Notice is hereby given that a ballot title for a measure referred by the Portland City Council to qualified voters at the May 21, 2013 Special Election has been filed with the Elections Office of the City of Portland on December 5th, 2012.

An elector may file a petition for review of this ballot title in the Multnomah County Circuit Court no later than 5:00 P.M., December 14th, 2012.

The ballot title is as follows:

CAPTION: Renew five-year levy to prevent child abuse, child hunger

QUESTION: Shall Portland continue abuse, neglect prevention, children’s programs; five-year levy $0.4026 per $1,000 assessed value beginning 2014; require audits?

This measure renews current local option taxes.

SUMMARY:

Renews the Portland Children’s Levy; supports proven programs designed to prevent childhood hunger, prevent child abuse and neglect, help children arrive at school ready to learn, provide safe constructive after school alternatives for kids, and help foster children succeed.

Funds can only be used for:

• Preventing childhood hunger: giving hungry children healthy, nutritious meals and food.   
• Child abuse prevention and intervention: addressing juvenile crime, school failure, drug and alcohol abuse, homeless youth.
• Early childhood programs: making childcare more affordable and preparing children for success in school.
• After school, summer and mentoring programs: promoting academic achievement, reducing the number of juveniles victimized by crime, increasing graduation rates.
• Children in foster care programs: helping foster children who have been abused and neglected succeed.  

Accountability measures include:

• Investments subject to annual audits.
• Programs funded must be cost effective and have a proven record of success.
• Investments subject to oversight by a citizen committee.
• Administrative costs cannot exceed 5%.

It is estimated the levy will raise an average of $10.56 million per year for five years.