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Oxnard, California, Wastewater Rates Repeal, Measure M (November 2016)
| Measure M: Oxnard Wastewater Rates Repeal |
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| The basics |
| Election date: |
| November 8, 2016 |
| Status: |
 Approved
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| Topic: |
| Local utility tax and fees Expires in: N/A |
| Related articles |
| Local utility tax and fees on the ballot November 8, 2016 ballot measures in California Ventura County, California ballot measures |
| See also |
| Oxnard, California |
A wastewater rates repeal was on the ballot for Oxnard voters in Ventura County, California, on November 8, 2016. It was approved.
| A yes vote was a vote in favor of repealing the city's increased wastewater rates adopted in January 2016 and returning to the lower rates previously in effect. |
| A no vote was a vote against repealing the city's wastewater rates adopted in January 2016 and returning to the rates previously in effect. |
Election results
| Measure M | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Result | Votes | Percentage | ||
| Yes | 36,440 | 72.19% | ||
| No | 14,040 | 27.81% | ||
- Election results from Ventura County Registrar of Voters
Text of measure
Ballot question
The following question appeared on the ballot:[1]
| “ |
Shall an ordinance be adopted repealing the City’s wastewater rates adopted in January 2016 and returning to the rates previously in effect?[2] |
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Impartial analysis
The following impartial analysis of the measure was prepared by the office of the Oxnard City Attorney:
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Background: State law authorizes cities to provide sewer services, also known as wastewater services, and to charge rates for such services. By State law, utility rates may not exceed the cost of providing the utility service. The City provides such wastewater services, and in 2015, the City used an expert consultant to conduct a Cost of Services Study, which provided the basis for a five-year schedule of wastewater rates. The rates were intended to produce enough funds to pay the wastewater utility’s debts to its bondholders, for recommended facility improvements, and for other operational costs to comply with State public health permit requirements. The City held community workshops to inform residents of the possible new rates. The City also conducted a public hearing, as required by State law, to obtain the residents’ feedback. The City Council adopted the new rates, which took effect in March 2016, and were at or below the rates supported by the Cost of Services Study. The Measure: Measure “M”, if approved by the voters, repeals the City’s new wastewater rates and reverts the rates to the levels they were before March 2016. A legal question exists regarding whether an initiative measure can roll back wastewater rates to a point that a utility would not be able to pay its bondholders and fund current maintenance and operational expenses. The validity of Measure “M” is the subject of a lawsuit regarding whether the Measure sets rates too low to cover the costs required by State law. The Court decided that it will not determine these issues until after the election, and the Court would only decide these issues if the Measure passes. Thus, it is possible that the Measure will not take effect even if approved by the voters. Measure “M” was placed on the ballot by a voter petition and would require a majority of votes to become effective. A “Yes” vote would rescind the wastewater rate schedule that took effect in March 2016, and the rates would revert to their prior levels. A “No” vote would maintain the wastewater rate schedule that took effect in March 2016.[2] |
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| —Oxnard City Attorney[3] | ||
Full text
The full text of the measure is available here.
Support
Supporters
The following individuals signed the official argument in favor of the measure:[3]
- Aaron Starr, president, Moving Oxnard Forward
- Bishop Broderick Huggins, pastor, Saint Paul Baptist Church
- Edward Castillo, former Oxnard Planning Commissioner
- Steve Higashi, retired farmer
- Arlene Cuevas, owner, Super Taco
Arguments in favor
Official argument
The following official argument was submitted in favor of the measure:[3]
| “ |
Vote YES on Measure M to OVERTURN the City Council’s 87% sewer rate increase! Last January, the Oxnard City Council voted for a massive sewer rate hike that would raise our household Utility Bills by an average of $326 a year – and later filed a lawsuit to prevent you from being able to vote on this. Aaron Starr fought back in court and restored our right to vote down this increase. With the support of 61 volunteers, thousands of Oxnard residents rallied to the cause and joined Aaron Starr – signing his petition to place Measure M on the ballot to STOP the City’s unfair rate hike. Here are just a few reasons to join us and Vote YES on Measure M. Measure M will LOWER future utility bills to help Oxnard families and senior citizens make ends meet. Without Measure M, residents struggling on fixed incomes may be forced to choose between paying their utility bill and buying groceries or medicine. Measure M will protect local JOBS. Without Measure M, many of Oxnard’s family owned businesses – including those employing hard-working farm workers – won’t be able to afford City Hall’s costly utility rate increase, and will need to lay off people. Measure M will restore the PEOPLE’S VOICE at City Hall. City leaders refused to listen to our concerns and then tried to raise utility rates – without our consent. Measure M will hold them accountable. Oxnard is a middle class community and most residents already pay our fair share for utilities. The people of Oxnard deserve better financial management – not higher utility bills – to fix our community’s aging infrastructure. Other cities are improving their streets, sewers and water delivery systems without huge rate increases. Why can’t our leaders do the same? Enough is enough! Stop the 87% Sewer Rate Hike. Vote YES to Pay Less. Vote YES on Measure M. www.YesOnOxnardMeasureM.com [2] |
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Opposition
Opponents
The following individuals signed the official argument against the measure:[3]
- Carmen Ramirez, mayor pro tem, on behalf of the Oxnard City Council
Arguments against
Official argument
The following official argument was submitted in opposition to the measure:[3]
| “ |
Due to California’s historic drought, Oxnard residents stepped up and conserved water. This resulted in lower revenues. But operating the wastewater (sewer) system did not cost less. The City must not risk the health of the residents or the environment, so this necessitated raising rates. Recently a sewer manhole collapsed, sending raw sewage into a waterway headed to Ormond Beach. Similar failures can and will happen if the City does not maintain its vital infrastructure. The wastewater facility needs critical repair. Also, the State has health regulations and imposes significant fines for violations so the public health is not jeopardized. It is never popular to raise utility rates. The City’s rate expert minimized the rate increase, considered alternatives to help keep rates low, and informed the public about the system’s needs. Also, the City is planning to implement a rate assistance program to help those struggling with the higher rates. The City has a modern wastewater facility to reclaim water and keep the City healthy. To continue that, the City must have the revenues from the increased rates to meet operations, repair, maintenance and financial obligations. Without this increase the utility’s funds will be exhausted within a short time. The City might not meet its duties. Measure “M” would force the City to return to previous rates, which are simply not enough to fund the wastewater system. A Court will decide the legality of this initiative, which would reduce rates and make it virtually impossible to maintain a functioning wastewater system. A decision could come after the election, should the Measure pass. Please vote NO on Measure “M” to keep our wastewater system functioning and the residents of Oxnard and our environment healthy.[2] |
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Path to the ballot
This measure was put on the ballot through a successful initiative petition campaign.
Recent news
The link below is to the most recent stories in a Google news search for the terms Oxnard Local utility tax and fees. These results are automatically generated from Google. Ballotpedia does not curate or endorse these articles.
See also
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Ventura County Clerk and Recorder, "Local Measures November 8, 2016 Presidential General Election," accessed October 17, 2016
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Ventura County Clerk and Recorder, "Sample Ballot and Voter Information Pamphlet," accessed October 18, 2016
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