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Commentary Question Analysis Argument in Favor Argument Against Full Text Tax Rate Resolution
Are you sure you want vote to support this extravagant measure? It has no accountability.
This campaign was designed by Isom Advisors (Jon). We figured out just the right words to get you to you to open up your checkbook.
We'd also like to introduce you to our partners -- bond lawyers, brokers, wealthy investors, architects, management firms, construction companies, and trade unions. We all stand to make a ton of money on these bonds. Our profits come right off the top, before a penny is actually spent on improving the facilities.
We're not just doing it for the money. We like to show off our work in Architectural Digest and other places where the rich and famous congregate.
Remember, we've taken a lot of risk. We gave money to get your governing board members elected, so they'd be sure to remember us when we came around for a hand-out later.
It's just business-as-usual, here in sunny Corruptifornia.
Please don't read the fine print. That's just put in by the lawyers to make what we're going to do to for you legal.
When you see highlighting in the documents below, it to see the commentary.
Commentary Question Analysis Argument in Favor Argument Against Full Text Tax Rate Resolution
Variation 1: ["To modernize, construct and/or renovate classrooms, restrooms and school facilities; upgrade inadequate electrical systems; replace deteriorating plumbing systems; improve student access to modern technology; repair or replace leaky roofs; make health and safety improvements; and construct career/technical education classrooms, including science labs, shall the Martinez Unified School District issue $120,000,000 of bonds, at legal interest rates, with annual audits, an independent citizens' oversight committee, NO money for teacher or administrator salaries and all funds locally-controlled?"]
Variation 2: ["To modernize, construct and/or renovate classrooms, restrooms and school facilities at all elementary schools; improve student access to modern technology; upgrade inadequate electrical systems; replace deteriorating plumbing systems; construct career/technical education classrooms, including science labs; and replace leaky roofs, shall the Martinez Unified School District issue $120,000,000 of bonds, at legal interest rates, with annual audits, an independent citizens' oversight committee, NO money for teacher or administrator salaries and all funds locally-controlled?"]
Measure R
Martinez Unified School District
Measure Wording
To modernize, construct and/or renovate classrooms, restrooms and school facilities at elementary schools; improve student access to modern technology; upgrade inadequate electrical systems; replace deteriorating plumbing systems; construct career/technical education classrooms, including science labs; and , shall the Martinez Unified School District issue $120,000,000 of bonds, at legal interest rates, with annual audits, an independent citizens' oversight committee, NO money for teacher or administrator salaries and all funds locally-controlled?
Commentary Question Analysis Argument in Favor Argument Against Full Text Tax Rate Resolution
COUNTY COUNSEL'S IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS OF MEASURE R
The California Constitution provides that school districts may issue bonds for the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation or replacement of school facilities, including the furnishing and equipping of school facilities or the acquisition or lease of real property for school facilities, with the approval of 55% of the voters voting at an election for that purpose.
By resolution, the Martinez Unified School District has proposed that bonds of the District be issued in an amount up to $120,000,000. This measure provides that proceeds from the sale of the bonds will generally be used to "modernize, construct and/or renovate classrooms, restrooms and school facilities at elementary schools; improve student access to modern technology; upgrade inadequate electrical systems; replace deteriorating plumbing systems; construct career/technical education classrooms, including science labs; and replace leaky roofs." The specific projects are set forth in the bond project list attached to the resolution of the Board of Education. The measure provides that a citizens' oversight committee will be established to ensure that bond proceeds are properly expended and that annual performance and financial audits will be conducted. The measure further provides that bond proceeds will only be used for the purposes specified in the measure, and not for any other purpose.
Approval of this measure authorizes the levy of ad valorem taxes upon taxable property to repay the bonded indebtedness, both principal and interest, in each year that bonds are outstanding. The Martinez Unified School District has prepared a Tax Rate Statement, which represents the school district's best estimates of the property tax rates required to service the bonds. The estimated highest tax rate required to be levied to fund the bonds is expected to be $60 per $100,000 of assessed valuation.
Approval of the measure does not guarantee that the bonds will generate sufficient funds to allow completion of all of the proposed project or projects on the bond project list. The proposed project or projects may assume the receipt of matching state funds, which could be subject to appropriation by the Legislature or approval of a statewide bond measure.
A "yes" vote authorizes the issuance of the bonds and the levy of taxes as estimated in the Tax Rate Statement to repay the bonded indebtedness. A "yes" vote by 55% of the voters within the District voting on the measure is required for passage of this measure. A "no" vote on this measure disapproves the issuance of the bonds and the levy of the taxes for the bonded indebtedness.
Commentary Question Analysis Argument in Favor Argument Against Full Text Tax Rate Resolution
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF MEASURE R
Vote YES on Measure R to prevent overcrowding and provide a high-quality, modern education to local students.
Martinez Unified School District's award-winning schools make Martinez a wonderful place to live, protecting strong property values for us all. As more families move to our community, however, we need to prevent overcrowding so all students have access to a quality education.
Many of our elementary schools are outdated and classrooms need essential safety improvements and upgrades. Basic repairs to plumbing, electrical systems and restrooms are needed.
In addition, our schools prepare students to excel in college and future careers. Career-training programs help students go directly into the workforce and compete for good-paying jobs. Science labs and career and technical education classrooms need to be improved so students receive the training they need.
Martinez students are counting on your YES vote. We can't wait for the State to upgrade our schools. Vote YES on R so students have a safe and up-to-date learning environment.
Vote YES on R: Ensure Student Safety and Prevent Overcrowding
Every Penny Supports Martinez Schools:
Join Martinez community leaders, parents, teachers, longtime residents and business leaders: Vote YES on R for local control and outstanding Martinez schools.
Dylan Radke
Parent and Local Attorney
John W. Searles
Retired Superintendent, Martinez Unified
Annie H. Martin
Teacher
William Frisbie
Business Leader
Amber Cole
Business Owner
Commentary Question Analysis Argument in Favor Argument Against Full Text Tax Rate Resolution
Commentary Question Analysis Argument in Favor Argument Against Full Text Tax Rate Resolution
A-1
OHSUSA:765131484.4
EXHIBIT A
FULL TEXT OF BOND PROPOSITION
MARTINEZ UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
CLASSROOM SAFETY, RENOVATION AND REPAIR MEASURE
This Proposition may be known and referred to as the "Martinez Unified School District Classroom Safety, Renovation and Repair Measure" or as "Measure __". [designation to be assigned by County Registrar of Voters]
BOND AUTHORIZATION
By approval of this proposition by at least 55% of the registered voters voting on the proposition, the Martinez Unified School District (the "District") shall be authorized to issue and sell bonds of up to $120,000,000 in aggregate principal amount to provide financing for the specific school facilities projects listed under the heading entitled "BOND PROJECT LIST" below (the "Bond Project List"), subject to all of the accountability safeguards specified below.
ACCOUNTABILITY SAFEGUARDS
The provisions in this section are specifically included in this proposition in order that the voters and taxpayers of the District may be assured that their money will be spent to address specific facilities needs of the District, all in compliance with the requirements of Article XIIIA, Section 1(b)(3) of the California Constitution, and the Strict Accountability in Local School Construction Bonds Act of 2000 (codified at Sections 15264 and following of the California Education Code (the "Education Code")).
Evaluation of Needs. The Board of Education of the District (the "Board") has prepared an updated master facilities plan in order to evaluate and address all of the facilities needs of the District at each campus and facility, and to determine which projects to finance from a local bond at this time. The Board hereby certifies that it has evaluated safety, class size reduction and information technology needs in developing the Bond Project List.
Limitations on Use of Bonds. Proceeds from the sale of bonds authorized by this proposition shall be used only for the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or replacement of school facilities, including the furnishing and equipping of school facilities, or the acquisition or lease of real property for school facilities, including, to the extent permitted by law, the acquisition or lease of real property in connection with an existing or future financing of the specific school facilities projects listed in the Bond Project List, including the prepayment of existing or future interim lease, certificate of participation or lease revenue bond financings, and not for any other purpose, including teacher and administrator salaries and other school operating expenses.
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Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee. The Board shall establish an independent citizens' oversight committee (pursuant to Education Code Section 15278 and following), to ensure bond proceeds are expended only for the school facilities projects listed in the Bond Project List. The committee shall be established within 60 days of the date when the results of the election appear in the minutes of the Board. In accordance with Section 15282 of the Education Code, the citizens' oversight committee shall consist of at least seven members and shall include a member active in a business organization representing the business community located within the District, a member active in a senior citizens' organization, a member active in a bona fide taxpayers' organization, a member that is a parent or guardian of a child enrolled in the District, and a member that is both a parent or guardian of a child enrolled in the District and active in a parent-teacher organization. No employee or official of the District and no vendor, contractor or consultant of the District shall be appointed to the citizens' oversight committee.
Annual Performance Audits. The Board shall conduct an annual, independent performance audit to ensure that the bond proceeds have been expended only on the school facilities projects listed in the Bond Project List. These audits shall be conducted in accordance with the Government Auditing Standards issued by the Comptroller General of the United States for performance audits. The results of these audits shall be made publicly available and shall be submitted to the citizens' oversight committee in accordance with Section 15286 of the Education Code.
Annual Financial Audits. The Board shall conduct an annual, independent financial audit of the bond proceeds until all of those proceeds have been spent for the school facilities projects listed in the Bond Project List. These audits shall be conducted in accordance with the Government Auditing Standards issued by the Comptroller General of the United States for financial audits. The results of these audits shall be made publicly available and shall be submitted to the citizens' oversight committee in accordance with Section 15286 of the Education Code.
Special Bond Proceeds Account; Annual Report to Board. Upon approval of this proposition and the sale of any bonds approved, the Board shall take actions necessary to establish an account in which proceeds of the sale of bonds will be deposited. As long as any proceeds of the bonds remain unexpended, the Superintendent of the District shall cause a report to be filed with the Board no later than January 1 of each year, commencing January 1, 2018, stating (a) the amount of bond proceeds received and expended in that year, and (b) the status of any project funded or to be funded from bond proceeds. The report may relate to the calendar year, fiscal year, or other appropriate annual period as the Superintendent of the District shall determine, and may be incorporated into the annual budget, audit, or other appropriate routine report to the Board.
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FURTHER SPECIFICATIONS
Joint-Use Projects. The District may enter into agreements with other public agencies or nonprofit organizations for joint use of school facilities financed with the proceeds of the bonds in accordance with Education Code Section 17077.42 (or any successor provision). The District may seek State grant funds for eligible joint-use projects as permitted by law, and this proposition hereby specifies and acknowledges that bond funds will or may be used to fund all or a portion of the local share for any eligible joint-use projects identified in the Bond Project List or as otherwise permitted by California State regulations, as the Board shall determine.
Single Purpose. All of the purposes enumerated in this proposition shall be united and voted upon as one single proposition, pursuant to Education Code Section 15100, and all the enumerated purposes shall constitute the specific single purpose of the bonds, and proceeds of the bonds shall be spent only for such purpose, pursuant to California Government Code Section 53410.
Other Terms of the Bonds. When sold, the bonds shall bear interest at an annual rate not exceeding the statutory maximum, and that interest shall be made payable at the time or times permitted by law. The bonds may be issued and sold in several series, and no bond shall be made to mature more than the statutory maximum number of years from the date borne by that bond.
BOND PROJECT LIST
The Bond Project List below lists the the District proposes to finance with proceeds of the bonds. The Bond Project List shall be considered a part of the bond proposition and shall be reproduced in any official document required to contain the full statement of the bond proposition. Listed projects will be completed at a particular school or facility site according to Board-established priorities, and the order in which such projects appear on the Bond Project List is not an indication of priority for funding or completion. The Bond Project List does not authorize non-capital expenditures. Each project is assumed to include its share of costs of the election and bond issuance, construction-related costs, such as project and construction management, architectural, engineering, inspection and similar planning and testing costs, demolition and interim housing costs, legal, accounting and similar fees, costs related to the independent annual financial and performance audits, a contingency for unforeseen design and construction costs, and other costs incidental to and necessary for completion of the listed projects (whether the related work is performed by the District or third parties). The final cost of each project will be determined as plans are finalized, construction bids are awarded, and projects are completed. In addition, certain construction funds expected from non-bond sources, including State of California grant funds for eligible projects, have not yet been secured. Therefore, the Board cannot guarantee that the bonds will provide sufficient funds to allow completion of all listed projects. Alternatively, if the District obtains unexpected funds from non-bond sources with respect to listed projects, such projects may be enhanced, A-4 OHSUSA:765131484.4 supplemented or expanded to the extent of such funds. Some projects may be subject to further government approvals, including by State officials and boards and/or local environmental or agency approval. Inclusion of a project on the Bond Project List is not a guarantee that the project will be completed (regardless of whether bond funds are available).
The specific projects authorized to be financed with proceeds of the bonds under this proposition are as follows:
CLASSROOM SAFETY, RENOVATION AND REPAIR PROJECTS
The following projects are authorized to be financed at all school sites and school support facilities.
School Renovation, Repair and Upgrade Projects
All or portions of these projects may be used as joint-use projects within the meaning of Section 17077.42(c) of the Education Code (or any successor provision).
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School Site Health, Safety and Security Projects
All or portions of these projects may be used as joint-use projects within the meaning of Section 17077.42(c) of the Education Code (or any successor provision).
District-Wide Wiring and Technology for Instructional Support and Effective Learning Environment Projects
Construction Projects at School Sites
All or portions of these projects may be used as joint-use projects within the meaning of Section 17077.42(c) of the Education Code (or any successor provision).
Miscellaneous
Commentary Question Analysis Argument in Favor Argument Against Full Text Tax Rate Resolution
OHSUSA:765131484.4 B-1
EXHIBIT B
TAX RATE STATEMENT
An election will be held in the Martinez Unified School District (the "District") on November 8, 2016, to authorize the sale of up to $120,000,000 in bonds of the District to finance school facilities as described in the proposition. If the bonds are approved, the District expects to issue the Bonds in multiple series over time. Principal and interest on the bonds will be payable from the proceeds of tax levies made upon the taxable property in the District. The following information is provided in compliance with Sections 9400 through 9404 of the California Elections Code.
1. The best estimate of the tax which would be required to be levied to fund this bond issue during the first fiscal year after the sale of the first series of bonds, based on estimated assessed valuations available at the time of filing of this statement, is 6.00 cents per $100 ($60.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2017-18.
2. The best estimate of the tax rate which would be required to be levied to fund this bond issue during the first fiscal year after the sale of the last series of bonds, based on estimated assessed valuations available at the time of filing of this statement, is 6.00 cents per $100 ($60.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2026-27.
3. The best estimate of the highest tax rate which would be required to be levied to fund this bond issue, based on estimated assessed valuations available at the time of filing of this statement, is 6.00 cents per $100 ($60.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation in fiscal year 2017-18.
4. The best estimate of the total debt service, including the principal and interest, that would be required to be repaid if all of the bonds are issued and sold is approximately $252,000,000.
Voters should note that estimated tax rates are based on the ASSESSED VALUE of taxable property on the County's official tax rolls, not on the property's market value, which could be more or less than the assessed value. In addition, taxpayers eligible for a property tax exemption, such as the homeowner's exemption, will be taxed at a lower effective tax rate than described above. Certain taxpayers may also be eligible to postpone payment of taxes. Property owners should consult their own property tax bills and tax advisors to determine their property's assessed value and any applicable tax exemptions.
Attention of all voters is directed to the fact that the foregoing information is based upon the District's projections and estimates only, which are not binding upon the District. The actual tax rates and the years in which they will apply, and the actual total debt service, may vary from those presently estimated, due to variations from these estimates in the timing of bond sales, the amount of bonds sold and market interest rates at the time of each sale, and actual assessed valuations over the term of repayment of the bonds. The dates of sale and the amount of bonds sold at any given time will be determined by the District based on need for construction funds and other factors, including the legal limitations on bonds approved by a 55% affirmative vote. The actual interest rates at which the bonds will be sold will depend on the bond market at the B-2 OHSUSA:765131484.4 time of each sale. Actual future assessed valuation will depend upon the amount and value of taxable property within the District as determined by the County Assessor in the annual assessment and the equalization process.
Dated: __________, 2016.
Superintendent of Schools
Martinez Unified School District
Commentary Question Analysis Argument in Favor Argument Against Full Text Tax Rate Resolution
OHSUSA:765131484.4
RESOLUTION NO. 2016-21
RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE
MARTINEZ UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT ORDERING A
SCHOOL BOND ELECTION, AND AUTHORIZING
NECESSARY ACTIONS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH
________________________________
WHEREAS, the Board of Education (the "Board") of the Martinez Unified School District (the "District"), located within the County of Contra Costa, California (the "County"), is authorized to order elections within the District and to designate the specifications thereof, pursuant to Sections 5304 and 5322 of the California Education Code (the "Education Code"); and
WHEREAS, the Board is specifically authorized to order elections for the purpose of submitting to the electors the question of whether bonds of the District shall be issued and sold for the purpose of raising money for the purposes hereinafter specified, pursuant to Education Code Sections 15100 et seq.; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 18 of Article XVI and Section 1 of Article XIIIA of the California Constitution, and Section 15266 of the Education Code, school districts may seek approval of bonds and levy an ad valorem tax to repay those bonds upon a 55% vote of those voting on a proposition for the purposes hereinafter specified, provided certain accountability measures are included in the proposition, including performance and financial audits and oversight by an independent citizens' oversight committee to ensure that all funds are spent properly and as promised to the voters; and
WHEREAS, the Board deems it necessary and advisable to submit such a bond proposition to the electors, which, if approved by 55% of the votes cast, would permit the District to issue its bonds; and
WHEREAS, such a bond election must be conducted concurrent with a statewide primary election, general election or special election, or at a regularly scheduled local election at which all of the electors of the District are entitled to vote, as required by Section 15266 of the Education Code; and
WHEREAS, on November 8, 2016, a statewide general election is scheduled to be conducted throughout the District; and
WHEREAS, the Board has determined that, based upon a projection of assessed property valuation, if approved by voters, the tax rate levied to meet the debt service requirements of the bonds proposed to be issued will not exceed the maximum tax rate permitted by Section 15270 of the Education Code; and
2OHSUSA:765131484.4
WHEREAS, Section 9400 et seq. of the California Elections Code (the "Elections Code") requires that a tax rate statement be contained in all official materials, including any ballot pamphlet prepared, sponsored or distributed by the District, relating to the election; and
WHEREAS, the Board now desires to authorize the filing of a ballot argument in favor of the bond proposition to be submitted to the voters at the election; and
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved, determined and ordered by the Board of Education of the Martinez Unified School District as follows:
Section 1. Recitals. All of the above recitals are true and correct.
Section 2. Specifications of Election Order; Required Certification. Pursuant to Education Code Sections 5304, 5322, 15100 et seq., and 15266, a special election shall be held within the boundaries of the District on November 8, 2016, for the purpose of submitting to the registered voters of the District the bond proposition contained in Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein. In accordance with Section 1 of Article XIIIA of the California Constitution, and as provided in the text of the bond proposition, the Board hereby certifies that it has evaluated safety, class size reduction and information technology needs in developing the bond project list set forth in the bond proposition.
Section 3. Conduct of Election.
Variation 1: ["To modernize, construct and/or renovate classrooms, restrooms and school facilities; upgrade inadequate electrical systems; replace deteriorating plumbing systems; improve student access to modern technology; repair or replace leaky roofs; make health and safety improvements; and construct career/technical education classrooms, including science labs, shall the Martinez Unified School District issue $120,000,000 of bonds, at legal interest rates, with annual audits, an independent citizens' oversight committee, NO money for teacher or administrator salaries and all funds locally-controlled?"]
Variation 2: ["To modernize, construct and/or renovate classrooms, restrooms and school facilities at all elementary schools; improve student access to modern technology; upgrade inadequate electrical systems; replace deteriorating plumbing systems; construct career/technical education classrooms, including science labs; and replace leaky roofs, shall the Martinez Unified School District issue $120,000,000 of bonds, at legal 3 OHSUSA:765131484.4 interest rates, with annual audits, an independent citizens' oversight committee, NO money for teacher or administrator salaries and all funds locally-controlled?"]
"The above statement is an impartial analysis of Measure __. If you desire a copy of the measure, please call the Contra Costa County Registrar of Voters at (925) 335-7800 or the Martinez Unified School District at (925) 335-5800, and a copy will be mailed at no cost to you. Measure __ is also available on the Internet at http://www.martinezusd.net/."
"If Measure __ is approved, the Board of Education of the Martinez Unified School District will appoint a citizens' oversight committee and conduct annual independent audits to assure that bond funds are spent only on the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or replacement of school facilities, including the furnishing and equipping of school facilities, or the acquisition or lease of real property for school facilities, and for no other purposes."
OHSUSA:765131484.4
Section 4. Delivery of Order of Election to County Officers. The Clerk of the Board of the District is hereby directed to cause to be filed as soon as practicable, and in any event no later than August 12, 2016 (which date is not fewer than 88 days prior to the date set for the election), one copy of this Resolution to the Registrar of Voters, including the tax rate statement attached hereto as Exhibit B, containing the information required by Elections Code Section 9400 et seq., completed and signed by the Superintendent of the District, and shall file a copy of this Resolution with the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors of the County.
Section 5. Ballot Arguments. The President of the Board, or any member or members of the Board as the President shall designate, are hereby authorized, but not directed, to prepare and file with the Registrar of Voters a ballot argument in favor of the bond proposition, within the time established by the Registrar of Voters, which shall be considered the official ballot argument of the Board as sponsor of the bond proposition.
Section 6. Further Authorization. The members of the Board, the Superintendent of the District, and all other officers of the District are hereby authorized and directed, individually and collectively, to do any and all things that they deem necessary or advisable in order to effectuate the purposes of this resolution in accordance with the terms hereof and of applicable provisions of law.
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Section 7. Effective Date. This Resolution shall take effect upon its adoption by a two-thirds vote.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this day, June 27, 2016, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT: APPROVED:
___________________________________
President of the Board of Education of the Martinez
Unified School District
Attest:
___________________________________
Clerk of the Board of Education of the
Martinez Unified School District
OHSUSA:765131484.4
CLERK'S CERTIFICATE
I, ________, Clerk of the Board of Education of the Martinez Unified School District, of the County of Contra Costa, California, hereby certify as follows:
The attached is a full, true and correct copy of a resolution duly adopted at a regular meeting of the Board of Education of the District duly and regularly held at the regular meeting place thereof on June 27, 2016, and entered in the minutes thereof, of which meeting all of the members of the Board of Education had due notice and at which a quorum thereof was present. The resolution was adopted by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
An agenda of the meeting was posted at least 72 hours beforehand at 921 Susana Street, Martinez, California, a location freely accessible to members of the public, and a brief description of the adopted resolution appeared on the agenda. A copy of the agenda is attached hereto. The resolution has not been amended, modified or rescinded since the date of its adoption, and the same is now in full force and effect.
WITNESS my hand this ______day of ______________, 2016.
Clerk of the Board of Education
Martinez Unified School District
Commentary Question Analysis Argument in Favor Argument Against Full Text Tax Rate Resolution
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