In Fairfax, Mill Valley, Novato and San Rafael, municipal sales tax increases and bond measures are up for vote in November.
Tax supporters can rest easy knowing that the proposed $20 billion regional housing bond was taken off the ballot. Polls showed the Bay Area Housing Finance Authority measure failed to gain the required two-thirds majority.
Even if voters approved the state’s Proposition 5, which would lower the hurdle for passing such proposals to 55%, the BAHFA bond’s chances of success would be questionable. A multibillion-dollar bond on the same ballot could have doomed the Marin-only measures. Voters’ tolerance for tax increases in one year is simply limited.
These local tax and bond measures are aimed at meeting legitimate infrastructure needs. While it is a worthy goal, it should not mean that citizens will automatically vote yes.
Sensible criteria for sales taxes must include “sunset” provisions that allow voters to decide whether the funds were spent wisely. If they do not support an extension when the sunset clause takes effect, the tax will be eliminated as intended.
These measures should detail where the tax revenues should go. Bonds and the property tax proposed by San Rafael would be paid for decades. They, like the sales tax increase, should be accompanied by citizen oversight committees that report directly to the public annually on the projects funded.
Fairfax’s Measure J will repair roads and infrastructure by authorizing $18 million in 30-year bonds. The city’s roads are notoriously poor in condition. A 66.6% majority is required unless state Proposition 5, which lowers the mandatory threshold to 55%, passes. Only a simple majority is required for sales and property taxes.
Measure J requires an “annual independent performance audit report.” There is no citizen oversight committee. That’s a problem considering Fairfax city staff have a reputation for avoiding two-way conversations with the public or media.
In Mill Valley, Measure L calls for a full cent increase in the sales tax. It will provide $4.2 million annually to fund wildfire prevention, roads, bridges and a number of other urgent infrastructure projects. The city has met all the requirements, including a 10-year term, a comprehensive list describing each project with specific allocated funds, and a public oversight committee.
Novato’s Measure M calls for a three-quarter cent sales tax increase. There is no sunset clause, so the tax will continue indefinitely. The list of proposed improvements is not specific enough, aside from a promise to eliminate the city’s $3.8 million annual structural deficit. Another persistent problem is that Novato still does not have the current audited financial statements required for federal and state infrastructure grants.
If Measure P passes, San Rafael will impose an annual property tax to fund the construction of a new main library and community center in Albert Park. This tax will be collected for 30 years or until construction bonds are paid. Funds may not be used for administrative salaries. Independent oversight and annual audits are required. The only unanswered question is the fate of the current and outdated but historic 1909 Carnegie Library on Mission Avenue, which is soon to be renovated.
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For people in the deep blue North Bay, watching the Democratic Convention was a pleasant experience. Immediately after listening to former President Barack Obama, I received two emails directly from the convention in Chicago. One each from Larkspur City Councilman Gabe Paulson and San Anselmo City Councilman Brian Colbert, both convention delegates.
Paulson: “Obama’s speech was more than eloquent. It was presidential, a rare blend of pure truth and grace.”
Colbert: “Both Michelle and Barack Obama are incredibly good at delivering powerful and direct messages. Obama’s speech reminded me why he is the greatest speaker of his generation.”
To my personal surprise, the announced mass demonstrations against Israel and for Hamas/Palestinians in front of the Congress Hall seemed to ultimately fizzle out. I suspect that the cause, which is being promoted by many on the political left, has few supporters willing to endure the Chicago summer heat.
Mill Valley columnist Dick Spotswood writes about local issues Sundays and Wednesdays. Email him at [email protected].
