Chula Vista Municipal Code Ch. 2.52 Campaign Contributions

Sections:

• 2.52.010 Title and Purpose. 2.52.020 Relationship to State Law.

• 2.52.030 Definitions.

• 2.52.040 Campaign Contribution Dollar Limits.

• 2.52.045 Time Period for Accepting Contributions – Rules for Elections with Multiple Single Election Contests.

• 2.52.047 Carry-Over of Contributions.

• 2.52.050 Loans and Outstanding Debt. 2.52.060 Repealed. 2.52.070 Repealed.

• 2.52.090 Return of prohibited Contributions.

• 2.52.100 Written Solicitations by Candidates.

• 2.52.120 Contributions for Legal Defense.

• 2.52.125 Electronic Filing of Campaign Statements.

• 2.52.130 Repealed. 2.52.140 Enforcement – Enforcement Authority.

• 2.52.143 Enforcement – Complaint Submittal.

• 2.52.145 Enforcement – Complaint Processing. 2.52.150 Penalties.

• 2.52.160 Repealed. 2.52.170 Availability of Records.

***** Prior legislation: Ords. 2298, 2334, 2391, 2434, 2581, 2654, 2661, 2769, 2849 and 2955.

• A. Title. This chapter shall be known as the Chula Vista Campaign Contribution Ordinance.

B. Purpose. The purpose of the Chula Vista Campaign Contribution Ordinance is to supplement the Political Reform Act of 1974 (California Government Code Sections 81000, et seq.) (the “PRA”), and the implementing regulations adopted by the Fair Political Practices Commission (the “FPPC”) (see California Code of Regulations, Title 2, Division 6, to protect the integrity of the City’s electoral process, and to serve the best interests of the citizens of this City by enacting campaign finance rules governing donors and Candidates for City Elective Offices.

Inherent in the high cost of election campaigning is the potential for improper influence exercised by campaign contributors over elected officials. It is the intent of the City Council in enacting this chapter:

1. To preserve an orderly political forum in which individuals may express themselves effectively;

2. To place realistic and enforceable limits on the amounts of money that may be contributed to political campaigns in City elections;

3. To prevent corruption and avoid the appearance of corruption by regulating campaign contributions to candidates for local elective office;

4. To provide full and fair enforcement of all the provisions of this chapter; and

5. To encourage candidate adherence to election regulations by making them easier to understand.

• C. Applicability. The terms of this chapter are applicable to any contribution made to a Candidate or Candidatecontrolled committee whether used by the Candidate to finance a current campaign or to pay debts incurred in prior campaigns. (Ord. 3601 § 1, 2025; Ord. 3179 § 1, 2011; Ord. 3086 § 1, 2007).

This chapter shall supplement, not replace, the Political Reform Act of 1974 (California Government Code Sections 81000, et seq.) (the “PRA”), and the implementing regulations adopted by the Fair Political Practices Commission (the “FPPC”) (see California Code of Regulations, Title 2, Division 6). Donors and Candidates for City Elected Offices must comply with both the requirements of the PRA and the requirements of this chapter. However, to the extent of any conflict between the terms of this Chapter and the terms of the PRA, the terms of this Chapter shall govern to the maximum extent allowed by law. (Ord. 3601 § 1, 2025; Ord. 3179 § 1, 2011; Ord. 3086 § 1, 2007).

Unless otherwise defined in this Section, the terms and phrases used in this chapter shall have the same definitions given to them in the PRA (see California Government Code Sections 82000 through 82054) and the FPPC regulations.

“Agent” means a person who acts on behalf or At the Behest of any other person or accepts a Contribution on behalf of a Candidate. If an individual acting as an Agent is also acting as an employee or member of a law, architectural, engineering or consulting firm, or a similar entity or corporation, both the entity or corporation and the individual are “Agents.”

“At the Behest” means made under the control or at the direction of, in cooperation, consultation, coordination, or concert with, at the request or suggestion of, or with the express prior consent of.

“Campaign Statement” means the campaign statement required by the PRA (see California Government Code Sections 84200, et seq.).

“Candidate” means any individual seeking any City Elective Office, the candidate’s campaign committee, committee(s) controlled by the Candidate, and Agents of the Candidate.

“City Elective Office” means the offices of Mayor, City Council, or the City Attorney. The “same City Elective Office,” as that term is used in this chapter, means the Office of the Mayor with respect to the Mayor’s seat; the Office of the City Attorney with respect to the City Attorney’s seat; or, in the case of a Council District Seat, the specific Council District Seat numbered 1, 2, 3, or 4 held by a City Council member or campaigned for by a Candidate, or the numbered seat to which a City Council member or Candidate for such office may be reassigned as a result of redistricting. For example, if, during the redistricting process, the district lines are redrawn such that the residence of the City Council member representing and running for District 1 or a Candidate running for District 1 becomes located within District 2, 3 or 4, the member’s or Candidate’s District 1 seat, as the case may be, would be considered, for purposes of this chapter, the “same City Elective Office” as the District 2, 3 or 4 seat so re-assigned.

“Citywide Seat” means the office of the Mayor or the City Attorney.

“Contribution” is defined in a manner identical with the definition found in Government Code Section 82015, contained within the Political Reform Act, and any related provisions in the California Code of Regulations.

“Contribution Limit” is defined as the maximum allowed contribution from a Person, Organization, Political Party Committee, for any Single Election Contest as provided under CVMC 2.52.040.

“Council District Seat” means the office of City Councilmember District 1, 2, 3, or 4.

“Enforcement Authority,” under this chapter, means that special counsel appointed pursuant to CVMC 2.52.140.

“Filer” is any elected officer, Candidate, committee, or other Person required to file Campaign Statements, reports or other documents.

“FPPC Form” is any FPPC-developed Campaign Form, including but not limited to Form 460, 470, 496, 497.

“General Election” is that election identified by Charter Section 901(B) as a “General Municipal Election.”

“Net Debts Outstanding” has the same meaning as that set forth in California Code of Regulations, Title 2, Section 18531.61.

“Organization” means a proprietorship, labor union, firm, partnership, joint venture, syndicate, business, business trust, company, corporation, association, or committee, including a political action committee. “Organization” does not include Political Party Committees, as that term is defined in California Government Code Section 85205.

“Person” means a natural individual.

“Political Party Committee” is defined in a manner identical with the definition found is as defined in California Government Code Section 85205.

“Political Reform Act” or “PRA” means the California Political Reform Act of 1974, as amended, found at Government Code Section 81000, et seq., and includes regulations adopted by the Fair Political Practices Commission.

“Primary Election” is that election identified by Charter Section 901(A) as a “Primary Municipal Election.”

“Single Election Contest” means the election contest scheduled for any one of the following types of elections, each being a “Single Election Contest”: a Primary Election, a General Election or a Special Election.

“Special Election” is that election defined by Charter Section 901(C) as a “Special Municipal Election.”

“Written Solicitation” means any writing, whether physical or electronic, soliciting, either directly or indirectly, a Contribution to a Candidate. “Written Solicitation” includes, but is not limited to, printed materials, websites, social media, and printed or electronic advertisements. (Ord. 3601 § 1, 2025; Ord. 3506 § 1, 2021; Ord. 3179 § 1, 2011; Ord. 3086 § 1, 2007).

A. Limitations on Contributions by Persons. No Person other than a Candidate shall make a Contribution to a Candidate, and no Candidate shall solicit or accept a Contribution from a Person other than the Candidate, for a Single Election Contest in an amount exceeding $800.00 for a Council District Seat or $1,200 for a Citywide Seat. The contribution limits in this subsection shall be subject to increase as provided in subsection (D) of this section, or as may be required by law.

B. Limitations on Contributions by Political Party Committees and Organizations. No Political Party Committee or Organization shall make a contribution to a Candidate, and no Candidate shall solicit or accept a Contribution from a Political Party Committee or Organization, for a Single Election Contest in an amount exceeding 50 percent of the limit established for members of the State Senate under Government Code Section 85301(a), as that limit may be adjusted by the Fair Political Practices Commission pursuant to Government Code Section 83124.

C. Applicability. This chapter shall not apply to contributions made to a committee that is organized solely for the purpose of supporting or opposing the qualification for the ballot or adoption of one or more City measures.

D. Adjustments. The contribution limits set forth in subsection (A) of this section shall be adjusted every oddnumbered year. The City Clerk shall adjust the contribution limits to reflect any changes in the Consumer Price Index for the San Diego area for the two-year period ending on December 31st of the previous year. Adjustments shall be rounded to the nearest $10.00. The City Clerk shall publish a public notice of any adjustments by March 1st of each odd-numbered year, or as soon after as practicable, following the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ release of the applicable Consumer Price Index data. The adjustments shall go into effect as soon as the public notice is published but shall apply only to elections held in subsequent years. The adjustments shall not be construed to raise the contribution limits applicable to past elections or to special elections held in the same year that the limits are adjusted.

E. Expenditures. The contribution limitations imposed by this section are not limitations on expenditures and shall not be construed to limit the expenditures by any Candidate, Person, Organization, or committee. (Ord. 3601 § 1, 2025; Ord. 3595 § 1, 2025; Ord. 3543 § 1, 2023; Ord. 3506 § 1, 2021; Ord. 3499 § 1, 2021; Ord. 3452 § 1, 2019; Ord. 3399 § 1, 2017; Ord. 3340 § 1, 2015; Ord. 3276 § 1, 2013; Ord. 3262 § 1, 2013; Ord. 3179 § 1, 2011; Ord. 3086 § 1, 2007).

A. Starting Date for Acceptance of Contributions. No Person, Organization, or Political Party Committee shall make a contribution to any Candidate and no such Candidate shall accept from any Person, Organization, or Political Party Committee such a contribution sooner than the first day of the eleventh month preceding a Single Election Contest.

B. Contributions After an Election. A Contribution for an election may be accepted by a Candidate up to the first day of the eleventh month after a Candidate’s withdrawal, defeat, or election to office, only to the extent that the Contribution does not exceed a Candidate’s Net Debts Outstanding for that election, and the Contribution does not otherwise exceed the applicable contribution limit for that election. If elected to office, the 11-month period begins on the date of the election.

C. No Solicitations for a General Election Until Primary Election Is Held. A Candidate may not solicit or accept contributions for a General Election prior to the holding of the Primary Election for that office. If a Primary Election is canceled because fewer than three qualified Candidates filed nomination papers for that election, a Candidate may begin soliciting and accepting additional Contributions for the General Election once the City Council takes action to cancel the Primary Election. (Ord. 3601 § 1, 2025).

A. From a Primary Election to a General Election. A Candidate may carry over Contributions raised in connection with a Primary Election for City Elective Office to pay campaign expenditures incurred in connection with a subsequent General Election for the same City Elective Office. In the event that a Special Election for City Elective Office results in a run-off election for the same City Elective Office, a Candidate may carry over Contributions raised in connection with the Special Election for City Elective Office to pay campaign expenditures incurred in connection with a subsequent run-off election for the same City Elective Office.

B. Redistricting. If, as a result of redistricting, a Candidate’s residence is assigned to a different district, the Candidate may carry over Contributions raised prior to City Council approval of the new district map to pay expenditures in connection with campaigning for election to the newly assigned Council District Seat; provided, however, if the election for the newly assigned Council District Seat will be held at the subsequent election cycle, the Candidate choosing to carry over Contributions raised to fund campaign activities for such subsequent election must discontinue any and all fundraising activities immediately upon City Council approval of the new district map creating re-assignment until fundraising for such subsequent election contest is authorized as provided in CVMC 2.52.045(A). (Ord. 3601 § 1, 2025).

A. Personal Loan from the Candidate – Limitation. A Candidate shall not personally loan to their campaign with the intent to receive repayment of those funds in excess of the aggregate amount of $10,000 for a Single Election Contest.

• B. Loan from Others.

1. In General. Except as provided in subsection (B)(2) of this section, a loan or extension of credit from a third-party Person or Organization made for the purpose of, or used by a Candidate for, funding such Candidate’s campaign activities shall be considered a Contribution from such maker of the loan or extender of credit and shall be subject to the Contribution limit specified in CVMC 2.52.040(A).

2. Exception – Loan by Candidate from Commercial Lending Institution. The contribution limit does not apply to loans made to a Candidate for the purpose of a campaign by a commercial lending institution in the lender’s regular course of business on terms available to members of the general public for which the Candidate is personally liable.

C. Repayment of Loans. Repayment of personal loans from the Candidate to their campaign must occur not later than the first day of the eleventh month after a Candidate’s withdrawal, defeat, or election to office. If elected to office, the 11-month period begins on the date of the election.

D. Special Rules for Debts Owed to Campaign Consultants and Vendors. Except for legal fees and expenses incurred directly in connection with monitoring the count of absentee or provisional ballots for the election, or with a ballot recount conducted under Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 15600) of Division 15 of the Elections Code for the election, all bills from campaign consultants and vendors must not have been incurred past the date of the election for which the goods and services were provided. Candidates may only incur additional costs from ongoing services from a fundraiser, treasurer, payment processing service, and other related or ancillary services not later than the first day of the eleventh month after the Candidate’s withdrawal, defeat, or election to office. If elected to office, the 11-month period begins on the date of the election. (Ord. 3601 § 1, 2025; Ord. 3595 § 1, 2025; Ord. 3543 § 1, 2023; Ord. 3499 § 1, 2021; Ord. 3452 § 1, 2019; Ord. 3399 § 1, 2017; Ord. 3340 § 1, 2015; Ord. 3179 § 1, 2011; Ord. 3086 § 1, 2007).

If a Contribution is tendered and would be in violation of this chapter, it shall be returned by the Candidate to the contributor within 60 days of receipt by the Candidate. (Ord. 3601 § 1, 2025; Ord. 3179 § 1, 2011; Ord. 3086 § 1, 2007).

A. Notice Required. Any Candidate making a Written Solicitation for a Contribution for their campaign for City Elective Office shall include the following written notice in no less than eight-point type on each such solicitation, which shall include the then current limits for Contributions by Persons and Contributions by Organizations:

1. For a Council District Seat:

NOTICE

The City of Chula Vista Municipal Code limits contributions to campaigns for a Council District Seat to [insert the current limit pursuant to Chula Vista Municipal Code limits of contributions to campaigns for a Council District Seat] to [insert the current limit pursuant to CVMC 2.52.040(A)] dollars per Person and [insert the current limit pursuant to CVMC 2.52.040(B)] dollars per Organization.

2. For a Citywide Seat:

NOTICE

The City of Chula Vista Municipal Code limits contributions to campaigns for a Citywide Seat to [insert the current limit pursuant to CVMC 2.52.040(A)] dollars per Person and [insert the current limit pursuant to CVMC 2.52.040(B)] dollars per Organization.

B. Additional Notice Required if Redistricting Pending. During any campaign cycle where redistricting is pending City Councilmember candidate materials soliciting campaign funds shall also contain the following statement in no less than eight-point type:

City campaign rules allow this candidate to transfer funds to a different Council District Seat election contest, or carry over funds to a future Council District Seat election contest, in the event redistricting results in the reassignment of such candidate to a different Council District Seat.

(Ord. 3601 § 1, 2025; Ord. 3595 § 1, 2025; Ord. 3543 § 1, 2023; Ord. 3506 § 1, 2021; Ord. 3499 § 1, 2021; Ord. 3452 § 1, 2019; Ord. 3399 § 1, 2017; Ord. 3340 § 1, 2015; Ord. 3179 § 1, 2011; Ord. 3086 § 1, 2007).

Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, a payment to or for the benefit of one holding a City Elective Office or a Candidate made and used for the express purpose of offsetting costs already incurred by that office holder, or Candidate in the defense of a criminal or administrative prosecutorial action, or other legal action relating to an election contest, against said office holder or Candidate and not made or used for the purpose of aiding in the election of said Councilmember, Mayor, City Attorney or Candidate, and not made within (before or after) 100 days of an election in which the office holder or Candidate is competing for a seat or office, shall not be deemed to be a Contribution for the purposes of this chapter. (Ord. 3601 § 1, 2025; Ord. 3179 § 1, 2011; Ord. 3086 § 1, 2007).

• A. General.

1. Any Filer required to file Campaign Statements, reports or other FPPC Forms as required by Chapter 4 of the Political Reform Act (California Government Code Section 84100 et seq.) shall file such Campaign Statements using the City Clerk’s online system according to procedures established by the City Clerk (the “Procedures”), unless the Filer is exempt from electronic filing under California Government Code Section 84615, as may be amended from time to time.

2. The City Clerk shall have the authority to establish and amend the procedures, as necessary, to accomplish the following:

   • a. Ensure that the online system complies with the requirements set forth in California Government Code Section 84615, as may be amended from time to time;

   • b. Meet the purpose and intent of this section and comply with other applicable law;

• c. Ensure the integrity of the data transmitted and include safeguards against efforts to tamper with, manipulate, alter, or subvert the data.

3. Online filings made under this chapter will only be accepted if made in the standardized record format that is developed by the California Secretary of State pursuant to California Government Code Section 84602(a)(2), as may be amended from time to time, and that is compatible with the Secretary of State’s system for receiving an online or electronic Campaign Statement.

4. Any Filer who has electronically filed a Campaign Statement using the City Clerk’s online system is not required to file a copy of that document in paper format with the City Clerk. (Ord. 3601 § 1, 2025; Ord. 3355 § 1, 2015).

A. General. The City Attorney shall not act as the Enforcement Authority as to alleged violations of this chapter, but shall defend the constitutionality and legality of this chapter in any civil proceeding in which the City or the City Council is a party.

B. Enforcement Authority. The Enforcement Authority, as defined by this chapter, or the District Attorney shall investigate or prosecute alleged violations of this chapter.

C. Timing of Selection. The Board of Ethics shall solicit proposals from attorneys in accordance with Section 503 of the City Charter and Chapter 2.56 CVMC to act as the Enforcement Authority 12 months prior to a General Election.

D. Appointment of Panel. The Board of Ethics shall appoint a panel of no less than three attorneys to act as the Enforcement Authority. These attorneys shall be compensated by the City for work performed pursuant to this chapter. Should the appointment of additional special counsel become necessary or appropriate, the Board of Ethics shall appoint such additional special counsel as may be required. Should the panel consist of fewer than three attorneys due to resignations or otherwise, the Board of Ethics shall appoint additional special counsel.

E. Rotation of Assignments. A single member of the special counsel panel will be assigned to each complaint by the City Attorney, or the City Clerk in the event that the City Attorney is the subject of the complaint. Assignments will be made on a rotating basis.

F. Immunity to Liability. Special counsel, serving as the Enforcement Authority, shall be immune to liability for enforcement of this chapter. (Ord. 3601 § 1, 2025; Ord. 3179 § 1, 2011; Ord. 3086 § 1, 2007).

A. Filing a Complaint. Complaints of violations of this chapter shall be in writing; sworn under penalty of perjury by the complainant, who shall be a resident of the City; accompanied by proof that the complainant is a resident of the City; and submitted to the City Clerk. The complaint shall state a full recitation of all facts that are alleged to constitute a violation of this chapter.

B. Correction of Complaint Deficiencies. If a complaint does not comply with these requirements, the City Clerk shall notify the complainant that it is insufficient for filing and identify the insufficiency. The complainant shall have 10 calendar days from the date of the notice to cure the defect. If the defect is not cured in the prescribed timeframe, the case shall be closed. (Ord. 3601 § 1, 2025).

A. Subject of Complaint – Opportunity to Respond. If the complaint meets the requirements of CVMC 2.52.143(A), the City Clerk shall provide a copy of the complaint to the subject of the complaint within two working days. The subject of the complaint shall have five calendar days to provide the City Clerk with a written response, including evidence of any corrective action taken in response to the complaint, if any. The response, if submitted, shall be signed under penalty of perjury.

B. Submittal to Enforcement Authority. The City Clerk shall forward the complaint and any written response received to the Enforcement Authority within 10 working days of receipt for a probable cause determination.

C. Probable Cause Determination. The Enforcement Authority shall make a prima facie probable cause determination within 30 calendar days of receiving the complaint and shall immediately notify the City Clerk, the City Attorney, and Interested Parties upon making its determination.

1. Probable Cause – Knowing or Willful Violation. If the Enforcement Authority determines that probable cause exists to find that there was a knowing or willful violation of this chapter, the City Attorney shall forward the complaint to the District Attorney for further handling. However, if the City Attorney is the subject of the complaint, the duties of the City Attorney under this section shall be handled by the City Clerk. Violations of this chapter that are forwarded to the District Attorney for handling shall not be subject to further action by the Enforcement Authority.

2. Probable Cause – Negligent Violation. If the Enforcement Authority determines that probable cause exists to find that there was a negligent violation of this chapter, the City Attorney shall forward the complaint to the special counsel who is next in the rotation of panel counsel to act as the Enforcement Authority and take further investigatory and procedural steps necessary to resolve the matter.

• D. Negligent Violation – Enforcement Authority Handling.

1. Enforcement Authority Duties. Violations of this chapter that are not forwarded to the District Attorney for handling but, rather, are forwarded to the next panel counsel for further investigation pursuant to subsection

(C) of this section may be pursued by the Enforcement Authority either through a civil or administrative action. The Enforcement Authority may also commence and prosecute any necessary administrative proceedings or civil litigation to compel compliance with this chapter. No enforcement of prosecution or action by the Enforcement Authority shall be subject to the review or control of the City Attorney or City Council. The special counsel, serving as the Enforcement Authority, may investigate and may institute legal action to prevent further violations. The Enforcement Authority shall use reasonable efforts to complete its investigation and reach a final determination within 180 days of the City forwarding the complaint. The Enforcement Authority shall notify the City Clerk, the City Attorney, and Interested Parties of upon conclusion of the Enforcement Authority’s final determination.

2. Violations of State Law. If the allegation contained in the complaint is also a violation of state law, the special counsel shall not investigate but, rather, shall forward the complaint to the Fair Political Practices Commission or other appropriate state agency.

3. Criminal Prosecution. Criminal prosecution for violations of this chapter must be commenced within one year after the date on which the violation occurred.

4. Civil Prosecution. Civil prosecution for violation of this chapter must be commenced within four years after the date on which the violation occurred. No administrative action alleging a violation of any of the provisions of this chapter shall be commenced more than four years after the date on which the violation occurred. If the person alleged to have violated a provision of this chapter engages in the fraudulent concealment of their acts or identity, the four-year period for civil and administrative actions shall be tolled for the period of concealment. For purposes of this subsection, “fraudulent concealment” means the person knows of material facts related to their duties under this chapter and knowingly conceals them in performing or omitting to perform those duties, for the purpose of defrauding the public of information to which it is entitled under this title.

E. No Violation Found. If the Enforcement Authority or District Attorney determines that no violation occurred, the Enforcement Authority shall review the complaint and, if necessary, conduct further investigation to determine if there is probable cause to find that the complainant committed perjury. If such probable cause exists, the Enforcement Authority shall forward the complaint to the District Attorney for prosecution for perjury. (Ord. 3601 § 1, 2025).

A. Misdemeanor. Any Person who knowingly or willfully violates any provision of this chapter; who knowingly or willfully causes, solicits, advises, or participates with any other Person to violate any provision of this chapter; or who knowingly or willfully aids and abets any other Person in the violation of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

• B. Monetary Penalties.

1. Negligent Violation. Any Person who negligently violates any provision of this chapter shall be liable in a civil or administrative action brought by the Enforcement Authority for an amount not more than $500.00 per violation and shall be required to correct the violation.

2. Intentional Violation. Any Person who intentionally violates any provision of this chapter or causes any other Person to violate any provision of this chapter shall be liable in a civil administrative action brought by the Enforcement Authority for a maximum of $1,000 per violation.

3. Intentional Filing of False Complaint.

a. Any Person who intentionally files a false complaint under this chapter shall be liable in a civil administrative action brought by the Enforcement Authority for a maximum of $2,500 per false complaint filed.

b. If the District Attorney determines that the complainant committed perjury in filing the complaint, the complainant may be liable, in addition to any criminal penalties, for damages in the amount of fees, costs and other amounts suffered or incurred as a result of, or arising out of the filing of, such complaint.

4. Use of Funds. Any amounts paid pursuant to this section shall be used to offset the costs of enforcing this chapter.

C. Applicability. This section shall apply only to Persons who have filing or reporting obligations under this chapter or the Political Reform Act, or who are compensated for services involving the planning, organization, or directing of any activity regulated or required by this chapter or the Political Reform Act, or anyone who is determined by the District Attorney to have committed perjury in filing a complaint under this chapter.

D. Considerations for Remedies and Sanctions. Whether or not a violation is inadvertent, negligent, or deliberate, and the presence or absence of good faith, shall be considered in applying the remedies and sanctions of this chapter. Further, in determining the amount of civil liability, the court may take into account the seriousness of the violation and the degree of culpability of the defendant. If a judgment is entered, the funds recovered shall be deposited into the City’s general fund. (Ord. 3601 § 1, 2025; Ord. 3179 § 1, 2011; Ord. 3086 § 1, 2007).

Unless otherwise prohibited by law, all records pertaining to complaints related to campaign contributions shall be deemed public records upon receipt. Such records include but are not limited to submitted complaints (whether deemed sufficient or insufficient), letters of dismissal, determinations of probable cause, determinations regarding enforcement actions, and legal services agreements with enforcement authorities. These records shall be made available to the public upon request, subject to appropriate redactions in accordance with applicable law. (Ord. 3601 § 1, 2025).