Richmond Business License Measure T, 2008
From Ballotpedia
A Richmond Business License Measure T was on the November 4, 2008 ballot in Contra Costa County, California, for voters in the City of Richmond, where it was approved.
The ballot question asked whether voters wanted to adopt a Richmond Business License Act (effective January 1, 2009) that defines what a manufacturer is and establishes "a license fee equal to one fourth of one percent (0.25%) of the value of the material used in the manufacturing process during the immediately preceding calendar year for large manufacturers."
- Yes: 15,473 (51.51%)
- No: 14,563 (48.49%)
Measure T was primarily directed at a Chevron refinery based in Richmond. The Chevron refinery pays taxes that account for 33-50% of Richmond's $144 million 2009 budget. The impact of Measure T on Chevron is that they will have to pay about $21 million more in taxes every year, if they continue to do business in Richmond.[1]
In February 2009, Chevron filed a lawsuit in Contra Costa County Superior Court. They say that Measure T violates state and federal laws.[1]
Chevron leaving Richmond?
Because of Measure T and a separate lawsuit filed against the company to halt construction on a new refinery it had planned, Chevron executives say that they may leave Richmond. Chevron established its refinery in Richmond in 1902 and is the city's largest employer and taxpayer.[1]
Mayor Gayle McLaughlin is unconcerned, saying, "We have solidarity with communities in Nigeria and indigenous folks in Ecuador who are also going up against Chevron for destroying their home in the Amazon" and Richmond is "growing in its awareness of its own empowerment."[1]
See also
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