailed at no cost to you.”

Argument in Favor of Measure L

Vote YES on Measure L to strengthen good governance and ensure that Galt's most important administrative positions are filled by qualified professionals.

As residents and business owners in Galt, we do not make this recommendation lightly. We support this measure because the offices of City Treasurer and City Clerk are responsible for some of the City's most important public responsibilities.

The City Treasurer is responsible for safeguarding and overseeing $168 million in public funds and complying with complex laws governing investments, payments, and financial reporting. The City Clerk administers municipal elections, maintains Galt's official records and legislative history, supports transparent public meetings, and helps ensure compliance with election, open-meeting, and public-records laws.

These responsibilities have become increasingly technical over the years. They require specialized knowledge, training, and experience. Yet under the current system, there are no minimum professional qualifications required for either elected office.

Measure L would modernize Galt's government by allowing the City Council to appoint qualified professionals through a competitive, merit-based process focused on education, experience, and demonstrated ability.

This is not a new or unusual approach. Today, approximately 80% of California cities appoint their City Treasurer, and more than 75% appoint their City Clerk. Galt would be joining the approach already used successfully by most California cities.

Measure L also preserves public accountability. Residents will continue to elect the Mayor and City Council, who will be responsible in public meetings for appointing, overseeing, and evaluating these professionals. Financial audits, open meeting laws, public records laws, and all existing transparency requirements will remain in place.

Measure L is about preparing Galt for the future by ensuring these critical positions are filled by qualified professionals while maintaining transparency, accountability, and public trust.

Please join us in voting YES on Measure L.

s/Shaun L. Farrell
City Treasurer

s/Kat Seabolt
Director, Chamber of Commerce

s/Heriberto Mosqueda, Jr.
Galt Small Business Owner

s/Todd DeVoogd, CPA
Senior Vice President, Enterprise Risk

s/Kirk Smith
Galt Small Business Owner

 

***NO REBUTTAL TO ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF MEASURE L WAS FILED***

***NO ARGUMENT AGAINST MEASURE L WAS FILED***

***NO REBUTTAL TO ARGUMENT AGAINST MEASURE L WAS FILED***

2/3 Vote Required

To address the decline in Federal funding for Special Education and to expand early intervention programs to every school, shall Sacramento City Unified School District adopt a $95 per year Special Education tax on each parcel of property until repealed or replaced by voters, raising $10 million annually, with exemptions for seniors, including Social Security recipients, and recipients of Supplemental Security and Social Security Disability and annual inflation adjustments, providing funds exclusively for Special Education and intervention programs, be adopted?

Impartial Analysis Prepared by County Counsel

IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS OF MEASURE M
Sacramento City Unified School District Parcel Tax
Prepared by County Counsel

Measure M, if approved by the voters, would impose a special tax in the amount of $95 per year on each parcel of land within the boundaries of the Sacramento City Unified School District.  The tax would be in effect beginning July 1, 2027, and will continue until amended or repealed by the voters.  Beginning the second fiscal year after approval, the tax rate will be increased annually in proportion to the increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), however, the increase shall not exceed three percent in any fiscal year. Upon receipt of a satisfactory application, an exemption from the proposed tax will be granted on any parcel owned and occupied by persons who are 65 years of age or older, or persons receiving Supplemental Security Income for a disability regardless of age, or persons receiving Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, regardless of age, whose yearly income does not exceed 250 percent of the 2012 federal poverty guidelines issued by the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

The proceeds of the special tax are intended to be used for educational purposes, as set forth in the full text of the Measure printed in the Sample Ballot.

The special tax will be collected by the Sacramento County Tax Collector at the same time as, and along with, the ad valorem property tax, and will be subject to the same penalties and interest that apply to ad valorem property taxes if not paid when due. 

The District is required by law to provide additional accountability measures for the proceeds. These measures include: (1) depositing the proceeds into a fund that is separate and apart from other District funds and shall be applied only as set forth in the Measure; and (2) providing an annual written report to the Board stating the amount of funds collected and expended, and the status of any projects or description of any programs funded from the tax proceeds. 

Passage of Measure M requires approval by two-thirds of the voters voting thereon.

A “YES” vote on Measure M means you wish to enact the special tax.

A “NO” vote on Measure M means you do not wish to enact the special tax.

The above statement is an impartial analysis of Measure M. If you desire a copy of the Measure, please call the Sacramento County Registrar of Voters at (916) 875-6276 and a copy will be mailed at no cost to you.

 

***YOU CAN FIND THE MEASURE ARGUMENTS FOLLOWING THE FULL TEXT OF THIS MEASURE***

Full Text of Measure M

FULL TEXT OF BALLOT MEASURE

SACRAMENTO CITY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT SPECIAL EDUCATION PROTECTION AND STUDENT SUPPORT AND EARLY INTERVENTION MEASURE

Measure M

FINDINGS

Sacramento City Unified School District (the “District”) educates over 36,600 students at more than 74 schools, including 52 elementary schools, 8 middle schools, and 14 high schools. The District is dedicated to helping every student succeed and gain the academic and social skills to thrive in their communities.

Over the past decade, the needs of our student population have evolved, requiring more individualized instruction and comprehensive supportive services. Because state and federal funding do not fully cover the cost of these essential student supports, local, stable funding is needed to ensure every child has access to an environment tailored to their academic and social success.

Over the past decade, the District’s special education population has grown significantly, from under 5,100 students ten years ago to over approximately 7,500 today. At the same time, the federal share of the cost of serving these students has declined. Although the federal government long ago committed to paying 40% of the average per-pupil cost of special education, it has never met that commitment and today provides only about 13%.

In response, the District began an early intervention pilot program at 10 elementary schools using the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework. MTSS is an evidence-based approach designed to intervene early in the lives of the youngest children. By identifying and addressing needs as they emerge, it keeps children in the general education classroom whenever appropriate, reduces the number who later require intensive special education services, and helps more students succeed.

Proactive early intervention holds real fiscal and academic potential. By identifying and addressing learning needs as they emerge, the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) keeps children thriving in the general education classroom, optimizes the use of shared district resources, and reduces the need for more intensive academic interventions later.

When early intervention succeeds, a child’s needs can be met in a general education setting rather than through more intensive and costly services later. Expanding the pilot to every school therefore has the potential to improve student outcomes while reducing per-student costs over time, allowing the District to serve more children effectively with the resources it has.

Investing in comprehensive student supports benefits everyone. Bringing early intervention frameworks and enhanced educational resources to every school ensures that students of all learning styles receive the individualized support they need to succeed early in their academic journey. By addressing learning needs proactively, this framework improves long-term educational outcomes and naturally reduces district reliance on intensive, high-cost remedial and specialized interventions over time.

The Board of Education finds that locally-controlled funding from a local parcel tax measure will stabilize funding for special education and directly benefit the community. The measure is carefully designed to cost property owners only about $7.92 per month, and it exempts elderly residents and those receiving certain Social Security benefits.

TERMS

A.  Authorized Uses of Special Tax Revenue

The District proposes to levy and collect a special tax annually, subject to accountability measures. Funds raised under this Measure shall be used only for the following purposes, in accordance with priorities established by the Board and to the extent funds are available:

• To fund special education programs and initiatives, including early intervention, student support, and specialized academic programs, designed to screen for developmental or learning disabilities, teach special education students, or reduce the need for special education services as students age.  Anticipated services to be funded may include, but are not limited to, one-to-one behavioral services, speech and language services, social and emotional services, and other services needed to support the District’s students with identified support needs.
• To attract and retain teachers, therapists, specialists, and support staff qualified to teach or support early intervention, targeted coaching, specialized support and other services to assist students with diverse learning styles.
• To provide specialized classroom resources, technology, and individualized support to help students of all backgrounds and abilities achieve their full potential.

No funds raised under this Measure shall be spent on salaries, benefits, or pensions for administrators.

B. Amount and Basis of Tax

Subject to two-thirds approval of the voters, this local funding Measure and its parcel tax (a “qualified special tax” under Government Code section 50079) will become effective as of July 1, 2027, and shall continue until amended or repealed by voters. The tax will be levied at the rate of ninety-five dollars ($95.00) annually per parcel of taxable real property. Commencing with the second fiscal year and each fiscal year thereafter, the tax rate shall be increased annually in proportion to the increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), San Francisco Bay Area, All Items, most recently available prior to the date of the increase; provided, however, that the increase shall not exceed three percent (3%) in any fiscal year.

The tax will be collected by the Sacramento County Tax Collector (the “Tax Collector”) at the same time as and along with, and will be subject to the same penalties as, general ad valorem taxes collected by the Tax Collector. The tax and any penalties will bear interest at the same rate as the rate for unpaid ad valorem property taxes until paid. Any tax levied will become a lien upon the properties against which taxes are assessed and collectible as herein provided.

A “parcel of taxable real property” is defined as any unit of real property within the District’s boundaries that receives a separate tax bill for ad valorem property taxes from the Tax Collector. All property that is otherwise exempt from or upon which no ad valorem property taxes are levied in any year will also be exempt from the special tax in such year.

C. Exemption for Senior Citizens and Social Security Recipients

An exemption from payment of the special tax may be granted on any parcel used solely for owner-occupied, single-family purposes and owned by one or more persons who are any of the following:

1. Sixty-five years of age or older on or before June 30 immediately preceding the tax year in which the tax would apply and occupy said parcel as a principal residence (“Senior Citizen Exemption”).

2. Receiving Supplemental Security Income for a disability, regardless of age, and occupy said parcel as a principal residence (“SSI Exemption”).

3. Receiving Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, regardless of age, whose yearly income does not exceed 250 percent of the 2012 federal poverty guidelines issued by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, and occupy said parcel as a principal residence (“SSDI Exemption”).

Applications for exemptions must be made to the District by June 15 prior to the tax year for which an exemption is first sought and pursuant to any procedures established by the District.

An approved application shall provide an exemption for the parcel for the remaining term of the special tax, so long as the property owner continues to own and occupy the parcel as his or her principal residence and subject to the District’s right to verify the owner’s continuing qualification for exemption.

The District shall annually provide to the Tax Collector or other appropriate County tax official a list of parcels that the District has approved for any exemption.

D. Claims / Exemption Procedures

With respect to all general property tax matters within its jurisdiction, the Sacramento County Tax Assessor or other appropriate County tax official shall make all final determinations of tax exemption or relief for any reason, and that decision shall be final and binding.

With respect to matters specific to the levy of the tax, including the Senior Citizen Exemption, SSI Exemption, SSDI Exemption, the application of the definition of “parcel of taxable real property” to any parcel(s), the legality or validity of the special tax, or any other disputed matter specific to the application of the special tax, the decisions of the District shall be final and binding.

The procedures described herein and any additional procedures established by the Board shall be the exclusive claims procedure for claimants seeking an exemption, refund, reduction, or re-computation of the special tax. Whether any particular claim is to be resolved by the District or by the County shall be determined by the District, in coordination with the County as necessary.

The Board may adopt such additional or supplemental procedures as it deems necessary or convenient for the administration of the special tax.

E. Accountability and Compliance Measures

In accordance with the requirements of California Government Code sections 50075.1 and 50075.3, the following accountability measures shall apply to the special taxes levied in accordance with this Measure:

(a) Proceeds of this special tax shall be deposited into a fund kept separate and apart from other funds in the District and shall be applied only as set forth in this Measure.

(b) For so long as the tax is in effect, the Superintendent or the chief financial officer of the District shall file a report with the Board no later than December 31 of each year, stating (1) the amount of funds collected and expended in such year, and (2) the status of any projects or description of any programs funded from the proceeds of the tax. The report may relate to the calendar year, fiscal year, or other appropriate annual period, as the officer shall determine, and may be incorporated into or filed with the annual budget, audit, or other appropriate routine report to the Board.

F. Protection of Funding

Current law forbids any decrease in State or Federal funding to the District because of the District’s adoption of a parcel tax. However, if any such funds are reduced because of the adoption of this parcel tax, then the amount of the special taxes will be reduced annually as necessary in order to restore such State or Federal funding.

G. Appropriations Limit

To the extent required by the California Constitution and applicable laws, the appropriations limit for the District shall be adjusted periodically by the aggregate sum collected by levy of this special tax.

H. Severability

By approving this Measure, the voters of the Sacramento City Unified School District declare that every section, paragraph, sentence, and clause of this Measure has independent value, and the voters would have adopted each provision hereof regardless of every other provision hereof. Upon approval of this Measure by the voters, should any part be found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid for any reason, all remaining parts hereof shall remain in full force and effect to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Argument in Favor of Measure M

The federal government has failed to deliver on its promise to provide 40% of the funds for Special Education.  Today, we get 13%.

The 7,000 Special Needs children in our Sacramento City Schools are blessed to live in a community that believes each one of them is “special.”  Some have autism.  Some have physical challenges.  Some have learning disabilities. That’s why we have hired the nurses, the psychologists, the counselors, the qualified teachers, and the social workers these special children need.

Last year, our School Board began an Early Intervention Project in 10 of our elementary schools.  And it is succeeding.  We can help Special Needs students!

Sac City Teachers support the Special Education community.  They voted to give up $97 million in order to close the District’s Special Education federal funding gap.

 

Will you help with $10 million? 

Measure M is the Special Education and Early Intervention tax.  Each real estate property owner would chip in $95 one time a year.

We know that Sacramentans living on Social Security can’t afford even a small amount, so we exempted them from paying.

We live in negative political times.  Let’s show one another that we are better.

Special Education.  Special Children.  Special Request.  Please vote YES.

s/Cancy McArn
Superintendent, Sacramento City Unified School District

s/Nicky Davis Milevsky
President, Sacramento City Teachers Association

s/Barry Broome
Business Leader

s/Jim Keddy
Child Advocate

s/Carl Pinkston
President, Black Parallel School Board

Rebuttal to the Argument in Favor of Measure M

Children with disabilities deserve support. They also deserve the full facts and leaders who protect every dollar.

The proponents say Washington failed. Local families should not cover that failure with a permanent tax, especially when FCMAT found serious weaknesses in SCUSD's budget monitoring.

Their "$97 million" claim no longer exists. The county's fiscal adviser rescinded that agreement on July 31. On August 11, State Superintendent Tony Thurmond denied the district's appeal. The $158.6 million plan is dead. The $221.8 million deficit is not. An additional $10 million will not save SCUSD.

Their "$95 one time a year" wording omits the true cost. $95 is only the first-year amount. Measure M allows an increase every year, up to 3%, and never expires unless voters repeal or replace it.

Their senior exemption claim leaves out important facts. Only owner-occupied single-family homes with seniors 65 or older, people receiving SSI for a disability, and low-income SSDI recipients qualify. Seniors and disabled residents who rent get no relief. The cost is passed along in rent.

They call the 10-school pilot a success but give no results. Measure M guarantees no funding share for that pilot and sets no performance targets.

Worst of all, Measure M creates no independent citizens' oversight committee. SCUSD's superintendent or finance chief reports to the same Board that oversaw the budget crisis.

Compassion is not a blank check. Protect students. Demand a real recovery plan, proven results, and independent oversight before another tax. Vote NO on Measure M.

s/Alma De Santiago
Parent

s/Kellie Swayne
Parent

s/Alana Miyake
Parent

s/Cam Villa
Parent

Argument Against Measure M

Every child deserves a good school and the help they need. Yet Sacramento City Unified School District wants more money before it fixes its budget.

The state-created Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team rated SCUSD at HIGH risk of insolvency. Its December 2025 findings were "not remarkably different" from 2018, citing deficit spending, poor budget development, leadership instability. Poor monitoring also cost the district $16 million in Title I funding.

Measure M is a tax that never expires. It starts at $95 per parcel and can rise up to 3% each year. With the highest increases, it could more than double in 30 years. Renters are not exempt. Landlords will pass along the cost.

The timing should worry voters. One week after putting this tax on the ballot, the Board approved a $158.6 million plan. A day later, the county's fiscal adviser canceled the labor deal behind it. County officials said SCUSD still had a $221.8 million budget gap. They said the plan would keep the district from running out of money for only a few weeks. The county now checks payments early and stops them when cash is too low.

Measure M creates no independent citizens' oversight committee. SCUSD's own top administrator writes a yearly report for the same Board. That is not public oversight.

This tax is unfair. A family in a small home pays the same $95 tax as the owner of a far more valuable property on one parcel.

Almost one-third of SCUSD schools are less than half full. Every half-filled or empty classroom still needs heat, staff and repairs. That is money not reaching students.

Our children need stable schools and leaders who can manage a budget. They also need leaders who plan ahead, spend wisely, and put students first. Our kids deserve results, not another tax promise. Vote NO on Measure M.

s/Judith Farina
Retired Educator

s/Loretta Hom
Retired Teacher

s/Eva S. Garcia
Past School Board Member

Rebuttal to the Argument Against Measure M

Perhaps these numbers will assist you with the choice we are asking you to make:

1. This Federal Government puts up 13% of what we spend on students with special needs.  Far below the longstanding “commitment” of 40%.

1. Measure M asks property owners for $95 a year.  Not per month.  And not forever. 

1. Measure M allows the tax to be repealed at any time, for any reason.  By a simple majority vote.

1. Sacramento allows an average of 25 apartments on a one-acre parcel.  Measure M would cost each tenant a maximum of 30¢ a month.  30¢ a MONTH.

1. Teachers have signed a legally binding agreement to put up $97 million. 

1. Your vote for Measure M adds a total of $10 million.

Are the 7,000 Special Ed students worth that?

Our answer is “Yes.”  But it’s your answer that counts.

s/Cancy McArn
Superintendent, Sacramento City Unified School District

s/Nicky Davis Milevsky
President, Sacramento City Teachers Association

s/Barry Broome
Business Leader

s/Jim Keddy
Child Advocate

s/Carl Pinkston
President, Black Parallel School Board