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Measure EE
City of Oakland – Charter Amendment Measure
Shall the measure to amend Oakland’s City Charter to, among other things, {1} make the Mayor the City’s chief executive with a legislative veto, (2) empower the Council to override vetoes, confirm appointments of certain directors, and appoint an Independent Budget and Legislative Analyst, (3} affirm Councilmembers’ right to acquire information from other City officials, (4} require Councilmembers to work full-time, and (S} empower the Public Ethics Commission to set salaries for all City elected officials using similar formulas, be adopted?
Required Vote: 50%+1
Criteria:
1-Intent of the Measure and the duration.
2-Are there any financial effects if this measure passes? If so- how much?
3- If this passes, what or who will this measure specifically affect?
4-Does the measure deal with more than 1 issue? (Measures should deal with one or closely related subjects.)
5- What is the current situation that would remain if this measure does not pass?
*****Extraneous language unrelated to the matter which could be considered as deceptive to the voter.(-1 point).
Score: 1.8
Comments: The score was lowered from the maximum of five because of the lack of clarity as to why the measure was needed. There are also too many issues and city processes being covered, with the worrisome line of “among other things”. There is also little explanation regarding the financial impacts from the proposed changes. More clarity could have been provided to the voters regarding the benefits or need for the change to the city charter.
Measure FF
City of Oakland – Real Property Tax Measure
Shall the measure amending Oakland’s Real Property Transfer Tax Ordinance to eliminate the foreclosure exception for all property transfers except transfers converting commercial property to certain housing or healthcare uses, transfers to community banking organizations, and certain transfers of residential properties of four units or less, and allowing the City Council to establish, amend, or remove foreclosure-related exceptions, raising approximately $4-$13 million annually pursuant to tax rates in Oakland Municipal Code section 4.20.020, beginning January 1, 2027 until repealed, be adopted?
Vote Required: 50%+1
Criteria:
1-Intent and structure of the tax (i.e. a % or rate for a sales or transfer tax, or a $ per parcel or square foot for a parcel tax).
2- Amount of tax generated per year and the duration of the tax.
3- Is this a Special or General tax? (The more specific it’s described, so that one can easily figure which it is, the more credit they get).
4- Where is the money specifically going? (particularly if a special tax).
5-Is there an existing or similar tax already in place? If so, that tax information should be included.
****** Extraneous language unrelated to the matter (-1 point )
Score: 4.1
Comments: The score was lowered from the maximum of five because of the lack of clarity as to why the measure was needed. There is also little explanation regarding the financial impacts from the change other than that there would be an increase in future city revenues depending upon unpredictable future real estate foreclosures. More clarity could have been provided to the voters regarding the justification for this change to the city tax ordinance.
