Opinion ID: 1227032
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Does the initiative itself make an appropriation?

Text: The FCVB argues that even if the initiative does not repeal an existing appropriation in FGCO 5.402, it itself makes an appropriation. It claims that the setting aside of bed tax revenues for deposit in a city council discretionary fund meets the classic definition of appropriation, comparing this use of funds to the attempt to convey state property to a new community college in McAlpine and the attempt to convey state utilities in ACPAC. The city, on the other hand, argues that the initiative would not allocate funds specifically any more than the present FGCO 5.402 does, but rather broadens the city council's authority to appropriate bed tax funds. We find the city's argument persuasive. Applying the same test to the initiative as we did to the existing ordinance, we must ask whether the initiative would set aside a certain specified amount of money or property for a specific purpose or object in such a manner that is executable, mandatory, and reasonably definite with no further legislative action. The initiative does not meet these requirements. Under the terms of the initiative, any public or private organization or any person can apply to the city council for funding from the discretionary fund for a particular fiscal year. These applications are to be reviewed by a committee appointed by the mayor with council concurrence, and then voted on by the council before any funds are distributed. The initiative specifies no sums that must be distributed, no specific purpose that must be funded, and no mandatory process that must be followed. A reference to the dual purposes behind the prohibition of initiatives which make appropriations is instructive. First, the initiative is not a give-away program. No particular group or person or entity is targeted to receive state money or property, nor is there any indication that by passing this initiative, the voters would be voting themselves money. Second, this initiative does not reduce the council's control over the appropriations process. Instead, the initiative allows the council greater discretion in appropriating funds than does the current law. It is axiomatic that if FGCO 5.402 does not make an appropriation, then the initiative, which affords greater legislative discretion and is not a give-away program, cannot make an appropriation.