During a recent city council meeting, community members from South Merced voiced strong concerns regarding a proposed tax aimed at hotel rentals for less than 30 days. Residents expressed frustration over the perception that their community would not benefit from the tax, which they believe is part of a broader trend of increasing taxes without adequate funding for local priorities.

One speaker, identifying as a health equity officer, emphasized the need for the city to allocate funds from the general budget to support essential programs such as affordable housing and direct assistance for low-income students. They highlighted the disparities between South and North Merced, arguing that the southern part of the city is often overlooked despite its residents contributing to the city's tax base.

The speaker pointed out the urgent need for improved infrastructure, including transportation and equitable land use, and called for a focus on the health and well-being of marginalized communities. They criticized the current state of South Merced, noting the lack of essential services like hospitals and safe housing, and urged council members to redirect funds to address these pressing issues.

In contrast, another speaker, Darren DuPont, expressed support for the proposed tax, particularly for District 1, which hosts a significant number of hotels. He argued that the tax would benefit the entire community of Merced, suggesting a more balanced perspective on the potential impacts of the measure.

The discussions reflect a growing tension between the need for increased revenue through taxation and the demand for equitable distribution of resources within the city, particularly for underserved areas like South Merced. As the council considers the tax proposal, the voices of community members underscore the importance of ensuring that all residents see tangible benefits from city initiatives.