Salinas Sales Tax Increase, Measure K, 2009
From Ballotpedia
A Salinas Sales Tax Increase, Measure K ballot proposition was on the November 3, 2009 ballot in California in Monterey County for voters in the City of Salinas, where it was defeated.
- Yes: 5,625 (39.29%)
- No: 8,692 (60.71%)
The ballot measure asked voters in Salinas whether they'd support a 1-cent sales tax increase. The current city sales tax is 8.75%. It would have gone to 9.75% if the ballot proposal is approved. Salinas would have had the highest sales tax of any city in Monterey County. There was no sunset provision in the proposed new tax. A simple majority vote was required for it to win.[1]
City politicians said that they expected the new tax to bring in $18-$20 million to the city's coffers and that they would use the new money to hire 84 police officers and build a new police station.
The population of Salinas is just short of 150,000. Voters who wished to vote by mail had until October 27 to do so; otherwise, voters went to the polls on November 3.[2]
Supporters
The group supporting Measure K was known both as the "Yes on K" campaign and as "A Penny for Peace". They hoped to raise $90,000 for their campaign. Through September 15, they had raised $4,120.[3]
The "Yes on K" group hired the Lew Edwards Group to get Measure K passed. According to a local newspaper, "The Oakland-based consultant represents cities and school districts conducting ballot initiatives. Lew Edwards Group also did a poll for the city earlier this year that predicted voter support for a sales tax measure."[3]
Police Chief Louis Fetherolf told a local newspaper in August that although he's not allowed to advocate on behalf of ballot measures, in his view, the City of Salinas needs more police officers: "We have many very capable people, but we simply don't have enough we are so far behind the curve."[4]
Opposition
A "No on K" committee was formed. It reported having raised $314 in contributions through mid-September.
Brett Landon was the leader of the "No on K" group. Landon said, "They're going to outspend us, that's guaranteed. We're not going to try to match them dollar for dollar. But we hope that some of the businesses will start stepping up, they're the ones who will be hurt by this tax. The businesses we've asked have been very helpful. Some who turn it down say their finances are too tight; the economy is awful for them and they have no resources to give."[3]
Budget woes
The Salinas city budget is under pressure. Tax revenues to the city have been falling and as a result, the city may have to lay off up to 68 city workers beginning in September.
See also
External links
References
- ↑ The Californian, "Budget pressures put Salinas sales tax plan on front burner", July 28, 2009
- ↑ KION-TV, "Five Ballot Measures in Monterey Co. Election", October 9, 2009
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 The Californian, "Salinas' Measure K campaign fundraising off to slow start", September 29, 2009
- ↑ KION Right Now, "Chief Fetherolf Says More Cops are Needed", August 25, 2009
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