Larkspur Schools parcel tax, Measure B (November 2009)

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A Larkspur Schools parcel tax, Measure B was on the November 3, 2009 ballot in Marin County for voters in the Larkspur School District, where it was approved.[1]

  • Yes: 2,525 (69.87%) Approved
  • No: 1,089 (30.13%)

Measure B extends the district's existing annual $368.88 parcel tax for eight more years. The tax can be increased up to 5% every year.

In addition to extending the current tax, Measure B also alters the existing parcel tax for commercial/business properties in such a way as to increase their tax burden, while the tax burden for residential properties stays the same as with the existing parcel tax. Commercial properties that pay $368.88 per parcel under the current tax will be paying up to $20,000 under Measure B.[2]

To pass, Measure B had to win a 2/3rds supermajority vote.

Measure B will generate about $1.5 million a year. This amounts to approximately 13% of the school district's budget.[3]

There are two schools (Neil Cummins Elementary in Corte Madera and Henry Hall Middle School in Larkspur) in the Larkspur School District. Together, there are about 1,270 students in these schools, with 160 employees.

Specifics of proposal

  • Measure B will go into effect on July 1, 2010.
  • The rate will increase 5% a year for 8 years.
  • For residential parcels, the starting annual rate will be $368.88 for each parcel with one single-family home or dwelling unit.
  • Residential parcels with more than one residence will be charged an extra $50 per unit per year, beginning in 2011.
  • Commercial parcels up to 4,999 square feet will pay a starting rate of $368.88 per year.
  • The annual rate will be $700 for commercial parcels up to 9,999 square feet; $2,000 up to 24,999 square feet; $4,000 up to 99,999 square feet; $8,000 up to 249,999 square feet; $16,000 up to 499,000 square feet; and $20,000 for half a million square feet or more.

Ballot question

The question on the ballot was, "To maintain quality public education in Corte Madera and Larkspur through continued support for exceptional instructional programs, small class sizes, and highly qualified teachers, shall Larkspur School District be authorized to replace the existing assessment by renewing a parcel tax at the current rate of $368.88 per year for each single-family residential parcel, and at rates specified in the sample ballot for all other parcels, for eight years, with a 5% annual adjustment and allow senior exemptions?"

Supporters

  • The Larkspur School District held an election for school board members on the same ballot as Measure B. Four candidates were running and all four school board candidates supported Measure B.[2]
  • Susan Christman and Molly Wuthrich were co-chairs of Citizens Supporting Corte Madera Larkspur Schools, which supported Measure B. They said, "It is up to our community, our entire community, to make the statement loud and clear that our schools are our priority. We all benefit from excellent schools - when our schools are thriving, our community is strong, and our businesses profit."[4]

The "Yes on B" campaign raised $11,575 through October 17.[5]

Opponents

The board of the Corte Madera Chamber of Commerce expressed concerns about the tax. Their concerns were:

  • Almost all of the new tax will be imposed on commercial parcels in the district.
  • There are fewer than 200 commercial parcels in the district.
  • Some of them will have to pay $20,000 per year more in taxes. This will hurt their competitiveness in an already weak economy.
  • "This is a risky economic time to consider the imposition of such a tax."
  • The extra taxes could push some of these businesses out of business. If that happens, the whole community will be hurt since all these businesses pay a variety of taxes that support many city functions. If these businesses go out of business, or move to another community, they will not be paying any taxes at all to the school district.[6]

The Marin Independent Journal's editorial board urged its readers to vote "no" on Measure B. They say "The IJ has strongly backed the district's previous parcel tax and bond measures. But voters should tell district trustees to come back with a measure that is more balanced and respects the serious challenges businesses face today. Regrettably, the IJ recommends a no vote on Measure B."[7]

See also

External links

References

  1. ↑ CBS 5, "Nine local measures on Marin ballot November 3", October 23, 2009
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Contra Costa Times, "4 seek 3 seats on Larkspur school board", September 23, 2009
  3. ↑ Contra Costa Times, "Larkspur school parcel tax would increase share of business sector", September 13, 2009
  4. ↑ Marin Independent Journal, "Marin Voice: Measure B supports our local schools", October 15, 2009
  5. ↑ Marin Independent Journal, "Larkspur school tax campaign raised $11,575", October 26, 2009
  6. ↑ Marin Independent Journal, "Concerns about school tax", October 12, 2009
  7. ↑ Marin Independent Journal, "Editorial: IJ's recommendations on 4 school taxes on Nov. 3 ballot", October 19, 2009
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