Appointive City Treasurer Ballot Measure
Ballot Measure Overview
On the upcoming November 2024 ballot, the City of Atascadero will include Measure M-24, asking voters whether the City Treasurer should be an appointed position rather than an elected position serving a four year term. If the ballot measure is approved, the City Council could ask the City Manager to appoint the Treasurer with professional qualifications and expertise.
Background
The City Treasurer position oversees the investment of Atascadero's reserve funds. The Treasurer does not authorize city expenditures nor audit City spending. Since the City's incorporation in 1979, the position has been elected, with only one election featuring more than one candidate since 1998. State law sets minimal qualifications for candidates and prohibits any additional requirements. To be considered a qualified candidate, the state requires the individual be an Atascadero resident, a registered voter, and at least 18 years old.
The role demands specialized expertise in professional standards, laws, and financial management for overseeing city reserve fund investments. Across California, many cities have shifted from elected to appointed City Treasurers. In San Luis Obispo County, five out of seven cities have appointed Treasurers, leaving Atascadero and Paso Robles as exceptions.
Should the City Treasurer position transition to an appointed role, the City Council could delegate the authority to the City Manager to appoint the Treasurer and determine the qualifications required. If a member of the existing City staff is appointed to assume the responsibilities of City Treasurer, this will result in a savings to the City of approximately $17,000 annually.
Next Steps
Atascadero voters will vote on Measure M-24 in the upcoming election on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
For more information about voting in Atascadero, please visit the Election and Voting Information webpage on the City’s website or contact the City Clerk’s Office at CityClerk@Atascadero.org or (805) 470-3400.
Documents & Resources
FAQs
About Measure M-24
What is the Treasurer-Related Ballot Measure (M-24)?
Measure M-24 asks voters if the City Treasurer should be an appointive position rather than an elected one.
Why is Atascadero considering making the Treasurer an appointive position?
Transitioning to an appointed City Treasurer ensures the position is held by someone with the necessary financial expertise and qualifications. Currently, there is no requirement for the elected Treasurer to have any financial planning or investment expertise. Measure M-24 will eliminate the risk of electing individuals who may not have the required skills and help maximize local funds. Appointed treasurers are more likely to possess an understanding of technical standards, laws, and financial management systems required by the role. An appointed Treasurer also provides more stability and consistency in Atascadero’s money management, reducing potential political pressures and focusing on the financial interests of the community.
If the Treasurer position becomes appointive, who will appoint the position and how often?
Following appointment authority granted by the City Council, the City Manager will have the authority to appoint the City Treasurer. The position will be reviewed and reappointed as needed.
What is the financial impact of making the Treasurer an appointive position?
An appointive Treasurer position selected by the City Manager from existing City finance staff could save Atascadero up to $17,000 annually in monthly stipends and health benefits currently provided to the elected Treasurer.
How will financial oversight and transparency be maintained with an appointive Treasurer?
The City’s finances will continue to be audited annually by an independent, third-party auditor. Other financial oversight groups, such as the Citizens’ Sales Tax Oversight Committee and the Finance Committee, will remain active.
Are other cities making their Treasurer positions appointive?
Yes, cities across the state have been converting from elected City Treasurers to appointed ones. Within San Luis Obispo County, five out of seven cities have appointed Treasurers. Atascadero and Paso Robles are the only two cities in the county that still elect their City Treasurers.
How does transitioning to an appointive Treasurer impact elections?
This transition will remove the Treasurer position from future election ballots. It will also eliminate the possibility of the Treasurer running unopposed. Almost every election in the last 25 years has had a Treasurer run unopposed in Atascadero — 2010 was the only contested election, with two candidates.
About The City Treasurer Position
What is the role of the City Treasurer?
The City Treasurer oversees the investments of the City’s reserve funds but does not have authority over City expenditures or audits of expense authorization.
How long has the City Treasurer position been elected?
The City Treasurer position has been elected since Atascadero’s incorporation in 1979.
What are the current qualifications for City Treasurer candidates?
Candidates must be at least 18 years old, residents, and registered voters in Atascadero. Currently, candidates do not need financial planning or investment expertise to get elected for the position.
What expertise is required for the City Treasurer role?
While financial planning or investment expertise is not a requirement for candidates running for the elected position, the job functions require a deep understanding of technical standards, laws, and financial management systems.