Ventura Seeks Volunteers for Measure O Oversight Committee

(Ventura, Ca) The City of Ventura is seeking residents wishing to volunteer their time to serve on the Measure O Citizens’ Oversight Committee. The Committee’s responsibilities include review of the projected revenues and recommended expenditures for the funds generated by Measure O.

Measure O is the City of Ventura’s 25-year, 1/2 cent transaction and use tax that was passed by voters on November 8, 2016. The measure is estimated to generate $10.8 million in revenue annually and was placed on the ballot to meet the needs of the city’s aging infrastructure and to protect the health and safety of Ventura residents. The millions of tourists who spend money on lodging and other taxable items in Ventura also contribute to the cost of maintaining the City with this local sales tax.

In accordance with Ordinance No. 2016-16, the City Council created the Citizen Oversight Committee for review of the projected revenues and recommended expenditures for the funds generated by Measure O, and to make recommendations to the City Council as part of the City’s budget process. Agendas and Minutes for the Citizen Oversight Committee can be found on the City’s website.

The local measure contains strict accountability requirements:

• By law, all funds will remain in the City and cannot be taken by Sacramento
• Annual independent financial audits and a citizens’ committee will ensure all funds are properly spent
• A public review of expenditures is required

The members of the Committee are restricted to residents and registered voters of the City of Ventura at the time of their appointment and during their term of office.  Members may not be an elected official or employee of the City of Ventura, or a dependent of either an elected official or employee.

There are 4 open positions, that will be appointed for terms of 4 years.  In order to be considered, citizens must complete an application and have a brief interview with the City Council’s Appointments Recommendation Committee. Committee members will be required to file a Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700) disclosing all reportable interests held at the time of appointment and are required to attend ethics training every two years.

Applications are available online by clicking here or from the City Clerk’s Office located at Ventura City Hall, 501 Poli Street, Room 204.

The application deadline is 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, and may be submitted by e-mail to cityclerk@cityofventura.ca.gov, mailed to the City Clerk’s Office, 501 Poli, Room 204, Ventura, CA 93001, or hand-delivered to the City Clerk’s Office, Room 204 at City Hall.