The question is on the ballot because a 2012 ballot measure, approved by more than 70 percent of voters, said the design and construction of a new town center should primarily be paid for with donations. Exceptions were included for the library, which has its own library-only tax funds, and for money set aside for new building and planning offices.
So far, the town has not been able to raise the enough money. At the same time, town officials estimate a robust economy means they have, or expect to have by the time construction would be completed, enough money to pay the remaining estimated costs to build a new town center based on a design the council approved in February. The town has also considered short-term borrowing if needed.
Before they can do that, however, they need to get approval to overturn the 2012 funding restrictions.
Voted ballots that are mailed back must be postmarked by June 6 and received by June 9.
Voted ballots may also be dropped off at the Atherton town offices, 91 Ashfield Road, during business hours, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 4 p.m., or at the county's Voting Center in the Registration & Elections Division at 40 Tower Road, San Mateo, on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
On Election Day, June 6, the Voting Center will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Ballots may be dropped off at the town offices until 8 p.m. that day. No other polling places will be open on Election Day.
Voters may also vote in person at the Voting Center.
The "Track and Confirm" tool on shapethefuture.org can verify when ballot materials were mailed and when the Registration & Elections Division received voted ballots.
Preliminary election results should be available on the Almanac website shortly after 8 p.m. on June 6.
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