Title
Report regarding a resolution calling for a municipal election to elect three members of the City Council for Districts 1, 3, and 5 to respective four-year terms, City Clerk (at-large), and City Treasurer (at-large) setting candidate statement requirements pursuant to section 13307 of the California Elections Code, requesting: (1) that the Board of Supervisors of San Mateo County consolidate the municipal election with the regular election to be held on November 3, 2026; and (2) that the County Registrar perform certain election services in connection with such election including conducting the November 3, 2026 election for the City of South San Francisco; and (3) authorizing the City Clerk to enter into an agreement for the provision of election services and reimburse the County for election service costs. (Rosa Govea Acosta, City Clerk and Sky Woodruff, City Attorney)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Council adopt a resolution calling for a municipal election to elect three members of the City Council for Districts 1, 3, and 5, City Clerk (at-large), and City Treasurer (at-large) to respective four-year terms, setting candidate statement requirements pursuant to section 13307 of the California Elections Code, requesting: (1) that the Board of Supervisors of San Mateo County consolidate the municipal election with the regular election to be held on November 3, 2026; and (2) that the County Registrar perform certain election services in connection with such election including conducting the November 3, 2026 election for the City of South San Francisco; and (3) authorizing the City Clerk to enter into an agreement for the provision of election services and reimburse the County for election service costs.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The City of South San Francisco transitioned to district elections in 2018 and conducts its regular municipal elections in November of even-numbered years. On November 5, 2024, voters elected two members of the City Council for Districts 2 and 4, both to respective four-year terms. Accordingly, the proposed resolution calls for a municipal election to elect three members of the City Council for Districts 1, 3, and 5, a City Clerk (at-large), and a City Treasurer (at-large), all to respective four-year terms. Further, and in order to minimize costs, the proposed resolution authorizes the County Clerk and the San Mateo County Elections Office to perform election services for the City. Finally, the proposal authorizes the City Clerk to reimburse the County for the performance of such services.
For this election, the County has proposed several changes to its standard agreement for election service. The proposed changes would increase each city’s obligations to defend election-related litigation and related risks. The cities are collectively preparing proposed changes to the agreement with the intent of negotiating with the County. It is recommended that the Council authorize the attached agreement with any amendments that do not increase the City’s obligations and subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney. The City Clerk will not sign the agreement until negotiations have been concluded.
Election Timetable- Candidate Filing Period
Pursuant to California Elections Code Section 10407, the following timetable will apply:
Monday, July 13, 2026 First day to issue nomination papers.
Friday, August 7, 2026 Close of nomination period, and last day to call an election for
ballot measures.
Wednesday, August 12, 2026 Five (5) day extension of nomination period if an incumbent
does not file.
Candidate Statement Parameters
The proposed resolution sets the Candidate Statement deposit at $1,000, per the City’s Master Fee Schedule for FY 2025-26. The deposit will be applied towards the final cost of candidate statement printing provided by the San Mateo County Elections Office. The Office of the City Clerk will issue a refund for overpayment or issue an invoice to collect the remaining balance at the conclusion of the election and establishes that statements shall not exceed 200 words and shall be submitted with the filing of nominating documents, as required by Section 13307 of the California Elections Code.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN
The City’s Municipal Election will promote community participation and strengthen collaboration with County partners by contributing to the Major Focus Area of Welcoming and Connected Community.
FISCAL IMPACT
The budgeted cost of conducting the 2026 municipal election through the County of San Mateo is approximately $300,000. This estimate is based upon the highly variable costs of the respective 2020, 2022, and 2024 elections. As with previous elections, the final cost of the election is not available until the County issues the invoice in February of the following calendar year.
CONCLUSION
Adoption of the proposed resolution will call for a municipal election to elect three members of the City Council for Districts 1, 3, and 5, the at-large City Clerk, and the at-large City Treasurer, all to respective four-year terms, and to establish candidate statement parameters. It will allow for a consolidated election with the County. Finally, it will authorize the City Clerk to enter into an agreement for the provision of election services and reimburse the County for election service costs.
ATTACHMENT
Attachment A: Service Agreement with the San Mateo County Chief Elections Officer