By Bay City News Service
Voters in San Mateo County may be asked to approve a quarter-cent increase in the countywide sales tax. The county Board of Supervisors plans to vote Tuesday on whether to put the measure on the Nov. 2 ballot.
The sales tax increase, which could raise $30 million annually for five years, was the subject of a report presented to the board on July 13.
The report, "San Mateo County: Revenue Measure Feasibility Survey," prepared by Godbe Research, found that 56 percent of voters who participated in focus groups and telephone surveys would vote in favor of a sales tax increase, and 34 percent would not.
Around 11 percent said they didn't know.
Participants were asked how they would vote in the context of protecting and preserving vital county services, such as 911 emergency dispatch, sheriff's patrols, gang and drug prevention programs, county hospital and health care services, maintaining county parks and providing assistance for vulnerable children, seniors and people with disabilities.
Arguments against the measure stated that even a small increase could push the countywide sales tax to nearly 10 percent, potentially driving shoppers and businesses to other counties, and that government spending on employee pensions should be cut before considering a tax hike.
The board has until Aug. 6 to adopt a resolution putting the tax measure before voters in November.
Comments
Menlo Park: Downtown
on Jul 22, 2010 at 8:11 am
on Jul 22, 2010 at 8:11 am
Good -- raise our taxes to 10% without cutting some obvious costs -- employee pensions. I'll go shop elsewhere. At what point will government realize that raising taxes during today's economy is a bad fix.
another community
on Jul 22, 2010 at 9:53 am
on Jul 22, 2010 at 9:53 am
"At what point will government realize that raising taxes during today's economy is a bad fix"
Its not government......It's Mark Church, Adrienne Tissier, Rose Gibson, and Carole Groom.
Vote NO new Tax
Atherton: West Atherton
on Jul 22, 2010 at 12:22 pm
on Jul 22, 2010 at 12:22 pm
I'm fed up with of this Board of Stupidvisors. When will "lifetime politicians" get a grip on reality and CUT SPENDING. I say lifetime because these folks move around from one government job to another like on a chess board. Just look at Rich Gordon and Jerry Hill.
Still sucking off the government nipple.
Throw them out and get good people in who will CUT SPENDING down to live within their means like we do.
Woodside: Emerald Hills
on Jul 22, 2010 at 1:10 pm
on Jul 22, 2010 at 1:10 pm
56 percent of voters in the sample are fools and/or chumps who like being taken advantage of by gold-plated public servants.
another community
on Jul 23, 2010 at 8:23 am
on Jul 23, 2010 at 8:23 am
Ranch Gal
"I'm fed up with of this Board of Stupidvisors. When will "lifetime politicians" get a grip on reality and CUT SPENDING. I say lifetime because these folks move around from one government job to another like on a chess board. Just look at Rich Gordon and Jerry Hill."
Jerry Hill and now Mark Church violated the OATH they took which was/is that they would serve the 4 year term. Both chose to run for another job on Tax Payer money and Time.
On June 29, 2010 I personally asked Mark Church to reign and the BOS to not appoint his replacement but instead place it on the Nov ballot saving the Tax Payers approx. $1,300,000 and letting the voters fill the vacancy. Mark Church refused to resign.
Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park
on Jul 23, 2010 at 8:25 am
on Jul 23, 2010 at 8:25 am
I know the county has serious financial troubles, but before I vote for a tax increase, I'm going to research how much of the spending increases that have taken place over the last few years is due to out-of-control employee costs (I've read they're rising at a shocking rate, but can't remember the statistics), and, more importantly, what the county is doing to put the brakes on employee costs. I will NOT vote for this measure if the county is not acting with urgency.
another community
on Jul 23, 2010 at 9:10 am
on Jul 23, 2010 at 9:10 am
Dear Waiting,
If you go to the San Mateo Daily Journal website go to archives type in Supervisors budget etc you will find many articles dating back to 2006 or 2007 where County Manager John Maltbie was warning Mark Church, Jerry Hill, Rose Gibson, Rich Gordon, Adrienne Tissier that they must do something about the runaway costs.
They have done nothing to address this very important issue.
Menlo Park: Felton Gables
on Jul 23, 2010 at 3:05 pm
on Jul 23, 2010 at 3:05 pm
Sales taxes are regressive taxes. This is not the time to hit the little guy. VOTE NO!!!!!
another community
on Jul 28, 2010 at 6:44 am
on Jul 28, 2010 at 6:44 am
The Supervisors voted down the tax measure it will not be on the Nov ballot.