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Monte Sereno council to delay police parcel-tax push after consultants find November 2026 'not feasible'
Summary
Following consultant polling and council discussion, Monte Sereno officials agreed not to pursue a police-services parcel tax for November 2026 and directed staff to return with options in December and to conclude the ad hoc committee in August.
Mayor pro tem (filling in for Mayor Lon Allen) opened a special Monte Sereno City Council meeting on May 18 to discuss an informational update on a potential police-services parcel tax.
Consultants from Clifford Moss presented feasibility research showing a November 2026 parcel tax was "not feasible" and recommended substantial voter education and more time before placing a measure on the ballot. The consultants reported the city has about 2,827 registered voters in 1,157 households and that the current parcel tax—$150 per parcel set in 1983—generates roughly $190,000 a year while police services cost about $1.5 million annually, covering only about 13% of police costs.
Council members repeatedly voiced concern that voters "like things the way they are" and do not connect service quality to the funding need. After questions about election cost and timing, the council reached consensus that pursuing a November 2026 ballot placement was not advisable. Instead, council directed staff to note that the current ad hoc committee will end in August and to agendize a re-evaluation and potential process for citizen engagement in December, with further work to occur in early 2027 if appropriate.
The council did not take a formal binding vote during the meeting; members said the direction to staff and the timeline for additional planning was sufficient for immediate next steps.
The city will ask Santa Clara County for specific cost and collection-timing estimates for various election options before finalizing schedules or budgets. The special meeting adjourned at 3:21 p.m.
