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Santa Cruz County, California, Measure H, Housing Bonds (November 2018)
| Measure H: Santa Cruz County Housing Bonds |
|---|
|
| The basics |
| Election date: |
| November 6, 2018 |
| Status: |
 DefeatedMajority required: 66.67% |
| Topic: |
| Local housing |
| Related articles |
| Local housing on the ballot November 6, 2018 ballot measures in California Santa Cruz County, California ballot measures County bonds on the ballot |
| See also |
| Santa Cruz County, California |
A housing bond issue was on the ballot for voters in Santa Cruz County, California, on November 6, 2018. It was defeated.
| A yes vote was a vote in favor of authorizing the county to issue up to $140 million in general obligation bonds at an estimated tax rate of $16.77 per $100,000 of assessed value to fund housing for populations such as households at or below 120 percent of the area median income, veterans, seniors, persons with disabilities, persons with mental health disorders, and persons with substance abuse disorders. |
| A no vote was a vote against authorizing the county to issue up to $140 million in general obligation bonds at an estimated tax rate of $16.77 per $100,000 of assessed value to fund housing. |
County officials estimated that the bonds under Measure H would generate $8.6 million annually. The measure was designed to allocate funds in the following way:[1]
- $105 million (75 percent) toward construction of 1,041 rental units and accessory dwelling units for low-income and moderate-income households;
- $21 million (15 percent) toward homeless facilities and year-round shelter; and
- $14 million (10 percent) toward loans for first-time homeowners.
A two-thirds (66.67%) vote was required for the approval of Measure H.
Election results
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Santa Cruz County, California, Measure H, Housing Bonds (November 2018) |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Result | Votes | Percentage | ||
| Yes | 64,298 | 55.39% | ||
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51,783 | 44.61% | ||
Text of measure
Ballot question
The ballot question was as follows:[2]
| “ |
To provide affordable local housing for working families and vulnerable populations including veterans, seniors, low- and moderate-income households, persons with disabilities, homeless individuals and families; and supportive housing for individuals suffering from mental health illnesses or substance use disorders; shall the County of Santa Cruz issue up to $140,000,000 in general obligation bonds, with an estimated levy of $16.77 per $100,000 of assessed valuation, generating approximately $8,600,000 annually through maturity, subject to independent citizen oversight and regular audits?[3] |
” |
Impartial analysis
The following impartial analysis was prepared by the Santa Cruz County Counsel:[4]
| “ |
This measure seeks voter approval to authorize the County of Santa Cruz (“County”) to issue and sell up to $140,000,000 in general obligation bonds, in one or more series, at an interest rate not to exceed twelve percent per annum. The purpose of the bonds is to raise funds for the acquisition or improvement of real property in order to provide affordable housing for populations that face challenges securing stable housing. People eligible for this housing include veterans, seniors, persons with disabilities, persons experiencing homelessness, persons with mental health illnesses or substance use disorders and persons with low and very low incomes. A portion of the proceeds will also be available for low and middle-income persons to purchase homes. The proceeds from the sale of the bonds may only be spent as described in the full text of Measure H which is printed in this pamphlet and not for any other purpose. Measure H, if approved, would authorize an increase in the property tax rate in order to pay debt service on the bonds. The property tax increase would be based on assessed value, not market value. The best estimate of the average annual tax rate that would be required to fund the bond issue over the duration of the debt service is $12.21 per $100,000 of assessed value. The best estimate of the highest annual tax rate that would be required to fund the bond issue over the duration of the debt service is $16.77 per $100,000 of assessed value. The Tax Rate Statement printed in this pamphlet describes the tax rate in more detail. In accordance with State law, the County would carry out accountability measures. If the measure is approved, the proceeds of the bonds must be deposited in a special account created by the County. The County must ensure that an annual report is prepared describing the amount of funds collected and expended, and the status of any project required or authorized to be funded by the bond proceeds. An Oversight Committee including citizen representatives will review the annual report each year to ensure fiscal accountability. An independent, external auditor will review the County’s spending of bond proceeds to further ensure fiscal accountability. Pursuant to California law, this measure will become effective upon the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the qualified voters voting on this measure. Approval of this measure will also constitute approval of the provision of up to 1,041 units of affordable housing as required by Article XXXIV of the California Constitution. This measure was placed on the ballot by the Board of Supervisors of the County of Santa Cruz. A “yes” vote on Measure H is a vote to authorize the issuance and sale of up to $140,000,000 in general obligation bonds in order to provide affordable housing, to be secured by property taxes on property located within the County. A “no” vote on Measure H is a vote to not authorize the issuance and sale of general obligation bonds.[3] |
” |
| —Santa Cruz County Counsel | ||
Full text
The full text of the measure is available here.
Support
Proponents
Santa Cruz County Housing Solutions Board (Affordable Housing Santa Cruz County) led the campaign in favor of Measure H.[5]
The following individuals signed the official argument in favor of Measure H:[4]
- Michael Watkins, county superintendent of schools
- Raymon Cancino, chief executive officer, Meals on Wheels and Lift Line, programs of Community Bridges
- Katherine Beiers, former mayor of Santa Cruz
- Thomas Broz, organic farmer, county farm bureau president
- Keisha Frost, chief executive officer, United Way of Santa Cruz County
Arguments
Santa Cruz County Housing Solutions Bond made the following argument in favor of Measure H:[5]
| “ |
Housing costs exceed 50% of the household income for more than 1 in 5 residents on the Central Coast, forcing families to spend less on basic necessities like food or healthcare, or to cut costs by under-investing in assets such as retirement or education. The lack of affordable housing also makes it more challenging for service workers, educators, healthcare professionals and others to live in our area. We need these workers in Santa Cruz County to make our communities function well and to reduce traffic for all of us. In recent public opinion polls in Santa Cruz County, housing costs and housing availability have been named by local residents as our most pressing local issues. Literally thousands of local residents are struggling with a personal housing crisis right now. Additionally, most federal, state and local funding streams for affordable housing have gradually dried up over the last three decades. It’s time to solve this funding drought.[3] |
” |
| —Santa Cruz County Housing Solutions Bond | ||
Official argument
The following official argument was submitted in favor of Measure H:[4]
| “ |
The affordable housing crisis directly affects all of us in Santa Cruz County. It’s driving out many longtime local residents and preventing many young families from owning a home. Hardworking local teachers, service workers, farmworkers – and those who are working two jobs to make ends meet – are falling farther and farther behind. The local housing market continues to outpace any increase in income for too many of our neighbors. Some are leaving the county. Some have become homeless. When that happens – our community suffers. We all know someone impacted: friends, family, co‐workers, neighbors – or ourselves. Measure H will provide funds directly to local communities – Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Capitola, Scotts Valley and the unincorporated County – to create more affordable housing opportunities. Measure H will:
workers and firefighters so families can afford to buy and stay here.
community members including seniors, persons with disabilities, veterans, and those suffering from homelessness and mental illness.
of affordable workforce and farmworker housing. Ensuring workers can find affordable homes helps sustain our local economy. Measure H has tough fiscal controls including an independent citizens’ oversight committee to assure the funds are spent properly. Measure H would be part of the Low Income Senior Property Tax Postponement Program; preventing any current tax burden on those who can least afford it. Nearly two years in the making, Measure H comes from nearly one hundred local residents collaborating throughout our community to create a plan to make Santa Cruz County more affordable. Business, labor, affordable housing advocates, environmentalists, farmers, homeowners and renters all agree on the importance of passing Measure H. Please join us in Voting Yes on Measure H. Visit www.affordablehousingscc.org[3] |
” |
| —Official support argument | ||
Opposition
Opponents
The following individuals signed the official argument in opposition to Measure H:[4]
- Colonel Michael “Terry” Maxwell, retired military officer, Soquel
- Carmen Bernal, senior, Capitola
- Beverly Costello, homeowner, Santa Cruz
- Kris Kirby, business owner, Aptos
Arguments
Official argument
The following official argument was submitted in opposition to Measure H:[4]
| “ |
We urge a NO vote on the $140 million “Affordable Housing Bond, Measure H.” This is projected to cost all Santa Cruz County real property owners in principal plus interest a total of $273,768,000 for 35 years, until 2055-56. It is NOT justified to impose added Measure H indebtedness – to get affordable housing funds – that can be obtained by the better alternative of simply increasing Sales Taxes County-wide. Proposed housing will ONLY be in incorporated cities of Santa Cruz, Capitola, Aptos, Scotts Valley and Watsonville. IT IS UNFAIR FOR RURAL RESIDENTS TO SUBSIDIZE CITY DWELLERS. This bond provides “No Tax Exemption for Seniors” our most vulnerable population. Increasing parcel taxes forces-out home owners and businesses. Property owners already pay an additional 10 taxes including measures/bonds, for library facilities and parks – increasing property taxes to thousands of dollars per year. The California legislature proposed a new State wide November ballot measure to allocate $3 billion for cities, counties, and non-profits to build housing, help homeless, and low-income families at risk. The Governor signed 15 housing bills providing funding for low-income housing development and shelter for the homeless. In addition the CA legislature placed two affordable housing bonds, on the November ballot. It is not fair to impose this added and excessive $273,768,000 million Measure H, indebtedness upon real property owners—when the outcome of the November election on these other affordable housing bonds have not yet been determined. Please Vote NO on Measure H – this is not the smart and balanced answer to solving affordable housing in Santa Cruz County.[3] |
” |
| —Official opposition argument | ||
Path to the ballot
This measure was put on the ballot through a successful citizen initiative campaign led by Affordable Housing Santa Cruz County. The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously (5-0) on August 7, 2018, to send the measure to the ballot.[2]
See also
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Press Banner, "$140 Million Affordable Housing Bond on the November ballot," August 15, 2018
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 County of Santa Cruz, "Local Measures on the November 6, 2018 Ballot," accessed August 14, 2018
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 County of Santa Cruz, "Measure H," accessed August 21, 2018
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Affordable Housing Santa Cruz County, "Home," accessed August 21, 2018
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