Measure I

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While voting in the November 2022 General Election, Hawthorne residents will be able to vote on Measure I, a proposed charter adoption. This proposed measure was presented at the June and July 2022 Council meetings. It would allow the city to obtain complete authority over City affairs, allow all councilmembers to appoint members to City commissions subject to the approval of council as well as uphold the authority of the City Attorney to prosecute misdemeanors and set annual compensation at the 2021 HUD low-income level for a family of two.

Ballot Measure I

Measure I is a proposed charter adoption that would allow the city to obtain maximum authority over City affairs, allow all Council members to appoint member to City commissions subject to approval of the council, uphold the authority of the City Attorney to prosecute misdemeanors and set annual compensation for Council members at the 2021 HUD low-income level for a family of two ($75,700) with any future salary adjustments subject to general law.

Resources

Press Release

Hawthorne Municipal Election Information - October 20, 2022
Hawthorne Voters To Vote On A Proposed City Charter, Measure I

Resolution 8373 - Proposal To Adopt A Charter For The City Of Hawthorne

Resolution 8374 - Charter Measure Language

Ballot Argument for Measure I

Ballot Argument Against Measure I

Measure I Rebuttal to Argument Against

Measure I Rebuttal to Argument For

City Attorney's Impartial Analysis of Measure I

FAQs

Expand/Contract Questions and Answers

Does adopting a Charter impact our taxes?
No, an increase in taxes would need to be approved by the majority of local voters
How do commissioners get appointed currently versus what is proposed under the charter?
Currently, commissioners are nominated by the Mayor and approved by the entire city council. If the charter passes, each council member can nominate members to be appointed and approved by city council
How does a council member receive a raise?
In a general law city, California Government Code section 365161 authorizes a city to increase Council salaries in an amount not to exceed 5% for each calendar year from the operative date of the last adjustment. If the Council does not want to take action itself, it may place a salary measure on the ballot. (§36516(b)).
How does a General Law city differ from a Charter city?
Cities who have not adopted a charter are general law cities. The California Constitution gives cities the right to become charter cities. As a charter city, cities are able to have greater authority over municipal affairs than what is permitted by the California Legislature through Government Code. Also referred to as the “home-rule” provision, charter cities are authorized to govern themselves and conduct their own business
How is a council member’s salary determined?
In a general law city, California Government Code Section 36516 authorizes a city council to enact an ordinance providing a salary based on the population of the city. As of 2021, the population in Hawthorne is 86,091. The base council salary for cities with a population between 75,000 and 150,000 residents is $600 per month. The Government Code also allows the council to give 5% annual raise. The council did not approve a raise for 20 years. This year, they voted to raise the salary to the cap of $1,200 per month effective January 2023
How much will council members make if the Charter passes?
Council members will be paid at the 2021 HUD low-income level for a family of two ($75,700).
How will this impact the City’s budget?
If adopted by the voters, the fiscal impact of the proposed Charter is estimated at $471,704 annually from the $88 million budget
What are examples of other charter cities?
Of California’s 482 cities, 121 of them are charter cities. Examples of these include Inglewood, Carson, Long Beach, Cerritos, Torrance and Compton
What do council members currently make?
Council members currently make $600/monthly. They are scheduled to make $1,200 in January 2023.
What is a “municipal affair”?
The California Constitution does not define “municipal affair” but does set out a nonexclusive list of four “core” categories:
- Regulation of the city police force
- Establishment of subordinate commissions and boards
- Conduct of city elections
- The manner in which municipal officers are elected
The task of determining whether a given activity is a municipal affair or one of statewide concern is a case-by-case inquiry in light of the facts and circumstances surrounding each case.
What is Measure I?
Measure I is a proposed charter adoption that would allow the city to obtain maximum authority over City affairs, allow all Council members to appoint member to City commissions subject to approval of the council, uphold the authority of the City Attorney to prosecute misdemeanors and set annual compensation for Councilmembers at the 2021 HUD low-income level for a family of two ($75,700) with any future salary adjustments subject to general law.

Ballot Measure I

Resources

FAQs

Does adopting a Charter impact our taxes?

How do commissioners get appointed currently versus what is proposed under the charter?

How does a council member receive a raise?

How does a General Law city differ from a Charter city?

How is a council member’s salary determined?

How much will council members make if the Charter passes?

How will this impact the City’s budget?

What are examples of other charter cities?

What do council members currently make?

What is a “municipal affair”?

What is Measure I?