Watsonville voters on Tuesday approved Measure V, which will allow all residents to serve on the city’s commissions.
This includes the Parks and Recreation, Personnel, Library and Planning commissions.
Previously under Watsonville’s current rules, only registered voters could serve in those positions.
Supporters say the change will allow all residents to have a say in what goes on in their city, while opponents argued that the important issues considered by the commissions should be left to registered voters.
The measure was passing by 56.3% as of Wednesday morning.
Also approved was Measure W, which makes several changes to Watsonville’s City Charter.
This includes revising both qualifications for city manager applicants and responsibilities for the position, and allowing the city to hire attorneys to assist the city attorney.
It also makes the Library Board a commission, and allows the City Council to receive employment benefits and allows the mayor to receive 25% more than the other council members. That measure was receiving 58% of the vote.
