HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 05171988 - S.3 5. 3
TO. BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
FROM supervisor Tom _Torlakson CAmtrd
DATE:May 1711- 1988CxWLCI
C1.J1.d
SUBJECT'
PARCEL TAX BALLOT MEASURE FOR COUNTY SERVICES
SPECIFIC REQUEST(S) `OR RECOMMENDATION(S) & BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
RECOMMENDATION:
Refer to the County Administrator and County Counsel the issue of creating
..a ballot measure to establish a parcel tax to increase the level of certain
County services.
BACKGROUND:
For several years now, the Board has been considering the' lack of funding
for much .needed County services such as mental health programs, jail costs,
sheriffs patrol, alcohol and drug programs, etc. A Blue Ribbon Committee
also looked at this . issue and concluded that . .a number of County services
needed supplemental funding. One of the issues the Blue Ribbon Committee
struggled with was , which of the many services needing supplemental funding
should receive priority. Another problem was that the types of services }
that the Committee felt had the greatest need for additional funding,
primarily in the health and social services areas, are those which current
law may preclude from supplemental funding from a property tax. The County
has requested CSAC to sponsor legislation to clarify that the counties have
the ability to levy taxes for services upon a vote of the electorate.
Staff should `identify the current status of that legislation and take what
actions are necessary to ensure its passage.
What I propose is that staff be directed to look into the possibility of
developing a consortium of programs and putting a measure on the November
Ballot asking the voters to approve a parcel charge to fund these program
supplements. . I understand that a parcel charge has been enacted in Alameda
County for ambulance services which is about $12 per $100,000 in value.
Depending upon the scope . and number of services. the Board desires, a
similar tax could be envisioned for Contra Costa County. -
Although it is difficult to ask the voters to increase their taxes, I don't
see any other immediate way to meet the demand for services. Therefore, I
think its worth the investment of staff time to put a package together for.
the Board' s consideration. Obviously, the scope and content of the
services to be funded with this money would need to be developed with
significant participation of the Board or a Committee of the Board.
CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT:- _ VES SIGNATURE:
RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
APPROVE OTHER
SIGNATURE(S1:
ACTION OF. BOARD ON May -17, _198 8 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED OTHER _
There was no ..s.econd' to the motion of Supervisor Torlakson to approve
the aforesaid recommendation. Supervisor Torlakson then removed this
matter from further consideration.
THIS ISA MATTER FOR RECORD PURPOSES ONLY.