Measure J, which proposed eliminating the ceremonial position of
elected City Clerk and giving responsibility to the City Council to
appoint a clerk, passed with 53.8 percent of the vote last night,
saving the county an estimated $11,000 over the next year,
according to city officials.
Hollister – Measure J, which proposed eliminating the ceremonial position of elected City Clerk and giving responsibility to the City Council to appoint a clerk, passed with 53.8 percent of the vote last night, saving the county an estimated $11,000 over the next year, according to city officials.
“I am happy to see it passing,” said Mayor Tony Bruscia Tuesday night. “It is one more way to tighten our budget and be as efficient as possible. I am glad to see people understood that. At this point, it is just a ceremonial position.”
The negation of the elected City Clerk position was strongly supported by local city officials and breezed through election season without opposition.
All City Clerk duties – including minute-taking at council meetings and the preparation and distribution of official public release materials – are currently performed by Deputy City Clerk Geri Johnson.
The current elected City Clerk, Frank Felice, recently retired due to illness. However, according to Johnson, there was nothing that “mandated he (Felice) do anything” in terms of official responsibilities, and he would usually just call roll and read the verification of agenda posting statements at city council meetings.
City Manager Clint Quilter has said getting rid of the elected position will save the city about $11,000 a year, which Johnson says includes about $300 monthly salary and benefits.
Jessica Quandt is a staff writer for the Free Lance. Reach her at 831-637-5566 ext. 330 or at jq*****@fr***********.com.
