TO:
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THROUGH:
Bruce Moe, City Manager
FROM:
George Gabriel, Assistant to the City Manager
SUBJECT:Title
Consideration of a Resolution in Support of the “Manhattan Beach Unified School District Quality Education Protection Measure,” (Measure MB Parcel Tax Measure) on the March 5, 2024, Statewide Primary Election Ballot (City Manager Moe).
CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 24-0011
Body
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RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that City Council consider adopting Resolution No. 24-0011 supporting the, “Manhattan Beach Unified School District Quality Education Protection Measure,” (Measure MB Parcel Tax Measure) on the March 5, 2024, Statewide Primary Election ballot.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
There are no fiscal implications associated with the recommended action.
BACKGROUND:
In 2018, Manhattan Beach voters approved a $225 per parcel tax which generates approximately $2.5 million per year in locally controlled funding for the Manhattan Beach Unified School District (MBUSD). That parcel tax will expire in June 2024. If approved by voters, the current Measure MB parcel tax measure renews the $225 parcel tax for an additional 6 years
On November 15, 2023, the MBUSD Board of Trustees approved a resolution (attached) to place the, “Manhattan Beach Unified School District Quality Education Protection Measure,” on the March 5, 2024, ballot which would renew Measure MB by extending it for another 6 years. The resolution of the Measure states:
“The purpose of this Measure is to preserve and continue high-quality education in the District and to fund, in accordance with priorities established by the Board and to the extent of available funds, the following specific programs and services:
1) Protecting and preserving quality math, science, technology, reading and writing programs;
2) Attracting and retaining high quality teachers;
3) Maintaining manageable class sizes;
4) Preparing students for college and careers
No funds will be spent on administrative salaries or benefits.”
Additionally, the ballot question before voters will state:
“To maintain quality education without increasing taxes, keep Manhattan Beach
schools among California's best; protect quality math, science, technology, reading and writing programs; attract/retain high quality teachers; and prepare students for college/careers, shall Manhattan Beach Unified School District’s measure be adopted renewing the expiring $225 education parcel tax at the current rate for 6 years, providing $2,500,000 annually, with senior exemptions, requiring public disclosure of spending, independent oversight and all funds staying local?”
DISCUSSION:
The Manhattan Beach City Council periodically reviews bills, initiatives, or legislation pending in other governmental agencies. The purpose of this is to outline the position of the City Council on priority issues and matters that impact the City.
At the March 20, 2018, meeting, City Council adopted Resolution No. 18-0038 (Attachment No. 2) in support of the original MBUSD Parcel Tax Measure that appeared on the June 5, 2018, Statewide Direct Primary Election.
At the request of Mayor Franklin, staff has placed consideration of a resolution supporting the, “Manhattan Beach Unified School District Quality Education Protection Measure,” known as the “Measure MB Parcel Tax Measure” that will appear on the on the March 5, 2024, Statewide Primary Election ballot.
Staff has drafted Resolution No. 24-0011 (Attachment No. 1), supporting the latest Measure MB Parcel Tax Measure. Upon adoption, and if directed, staff will send a letter to the Manhattan Beach Unified School District indicating the City’s position on the ballot measure.
CONCLUSION:
Staff recommends that City Council consider adopting Resolution No. 24-0011 supporting the, “Manhattan Beach Unified School District Quality Education Protection Measure,” (Measure MB Parcel Tax Measure) on the March 5, 2024, Statewide Primary Election ballot.
LEGAL REVIEW:
The City Attorney has reviewed this report and determined that no additional legal analysis is necessary.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution No. 24-0011
2. Resolution No. 18-0038
3. MBUSD Resolution No. 2023-22