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Measure S will double the existing parks tax, add an annual inflator, and lock in this unnecessary tax for 10 years. When the city first levied an assessment of $1.2 million for landscape maintenance in 1991, it was billed as temporary. The city promised to seek ways to eliminate the assessment through better fiscal management. Instead, in 1998, the city put before the voters a $2.4 million per year parks tax, threatening us with loss of essential services and popular programs if we did not pass that tax. The measure failed, and none of the threats materialized. Later that year, after more promises from the city to eventually eliminate the tax, a tax measure for half the amount passed. Since passage of that tax, the city has reaped unprecedented budget surpluses, but has made no attempt to decrease the tax. Now, they want to more than double it, despite a recent poll showing an overwhelming percentage of residents are satisfied with the quality and maintenance of our parks and programs. Why is our city claiming financial crisis? New building in Davis is bringing in new fees and taxes as projected, adding to the tax revenues. This should be enough to pay for the required services and maintenance, if our city practiced good fiscal management. The current tax approved by the voters does not expire until July 2002. Why is the city asking for more money now? We were just asked to tax ourselves for schools and open space; the city plans to increase our water rates by 25%, followed by increases in the public safety tax and other services. How much more can we pay? It's time to say NO to more taxes, while we can still afford to live here. Vote NO on Measure S. No on Measure S -- Davis June 2001 homepageRebuttal to Argument in Favor of Measure SThis new tax is unnecessary! The city threatens us with elimination of services and programs unless we pass this tax. Don't fall for this scare tactic. Maintenance of new parks is already covered by taxes all new residents pay. Services and programs are provided now with the existing tax. There's no need for an increase! Proponents argue this tax is only $8.17 per month, but that's nearly $100 a year added to everything else we are asked to pay. The proposed tax is especially unfair to students, renters, and those on fixed incomes, who will pay the same as someone in a $450,000 house, and to small businesses, which could pay the same as the city's largest retailers. Don't be afraid to reject this new tax. The existing tax continues until June 2002, and there's enough in the city budget now to maintain our parks if the city managed its money properly. The city's General Fund had a projected balance last year of $3.6 million! Part of our quality of life is that all of us live without hardship. The city promised to find ways to reduce or eliminate this tax; its time they kept that promise. Reject this tax and we can work together to provide for essential services in ways we can afford. Vote NO on Measure S. No on Measure S -- Davis June 2001 homepage |
Please be sure to go to the polls on June 5, 2001 and vote NO on Measure S!!
This information is provided by The Committee for Efficient Government/No on Measure S | ||
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