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Smart Voter
San Mateo County, CA November 3, 2009 Election
Measure K
Election of City Treasurer
City of Millbrae
Majority Approval Required

Pass: 1,693 / 51.0% Yes votes ...... 1,626 / 49.0% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures
Results as of Dec 29 12:09pm, 100.0% of Precincts Reporting (13/13)
27.8% Voter Turnout (77,340/277,759)
Information shown below: Impartial Analysis | Arguments |

Shall the office of city treasurer be appointive?

Impartial Analysis from The City Attorney of Millbrae
The City Treasurer is responsible for the investment and safekeeping of City funds. At the present time, the office of the City Treasurer in the City of Millbrae is an elective position and the functions of the City Treasurer require a part-time commitment.

In accordance with State law, the office of City Treasurer can be changed to an appointive position upon majority approval of the Millbrae electorate. Passage of this Measure would authorize appointment of the City Treasurer as of November of 2009.

Currently to be eligible for election to the position of City Treasurer, a candidate needs only be a United States citizen, at least 18 years old, and a registered voter in the City of Millbrae. If elective, no other qualifications are required by State law nor is the City of Millbrae permitted to set any additional qualifications. The elected City Treasurer serves a four-year term subject only to recall by the voters or forfeiture of office for certain violations of State law. Unlike the City Councilmembers, the position of City Treasurer is not subject to term limits.

If the City Treasurer is subject to appointment, State law requires the City Council to make such an appointment unless it vests this power in the City Manager. If appointed, the City Council would have the power to establish qualifications for the position. Such qualifications could include a college degree along with demonstrated investment and financial experience. In addition, the City Council could establish a competitive recruitment process and require a thorough background and security check of applicants. Anyone appointed to serve the functions of City Treasurer would be subject to City Council and administrative oversight in the performance of his or her duties.

Similar to City Councilmembers, the elected City Treasurer receives compensation of $345 per month and is entitled to health benefits. In the case of an appointed City Treasurer, the City Council could establish the financial terms and conditions of the engagement.

A "Yes" vote on this Measure would change the office of City Treasurer to an appointive position.

A "No" vote on this Measure would maintain the office of City Treasurer as an elective position.

  
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Arguments For Measure K Arguments Against Measure K
We must ensure that the funds of the City of Millbrae are safely and properly invested by professionals who fully understand the complexities of the investment markets, acceptable investment vehicles, and the requirements for investment of public funds. The City Council seeks approval from the Millbrae electorate to make the City Treasurer an appointive function, rather than an elective position.

We urge a "yes" vote on this measure because:

  • Successful financial administration of Millbrae requires professional competency of its fiscal officers and well qualified persons with the requisite training and experience to serve as City Treasurer. The elective process does not assure the most qualified candidate, or even a minimally qualified candidate, is selected;

  • The elected city council is responsible for the financial affairs of the city. California law requires an independent annual audit of Millbrae's finances. Oversight and transparency will continue to be assured and records are readily available to the public;

  • The Millbrae city treasurer implements the investment policy established by the Millbrae City Council. This role is administrative and technical. The elective process is not appropriate for a position that implements council policies. The Millbrae City Treasurer has no authority to make policy;

  • A city treasurer must work in coordination with Millbrae's Finance Department to ensure that the City has cash available to meet its expenditure obligations. An elected treasurer creates the potential to develop a political base which can work against the performance of the treasurer duties;

  • The Millbrae city treasurer duties require the resources and assistance of the Millbrae Finance Department. An elected city treasurer results in redundancy of effort and duplication of time, costs, and resources.

To best protect Millbrae's funds in this 21st century, join us in voting YES on Measure K.

/s/ Robert G. Gottschalk, Mayor, Millbrae City Council

/s/ Mary Vella Treseler, City Treasurer

/s/ Daniel F. Quigg, Former City Treasurer

/s/ Mary Griffin, San Mateo County Supervisor, Retired

/s/ John Ford, Business Executive

None Submitted

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Created: December 29, 2009 12:09 PST
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