Politics & Government

Corte Madera Eyeing Sales Tax Measure for November Ballot

The Town Council is holding a special meeting on Tuesday to discuss a ½ cent or ¼ cent sales tax increase after surveying residents to determine public support.

 

 

Over the last month residents have been getting phone calls gaging their interest in a potential sales tax increase – and the results are now in.

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On Tuesday at 3 p.m. in Town Hall, the Town Council will hear a report from Godbe Research that determines whether or not there’s community support for either a ¼ cent or ½ cent sales tax increase, and members will consider a draft resolution to place the measure on the November 5 ballot.

The sales tax would be used to support flood, park, street and right-of-way maintenance, said Town Manager David Bracken. Council members also plan to highlight specific projects that would benefit, such as Christmas Tree Hill improvements and Safe Routes to School. 

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With the town limiting spending and deferring projects to try to build up the empty reserve fund with little success, things in Corte Madera are not as perfect as they may seem, Bracken said at the July 2 Town Council meeting. With other communities also considering sales tax measures, Bracken said now may be a good time for Corte Madera to do the same in order to work toward establishing a 10 percent reserve by the centennial. 

On his recommendation, the Town Council approved a $20,000 study for Godbe Research to conduct a month-long phone survey to determine the community’s receptiveness to a sales tax increase.

Council members all were supportive of the measure when approving the study, and also suggested establishing a sunset clause once the 10 percent reserve threshold is met.

Corte Madera’s sales tax is currently at 8.5 percent. Planning Commissioner Peter Schwartz said according to the California Board of Equalization there are 29 towns in Marin that currently have a 8.5 percent sales tax, and five that are at 9 percent.

He also agreed with Bracken that in addition to the delayed infrastructure improvements, the town has changed. With more young families and a new school opening, there may be community interest in supporting a sales tax increase, which will lead to improvements in town, Schwartz said. 


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