City of Napa, CA

06/05/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/05/2025 16:58

Napa City Council Appoints Measure G Citizen Oversight Committee

The City of Napa is pleased to announce the appointment of five dedicated community members to serve on the newly established Measure G Citizen Oversight Committee. Measure G, a one-cent sales tax approved by Napa voters in November 2024 to fund important local priorities, like improved road maintenance, enhancement to parks and recreation programs and stronger emergency response, increased the City sales tax from 7.75% to 8.75%. The appointments were made at the May 20 City Council meeting, following a competitive application process.

The Measure G Citizen Oversight Committee will have the following responsibilities:

  • Review and report on the financial audits of Measure G revenues and expenditures.
  • Confirm that Measure G spending aligns with City Council-approved priorities, that no revenues have been diverted by the State or other entities and that all revenues are used solely for the benefit of the Napa community.
  • Receive presentations on projects, initiatives and City operations funded by Measure G.
  • Review financial reports related to Measure G as requested by the City Council.
  • Provide recommendations to the City Council on matters referred to the Committee.

The five appointed members bring diverse professional backgrounds and deep community connections to ensure transparent and accountable oversight of Measure G revenues.

Measure G Oversight Committee Members:

  • Jill Techel brings decades of public service experience, including 15 years as Mayor of Napa (2005-2020) and extensive involvement in community organizations. Her leadership during major City initiatives and deep understanding of municipal operations will provide valuable institutional knowledge to the committee.
  • Suzanne Mason joins the committee with significant experience in municipal operations and capital project delivery. With over 33 years in local government, including roles as Deputy City Manager for Long Beach, Assistant City Manager for Palo Alto and Director of Human Resources for Napa County, Suzanne brings exceptional expertise in budget oversight, capital project management and public agency operations.
  • Benjamin Horne has over 30 years of accounting and finance experience and provides expertise for public agencies. As CFO of the Union Square Alliance, a business improvement district overseen by San Francisco, Benjamin provides the specialized financial oversight expertise required for the committee's audit and review responsibilities.
  • Carol Barge contributes strong community advocacy experience and business acumen as a property owner and small business professional. A graduate of Napa's City Academy and active participant in local government meetings, Barge represents the engaged resident perspective essential for community accountability.
  • Jonathan Schellin brings both municipal operations experience as Deputy Director of Public Works for the City of San Rafael and extensive leadership background from his service as a Company Commander in the U.S. Army. His current role overseeing budget, procurement and capital projects, combined with his graduate degrees in business administration and public policy, provides valuable expertise in public sector project delivery.

"These five individuals represent the expertise, integrity and community commitment we need to ensure Measure G funds are used wisely and transparently," said City Manager Steve Potter. "Their diverse backgrounds in municipal operations, finance, community advocacy and public service will provide comprehensive oversight that maintains public trust in this important investment in Napa's future."

Committee members will serve two-year terms and begin their work immediately as the City implements Measure G-funded projects, including major road improvements, park enhancements and infrastructure upgrades. At its first meeting, the Committee will review member roles and responsibilities, evaluate an initial report on Measure G expenditures for FY 2024-25, examine the proposed budgets for FY 2025-26 and FY 2026-27 and set future meeting dates and times.

"When the City Council placed Measure G on the ballot, we made a clear promise to voters: these funds would be spent responsibly, locally and with transparency," said Mayor Scott Sedgley. "Establishing this oversight committee is a critical step in upholding that promise. These are experienced, thoughtful community members who bring incredible expertise to the table, and their involvement helps ensure we're delivering on the accountability the public expects and deserves."

For more information about Measure G, visit CityOfNapa.org/MeasureG.

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