Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-03-14 Packet - Special CITY OF UKIAH CITY COUNCIL AGENDA SPECIAL MEETING CiViC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS 300 Seminary Avenue Ukiah, CA 95482 March 14, 2005 5:00 p.m. 1. ROLL CALL 2. SPECIAL PRESENTATION 3. DISCUSSION AND APPROVAL OF BALLOT ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF MEASURES ON BALLOT FOR JUNE 7~ 2005 SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION 4. ADJOURNMENT MEMO Agenda Item: 3 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers FROM: City Clerk Marie Ulvila SUBJECT: Item #3 on Special Agenda "Discussion & Approval of Ballot Argument in Favor of Measures on Ballot For June 7, 2005 Special Municipal Election" DATE: March 10, 2005 The Council sub-committee is working on the ballot measure argument and it will be delivered to Council before the March 14th meeting. Memos: Council TAX MEASURE BALLOT ARGUMENT Measure X will enact a 1/2-cent sales tax for a 10-year period. Why is this tax necessary? 1. Crime is on the Rise: Despite rising crime and gang activity, there has been no increase in the number of patrol officers in over 30 years. 2. Antiquated Fire and Ambulance Equipment: Ukiah's fire department needs to replace $1.5 million in capital equipment additions that are fundamental to the safety of our firefighters and the public. 3. City's Financial Situation is Bleak: State raids on local government revenues and increased State mandates have left Ukiah with a $660,000 shortfall this year. This despite the fact that the City has eight fewer full time employees than it did two years ago. Since 60% of the City's general fund goes to public safety, the distinct possibility exists that cuts will be made in these departments to balance the budget. Will this measure hurt business? No. If Measure Y passes, the sales tax rate in Ukiah will be the same as Sonoma County's. Moreover, a safe and secure community is good for business. Who will pay? The tax will be levied on purchases within the City of Ukiah, most of which are made by non-residents who already benefit from the services the City provides, yet contribute nothing. What will it cost? You will pay an extra 50¢ for every $100 you spend on taxable goods. Can the state take this money? No! This is a local tax, which the State, by law, cannot touch. Who supports Measure X? Measure X has been endorsed by the Ukiah Valley Chamber of Commerce, Supervisor Jim Wattenburger, City of Ukiah Firefighters Association, Ukiah Peace Officers Association, Main Street Board of directors. VOTE YES ON MEASURE X FOR A SAFE AND STABLE UKIAH. ADVISORY MEASURE BALLOT ARGUMENT A yes vote on Measure Y will send a strong message to the city council that public safety is the public's first priority for spending new revenue generated by Measure X. Without additional general fund revenue, the City may have no choice but to cut public safety services that are already underfunded. Plan to improve public safety includes: o Increase Public Safety Fundinq: It is the intent of the city council to set the current level of public safety funding as a baseline and spend the additional sums necessary to improve public safety services. o Four More Police Officers: It is the unanimous intent of the current city council to fund four additional police officers, the equivalent of one additional police officer per shift. o Replace Outdated and Unsafe Fire and Ambulance Vehicles and Equipment: It is also the intent of the city council to replace outdated and unsafe fire trucks, ambulances, and safety equipment. VOTE YES ON MEASURE Y TO TELL THE CITY COUNCIL THAT PUBLIC SAFETY IS YOUR FIRST PRIORTY FOR SPENDING NEW SALES TAX REVENUE GENERATED BY MEASURE X. ATTACHI~ENT_..~_~ TAX MEASURE BALLOT ARGUMENT Measure X will enact a 1/2-cent sales tax for a 10-year period. By law, funds generated from this tax can only be spent for Ukiah municipal services. Why is this tax necessary? 1. Crime is on the Rise: Crime has risen xx% in the past 10 years. There has been no increase in the number of patrol officers in over 30 years. We have seen increased gang activity. Traffic violations go unenforced. 2. Antiquated Fire and Ambulance Equipment: Ukiah's fire department needs to replace $1.5 million in capital equipment additions that are fundamental to the safety of our firefighters and the public. 3. City's Financial Situation is Bleak: State raids on local government revenues and increased State mandates have left Ukiah with a $660,000 shortfall this year. This despite the fact that the City has eight fewer full time employees than it did two years ago. Since 60% of the City's general fund goes to public safety, the distinct possibility exists that cuts will be made in these departments to balance the budget. Will this measure hurt business? No. If Measure Y passes, the sales tax rate in Ukiah will be the same as Sonoma County's. Moreover, a safe and secure community is good for business. Who will pay? The tax will be levied on purchases within the City of Ukiah, most of which are made by non-residents who already benefit from the services the City provides, yet contribute nothing. What will it cost? You will pay an extra 50¢ for every $100 you spend on taxable goods. Can the state take this money? No! This is a local tax, which the State, by law, cannot touch. VOTE YES ON MEASURE X FOR A SAFE AND STABLE UKIAH.