As a committee it makes sure that all of the money collected from the one-cent sales tax increase approved by voters in 2012 is spent in accordance with what was voted on.

And now the City of Lathrop is looking to fill an unscheduled vacancy on the Measure C Oversight Committee after a longtime member resigned late last month.

Reverend Lou Davis – who was at one time the chairperson of the committee – had a term that was scheduled to expire at the end of June before deciding to step down from the appointed post. The committee met at the end of last month to discuss the financial standing of the account and the projects that they hope to approve over the coming year, and the notice of vacancy was posted on the city’s website the following day.

Approved by an overwhelming majority of voters, Measure C has helped the City of Lathrop and the Lathrop Manteca Fire District fill key emergency service positions that had been cut due to the economic downturn, and helped provide essential city services that wouldn’t otherwise have been possible within the budget – like adding a traffic light at an intersection that has long been an issue for residents, and funding upgrade to parks.

While the tax has been a political flashpoint at times – Joe’s Travel Plaza owner Dalwinder Dhoot has accused the city of not needing the money raised by Measure C, and backed candidates for elected office that aligned with his interests – the utilization of the oversight committee allows for a body to serve in an advisory capacity to the council and ensure that spending priorities are in-line with the legal framework that was approved by voters.

According to the notice of vacancy posted on the City of Lathrop’s website, the city can’t legally fill the position for the first 10 days after the notice was first posted – on Jan. 30 – and such a decision likely won’t happen until the Lathrop City Council has the opportunity to meet and discuss potential replacement candidates.

Those that are interested in serving out the remainder of the term, which is set to expire on June 30, is urged to contact Lathrop Finance Director Cari James at 209.941.7320 or City Clerk Teresa Vargas at 209.941.7200. Lathrop residents may also stop by the office, located at 390 Towne Centre Drive, during normal business hours.

The position is not compensated, although the possibility exists that the Lathrop City Council could provide as much if it takes the action to do so.

For additional information about the Measure C Oversight Committee, or to view the minutes from past meetings, visit the City of Lathrop’s website at www.ci.lathrop.ca.us.

To contact reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.