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Council moves ahead with parcel‑tax feasibility polling; consultant recommended
Summary
City staff recommended and the council approved moving forward with a consultant (Clifford Moss) to conduct polling and test proposed parameters for a November 2026 parcel‑tax measure to increase police‑service funding; the first phase will be polling with an April report expected to guide next steps.
Staff told the council that Monte Sereno voters approved a partial parcel tax in 1983 that set a $150 annual fee per parcel and currently raises about $187,000 a year, covering roughly 13% of modern law‑enforcement costs. Staff and an ad hoc committee reviewed three proposals and recommended contracting with Clifford Moss to conduct a phase‑1 polling study of potential ballot language and parameters.
"Staff recommends that the council authorize the city manager to execute the agreement attached to the staff report with Clifford Moss," a staff member reported; the council moved and indicated unanimous support to proceed with the consultant for the initial feasibility and polling phase, with staff to return in April with results and a recommendation whether to pursue placement on the November 2026 ballot.
The staff report described two phases: phase 1 would test voter support and wording; phase 2 — only if polling supports it — would include public education and outreach and consultant implementation assistance. The council did not direct a final ballot decision at this meeting; it authorized the next step of consultant polling and outreach planning.
