Petaluma board votes 3-1 to table resolution to withdraw parcel tax from November ballot

At a special meeting in August 2025, the Petaluma City Elementary School District board voted 3-1 to table indefinitely a resolution that would have withdrawn the district's education parcel tax from the Nov. 4 special election, leaving the tax on the ballot.

The action keeps the previously filed parcel-tax measure active while the board and staff weigh costs, timing and voter turnout. Board members discussed a compressed timeline: the district's administrative deadline to pull the measure back was described in the meeting as the day after the meeting, and an Aug. 22 deadline mentioned for a related state assembly step. Ryan Williams, who participated remotely, said he had spoken with members of the governor's team and that "as of this moment ... this election is going forward." Williams urged the board to view the November date as an opportunity to avoid deeper cuts.

Why the vote mattered: district leaders said a parcel tax would help stabilize funding for the new bell schedule and avoid steep reductions in programs and positions. Speakers repeatedly said the district faces an uncertain state and federal funding picture. At the meeting district staff estimated the direct cost of participating in a November election at about $150,000 to $160,000; county officials told the district that final costs depend on how the state calls the election and that costs could be higher. The board's budget-adoption figures showed an ending reserve near 3 percent; staff said any election cost would reduce the district's general fund balance and that the true fiscal impact would be clearer at second interim budget reports.

Supporters at the meeting included Sandra Larson, president of the Petaluma Federation of Teachers, who told the board, "We will be your partner. So that's why we know we are willing to be your partner and work to get this passed." Several board members said they were conflicted about timing but supported the policy goal. One board member said, "I don't think we can afford not to do this," citing benefits such as maintaining a seven-period day and preserving positions. Caitlin (last name not specified in the transcript) said, "I think we have to do it no matter what the governor does, honestly," arguing local action was needed in the face of state and federal uncertainty.

Opponents and cautious voices emphasized timing and voter fatigue. One board member expressed concern that household finances and a recent local election could make it harder to win another measure so soon; that board member nonetheless voted in favor of tabling the withdrawal.

Procedural outcome: a board member moved to "table this resolution indefinitely" (the resolution was the formal request to withdraw the parcel-tax measure filed the previous week). The motion to table passed on a 3-to-1 vote. Board members clarified during the meeting that tabling the withdrawal is not the same as rescinding the prior decision to move forward with an election; tabling means the board did not approve the resolution to withdraw the measure. The board did not record individual roll-call vote names in the public transcript provided.

Other details discussed: district staff said county election officials had not yet provided a final cost estimate and that the state's method for calling the special election could affect ballot formatting and printing expenses, potentially increasing costs. The meeting record also noted a senior exemption for the parcel tax similar to the previous measure; exact exemption qualifications were described as "the same" but were not specified in the transcript. Staff said potential cuts if no local revenue is secured could total multiple millions of dollars next fiscal year, though numbers cited in the discussion were unclear in the transcript.

The board's decision to table the withdrawal keeps the parcel tax on the November ballot for now; board members and staff said they will continue planning outreach and monitoring state action that could affect scheduling and cost.