To: Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Steve Madrone
Agenda Section: Initiated by Board Member
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
title
Consider Revisions to Ordinance 2520 Related to Campaign Finance (Supervisor Steve Madrone)
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Consider making changes to Ordinance 2520 related to campaign finance; and
2. Direct staff to return with proposed ordinance modifications following Board direction.
Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
General Fund (1100)
DISCUSSION:
On Oct. 14, 2014, the Board adopted Ordinance 2520, adding Division 18 and Chapter 1, and Sections 2181-1 through 2181-14 to Title II of the Humboldt County Code related to Campaign Finance. The Board is now being asked to consider modifications to the existing Ordinance 2520 to change the amount a candidate may solicit or accept of campaign contributions from $1,500 to $500 maximum contributions.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Making modifications to Ordinance 2520 is a new activity, and planning for this action was not included in the Fiscal Year 2022-23 budget, and no new funding for this activity is proposed at this time. As with any new activity, should your Board choose to take action on this ordinance, it will require staff, in this case from County Counsel, County Administrative Office, Elections Office and potentially other departments, to include this work into their schedules and could impact other existing projects and activities, and their related timelines.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
This action supports your Board’s Strategic Framework by providing for and maintaining infrastructure.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Humboldt County Elections Department
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board may choose not to make changes to Ordinance 2520. However, this is not recommended since it would not ensure that the financial strength of certain individuals or organizations are prevented from exercising a disproportionate or controlling influence on the elections in Humboldt County.
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Campaign Finance Ordinance 2520
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: N/A
Meeting of: N/A
File No.: N/A