Citizens Oversight Committee says Measure R nearly complete; parcel tax revenue and expenses roughly balanced

The Martinez Unified School District's Measure R bond program is nearing completion and the district's parcel tax continues to fund arts, music and counseling, Citizens Oversight Committee presenter Andy Cannon told the board on Nov. 4.

Cannon summarized the Measure R account as beginning with a $120,000,000 bond and accruing nearly $5,000,000 in interest, producing about $125,000,000 available for projects. He said staff expect to fully spend remaining Measure R funds by the end of the fiscal year and that a retention balance of approximately $900,000 remains to cover final punch-list and touch-up work at completed sites, including the recently ribbon-cut Morello Park Elementary.

On the parcel tax, Cannon presented the 2024–25 budget and said the district projects nearly $800,000 in parcel-tax revenue and estimated just over $800,000 in parcel-tax-funded expenses, leaving an expected carryover of about $9,000. He said last year's unaudited actuals showed a $29,000 carryover. Cannon noted that seniors may opt out of the parcel tax, reducing gross revenue relative to the full roll. The parcel tax committee listed specific teacher positions, FTEs and stipend items funded by the tax.

Cannon also said the Parcel Tax Committee's most recent meeting lacked a quorum (only one person attended), so the presentation to the board was informational rather than an action item. He invited community members to apply to serve on the oversight committees and said the COC meets roughly twice a year.

Board members asked whether the district could expand public communication so residents who do not have students understand how taxpayer dollars were used; Cannon said the district would explore social-media posts and a press release timed with Morello Park's completion.

No bond or parcel-tax spending actions were presented for approval at the Nov. 4 meeting; the presentations were informational.