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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-09-1986 City Council Agenda packeti-- 7— c ap-ei.......,.....1 a9e-x_eiee___-- AGENDA BILL NO. O QS' DATE: 1/9/86 DEPARTMENT: City Clerk Issue Summary Exhibits /Attachments Background memorandum Council Action CITY OF SARATOGA Initial: Dept. Hd. 11E43. I SUBJECT: ISSUES To BE DECIDED BEFORE PERIOD FOR FILING NOMINATION PAPERS: Filing Fee; Candidate Statements Payment and Permitted 'Length Municipal election is June 3, and period for filing nomination papers is February 10 to March 7. Certain issues must be decided before February 10. Recommendation I Give :staff no direction to prepare ordinance setting filing fee. 2. Direct staff to prepare resolution setting length of candidate' s_ statement at 200 words. 3. Direct staff to prepare resolution requiring that candidates pay costs of candidate's statement and Spanish translation, if requested, with advance deposit df $115 if 200-word limit is set and $230 if 400 -word limit is set. Fiscal Impacts Filing fee is maximum of $25.00. Payment of candidate statement costs in advance would ensure City reimbursement of costs, which would be approximately $230 for a 400 -word statement and half that for a 200 -word statement. Costs for a Spanish translation are about $50 for a 400 -word statement. 1/15: Candidate's statement 400 words; rest of staff recommendations approved. 1 OTR7 ©2 LV REPORT TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL SUBJECT: Election Issues Filing Fee State law permits the legislative body to fix a filing fee not to exceed $25. If a candidate does not wish to pay the filing fee, he may collect additional nominating signatures in lieu of the fee. The cities of Monte Sereno, Campbell, Cupertino, and Los Gatos charge no filing fee. No fee is recommended. Candidate's Statement Permitted Length The Council may provide for an increase in the permitted length of the statement from 200 words to 400 words. Saratoga increased the limit to 400 words in 1984; neighboring cities all retained the 200 -word limit. A 200 -word limit is recommended for 1986. Candidate Statement Advance Payment Each candidate may submit a statement regarding his education and qualifications, to be filed with the nomination papers. The local agency may either bill each candidate for costs or require advance payment of the estimated cost. The City may also absorb the costs itself. In 1982, the City billed candidates after the election, and several candidates required repeated reminders. In 1984, the city billed candidates in advance and charged them only the amount in excess of the advance payment. This system required less staff time. Neighboring cities either absorb the costs themselves (2) or bill the candidates after the election (2). Staff recommends requiring an advance payment of $115 if a 200 word statement is allowed and $230 if a 400 -word statement is allowed. Grace E. Cory Deputy City Clerk DATE: 1/9/86 COUNCIL MEETING: 1/15/86