Editorial: Another try for Atherton parcel tax Editorial: Another try for Atherton parcel tax (May 18, 2005)

Brinksmanship is an old word, but it is entirely applicable to voters in Atherton.

We say that as the town goes to the polls June 7 in a second effort to approve a parcel tax that will cost most homeowners $750 a year. The current tax, at the same rate, expires June 30.

Many observers would say it is a no-brainer for Atherton residents, whose homes are some of the most highly valued in the nation, to approve this mere pittance of a tax in order to keep the doors to Town Hall open and an adequate number of police officers on the street.

But passage of a parcel tax has never been a sure thing in Atherton, where voters turned it down last November and have done so before.

Last year's loss was embarrassing. Only 57 percent of those voting approved the tax, far short of the two-thirds majority needed for passage. Some blamed an opinion piece railing against the high cost of police services, and others said council members didn't bother to run campaign.

This time around, there is a devoted cadre of volunteers who are going all out to convince Atherton voters to support the tax, which makes up 25 percent of the town's budget. Without it, some road repairs would stop, and some city services would be curtailed.

Atherton residents should know that their town is extremely handicapped when it comes to raising the funds necessary to support local government services. While most cities receive revenue from taxes on retail sales, Atherton comes up empty, because it has virtually no commercial activity to tax. Thus, the parcel tax is the only way the town can gain the extra revenue it needs to function.

Of all the scenarios brought to the council, the parcel tax is by far the most equitable. It is deductible on federal income taxes and is easy to collect. This time around voters are asked to approve the tax for five years, so they will very likely have a chance to vote on it again in 2009 if they don't like the way it is being handled.

The Atherton Town Council has done a good job in containing costs, which have actually come down slightly from a few years ago. This is a frugal and well-run local government. To keep it that way, vote yes on Measure W to retain the current $750-average parcel tax in Atherton.

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