City Council Moves Forward with Controversial Tax Measure

During a recent government meeting, city officials discussed the potential for a new tax measure to be placed on the ballot for the upcoming municipal election on November 5, 2024. The proposed measure aims to capture a quarter percent of sales tax revenue that has not been utilized in the past decade, with the intention of maintaining local funding for essential services such as police, fire, and paramedic response.

The discussion highlighted the current sales tax rate of 10.75 percent, which some officials noted is higher than neighboring areas, such as La Tech, where the rate stands at 9.5 percent. The disparity was attributed to the city receiving substantial funding from county measures, including Measure H, which has generated over $600 million annually for local programs since its passage in 2016.

Council members expressed concerns about the increasing tax burden on residents, questioning when enough funding would be sufficient. They emphasized the importance of local control over tax revenues and the need for transparency in how funds are allocated, particularly in light of ongoing challenges related to homelessness.

The council unanimously approved resolutions to move forward with the proposed ballot measure, directing staff to finalize the necessary documentation and ballot language. The measure, if passed, would allow the city to secure additional funding for public safety and other critical services, while also addressing community needs related to homelessness.

The meeting concluded with council members acknowledging the importance of the discussions and the need for continued engagement with residents on these pressing issues.