This is an archive of a past election.
See http://www.smartvoter.org/ca/cc/ for current information.
LWV League of Women Voters of California Education Fund If you appreciate our service to voters, please consider helping us with a donation.
Smart Voter
Contra Costa County, CA November 4, 2014 Election
Measure P
Downtown "The Grove" Park Funding + Extension Of Existing Special Tax
City of Clayton

Special Tax - 2/3 Approval Required

Pass: 3212 / 81.25% Yes votes ...... 741 / 18.75% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures

Results as of Dec 28 11:39am, 100.0% of Precincts Reporting (7/7)
Information shown below: Impartial Analysis | Arguments |

To continue the operation and maintenance of the Downtown "The Grove" Park, shall the existing special tax, funded by the citywide Community Facilities District 2006-1 levy, be extended at the current annual special tax with the same methodology rate (currently $19.03 per year for single-family residential parcels, with higher commercial parcel rate) for Fiscal Years 2017/2018 through 2036/2037?

Impartial Analysis from City Attorney
Measure "P" would extend the special tax levied for the maintenance and operation of the City of Clayton's Downtown "The Grove" Park, known officially as Community Facilities District ("CFD") 2006-1 through Fiscal Year 2036/2037. This measure would not change the services provided by the CFD, the rate of adjustment or the method of apportioning the existing special tax.

The tax revenue pays for costs related to the operation and maintenance of the Downtown "The Grove" Park, including repair and replacement of landscaping, irrigation, hardscape, lights, public restroom, gazebo, playground, water, electricity, etc. Other City parks are not maintained by this special tax. These tax revenues are placed into a restricted use fund through which all eligible expenses are tracked, paid and audited. These funds are protected and cannot be spent for any other purpose by the City and cannot be taken by the State, County or any other public or private entity.

Following the advertised public hearing, on July 15, 2014 the City Council adopted Resolution No. 32-2014 proposing to extend the special tax in the CFD for twenty years and placing Measure "P" on the ballot. The CFD is the sole funding source to pay for the operation and maintenance of the Downtown Park ("The Grove") and its related facilities. The CFD's boundaries encompass the entire City of Clayton.

In 2006, voters approved a special tax to fund the CFD through Fiscal Year 2016/2017. The current annual special tax amounts are:

Residential Parcels: $19.08 per parcel.

Downtown Core Parcels: $257.56 per 1/4 acre or fraction thereof.

Other Commercial Parcels: $112.90 per 1/4 acre or fraction thereof.

Recreational Open Space Parcels: $56.44 per 1/4 acre or fraction thereof.

Multi-Family Residential Care Facilities Parcels: $59.32 per 1/4 acre or fraction thereof.

Measure "P" continues the existing tax rate methodology and existing annual adjustment, including limiting any increases to the annual change in the Consumer Price Index. In no event can an annual rate increase approved by the City Council at a public meeting be higher than 3% over the previous year. The proposed ballot measure would continue this same formula for an additional 20 years (June 30, 2037).

Measure "P" requires approval from two-thirds of voters. Should Measure "P" not be approved, the special tax will sunset and expire in June 2017. However, should Measure "P" be approved, the special tax will sunset and expire June 30, 2037.

Copies of all relevant reports, a boundary map of the CFD, and Council resolutions concerning the formation of the CFD are available for review in the office of the City Clerk (925-673-7300).

The above statement is an impartial analysis of Measure "P". If you desire a copy of the measure, please call the City Clerk's office at (925-673-7300) and a copy will be mailed at no cost to you or obtain on the City website: cityofclayton.org.

This analysis as prepared is an impartial analysis of the measure as required by Calif. Govt. Code Section 53327 and Elections Code Section 9280.

  News and Analysis

Google Search

  • About Measure O - Note: This link to an external resource is offered strictly as a convenience for users interested in coverage by outside news organizations. The content is provided by organizations unaffiliated with Smart Voter and its partners, and no endorsement of any views expressed or guarantee of its accuracy is intended or implied.
This election is archived. Any links to sources outside of Smart Voter may no longer be active. No further links will be added to this page.
Links to sources outside of Smart Voter are provided for information only and do not imply endorsement.

Arguments For Measure P Arguments Against Measure P
Clayton's "The Grove Park" is the heart of our historic downtown and a favorite gathering place for our community. Families meet to walk, play, picnic, and socialize in its beautifully landscaped setting. It's the venue for weddings, Concerts in The Grove, city events, and after-school play. The tot lot and water play feature are happy places for kids of all ages. Many go there just to relax and enjoy the amazing views of Mt. Diablo and the beauty of our city.

The Grove Park opened in January 2008 after over 70% of Clayton voters in 2006 approved the dedicated funds needed to pay for its maintenance, operation and repairs. Its popularity and scenic environment have exceeded expectations and the park has proven to be an economic asset to our downtown.

The Grove Park restricted tax currently works to keep the park useable year round. Measure P will extend the existing tax, set to expire in 2017, for an added 20 years, thereby ensuring for future generations a continued dedicated source of revenue to maintain our beautiful downtown park. The current yearly rate is only $19.03 per residential parcel, and any future rate increases cannot exceed 3% annually.

Measure P is endorsed by the Contra Costa Taxpayers Association and was unanimously placed on this ballot by the Clayton City Council.

Residents, business owners and visitors constantly remark how much everyone enjoys our wonderful Grove Park. Supporting the continuation of this small per parcel tax will allow our City to continue providing a beautiful, well-maintained park in downtown Clayton.

Please vote "Yes" on Measure P for our Grove Park!

Julie Pierce, Clayton City Council Member

Howard Geller, Clayton City Council Member

None Filed.


Contra Costa Home Page || Statewide Links || About Smart Voter || Feedback
Created: July 23, 2015 14:56 PDT
Smart Voter <http://www.smartvoter.org/>
Copyright © League of Women Voters of California Education Fund   http://cavotes.org
The League of Women Voters neither supports nor opposes candidates for public office or political parties.