The Long Beach City Council is set to deliberate on three potential ballot measures during their meeting on August 6, 2024. If approved, these measures would go before voters in the November elections. The issues at hand include two proposed amendments to the City Charter and a Tax Measure aimed at bolstering city services through increased funding.
According to Long Beach's official press release, the first Charter amendment contemplates a merger of the Civil Service and Human Resources Departments, along with the establishment of a Civil Service Employee Rights and Appeals Commission. This body would be responsible for handling complaints, classified employee disciplinary appeals, and implementing local hiring preferences. The second Charter amendment under consideration would cut short the terms for Harbor and Public Utilities Commissioners to four years, shift employment authority within the Harbor Department, and increase penalties for rule violations.
On the fiscal front, the proposed Tax Measure looks to remove a tax exemption previously enjoyed by electrical corporations and government entities. Repealing this exemption would subject them to Long Beach's existing 5% gas utility user tax. This could generate an estimated $15 million annually, funds which are pledged to support general city services ranging from emergency response to homelessness services. All funds would be subject to local audits and disclosures.
After the August 6 session, assuming these measures are selected, the City will seek individuals interested in writing arguments for or against them. Starting August 7, Long Beach residents who wish to participate can submit an interest form through the City Clerk's webpage—forms must be submitted by 4:30 P.M. on August 8. Separate forms are required for each ballot measure, and further details will be provided later in the week.
The City Council will announce the officially selected Charter amendments and ballot measures during the meeting on August 6. Should the public wish to review the proposed language for these measures, the June 11 agenda for the joint Charter Amendment Committee and City Council meeting contains the relevant information for the Charter amendments, while details concerning the Tax Measure can be found in the August 6 City Council agenda.
