HomeMy WebLinkAboutDocumentation_Regular_Tab 13_1/13/2022Agenda Item #13.
Regular Council
STAFF MEMO
Meeting: Regular Council - Jan 13 2022
Staff Contact: Lori McWilliams, Village Clerk Department: Village Clerk
ORDINANCE NO. 01-22, FIRST READING, AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE VILLAGE CODE OF ORDINANCES AT
CHAPTER 2. ADMINISTRATION, ARTICLE V. ELECTIONS, DIVISION 1. GENERALLY, BY
CREATING AN ENTIRELY NEW SECTION 2-234 ENTITLED "ELECTRONIC FILING OF CAMPAIGN
FINANCE REPORTS" TO REQUIRE AND PROVIDE PROCEDURES FOR THE ELECTRONIC
FILING OF CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORTS WITH THE VILLAGE CLERK
Currently, the Florida Elections Code requires all candidates for state office to file their campaign
finance reports electronically. Section 106.07(2)(a), Florida Statutes, authorizes the Village of
Tequesta to utilize the electronic filing of campaign finance reports by candidates for local elected office.
As the Village continues to offer more robust and user-friendly technology options, we plan to automate
the filing and management of the required forms for candidate eligibility and campaign finance.
Allowing online reporting will enable candidates the ability to complete and file their campaign treasurer
forms at their convenience and from the comfort of their homes or businesses. The program, EasyVote,
is being used by numerous other cities in Florida. The interface is user-friendly, and does not require
the user to be a technical "whiz". EasyVote allows for secure electronic submission, candidates can
update reports as needed, and the system provides a time -stamped audit -trail to assist with fine
avoidance. Election officials and candidates can view a complete history of all campaign finance events
including form submissions, communication wit the Clerk's Office and fees/fines. Lastly, election
officials (Clerk's Office) can quickly post submitted reports for public viewing, which provides access to
current and archived candidate reports. EasyVote meets all the state required elements to offer online
reporting.
This document and any attachments may be reproduced upon request in an alternative format by completing
our Accessibility Feedback Form, sending an e-mail to the Village Clerk or calling 561-768-0443.
Ord 01-22 Electronic Campaign Filing
Page 318 of 488
Agenda Item #13.
ORDINANCE NO. 01-22
AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF
TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE VILLAGE CODE OF
ORDINANCES AT CHAPTER 2. ADMINISTRATION, ARTICLE V.
ELECTIONS, DIVISION 1. GENERALLY, BY CREATING AN ENTIRELY
NEW SECTION 2-234 ENTITLED "ELECTRONIC FILING OF
CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORTS" TO REQUIRE AND PROVIDE
PROCEDURES FOR THE ELECTRONIC FILING OF CAMPAIGN
FINANCE REPORTS WITH THE VILLAGE CLERK; PROVIDING THAT
EACH AND EVERY OTHER SECTION AND SUBSECTION OF
CHAPTER 2. ADMINISTRATION SHALL REMAIN IN FULL FORCE
AND EFFECT AS PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED; PROVIDING A
CONFLICTS CLAUSE, A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, AND AUTHORITY
TO CODIFY; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES.
WHEREAS, the Florida Elections Code requires all candidates for state office to
file their campaign finance reports electronically with the Department of State; and
WHEREAS, the Village of Tequesta is, and remains committed to the use and
implementation of technology to improve government efficiency, make government
user-friendly, and whenever possible, reduce the demands on its resources; and
WHEREAS, Section 106.07(2)(a), Florida Statutes, authorizes the Village of
Tequesta to require the electronic filing of campaign finance reports by candidate for
local elected office who are required to file such reports by state law; and
WHEREAS, the Village Council believes that the implementation of a mandatory
electronic filing system for campaign finance reports, as already required for state office
elections, would strengthen the Village's aforesaid commitment to improving
government efficiency, and would serve the best interests of the Village of Tequesta
and its residents.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FLORIDA, THAT
Section 1: The foregoing "WHEREAS" clauses are ratified and confirmed as
being true and correct and are incorporated in this Ordinance.
Section 2: Chapter 2. Administration, Article V. Elections, Division 1. Generally
of the Code of Ordinances of the Village of Tequesta is hereby amended by creating an
entirely new Section 2-234. Entitled "Electronic filing of campaign finance reports" to
require and provide procedures for electronic filing of campaign finance reports,
providing that Chapter 2. Administration, Article V. Elections, Division 1. Generally shall
hereafter read as follows:
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Page 319 of 488
Agenda Item #13.
Chapter 2. ADMINISTRATION
ARTICLE V. ELECTIONS
DIVISION 1. GENERALLY
[Secs. 2-231 — 2-233. Shall remain in full force and effect as previously adopted.]
Sec. 2-234. - Electronic filing of campaign finance reports.
(a) Candidates for Village Council shall file campaign finance reports electronically
with the Village Clerk. The Village Clerk shall determine the required format for the
campaign finance reports and shall provide copies of the form upon request. For
purposes of this section. "campaign finance reports" or "reports" shall mean the reports
required of the campaign treasurers of candidates pursuant to Section 106.07. Florida
Statutes. Reports shall be completed and filed in accordance with the requirements of
Section 106.0705(3), Florida Statutes.
b) A candidate who fails to comply with the requirements of this section and
applicable state statutes shall be subject to the penalties established by Section
106.07(8), Florida Statutes.
c) The Village Clerk shall provide technical assistance to candidates regarding the
electronic filing requirements contained in this section.
Sec. 2-235 2-234 — 2-250. - Reserved.
Section 3: Each and every other section and subsection of Chapter 2.
Administration of the Village of Tequesta Code of Ordinances shall remain in full force
and effect as previously adopted.
Section 4: All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with this ordinance
are repealed.
Section 5: If any section or provision of this ordinance, any paragraph,
sentence, or word is declared invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the decision
shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this ordinance.
Section 6: Specific authority is hereby given to codify this ordinance into the
Code of Ordinances of the Town of Palm Beach Shores.
Section 7: This ordinance will take effect immediately upon adoption.
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