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Riverside, California, Sales Tax, Measure Z (November 2016)
| Measure Z: Riverside Sales Tax |
|---|
|
| The basics |
| Election date: |
| November 8, 2016 |
| Status: |
 Approved
|
| Topic: |
| Local sales tax Expires in: 20 years |
| Related articles |
| Local sales tax on the ballot November 8, 2016 ballot measures in California Riverside County, California ballot measures City tax on the ballot |
| See also |
| Riverside, California |
A sales tax measure was on the ballot for Riverside voters in Riverside County, California, on November 8, 2016. It was approved.
| A yes vote was a vote in favor of authorizing the city to impose a sales tax of 1 percent for 10 years to fund general city services for 20 years. |
| A no vote was a vote against authorizing the city to impose a sales tax of 1 percent for 10 years to fund general city services for 20 years. |
Election results
| Measure Z | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Result | Votes | Percentage | ||
| Yes | 55,496 | 59.64% | ||
| No | 37,555 | 40.36% | ||
- Election results from Riverside County Elections Office
Text of measure
Ballot question
The following question appeared on the ballot:[1]
| “ |
To prevent cutting police, firefighters, paramedics, 911 emergency response, antigang/drug programs, homelessness reduction and youth after-school/senior/disabled services; to repair local streets/potholes/infrastructure; and to provide other general services, shall a one-cent transaction and use tax (sales tax) be implemented providing $48,000,000 annually through 2036 unless extended by the voters, requiring independent audits with no funds to Sacramento, all funds remaining for Riverside?[2] |
” |
Impartial analysis
The following impartial analysis of the measure was prepared by the office of the Riverside City Attorney:
| “ |
Measure Z is a ballot measure that, if approved by a majority of voters, would amend the Riverside Municipal Code to enact an increase of one percent (1%) to the transactions and use tax. The Measure, placed on the ballot by the City Council, is a “general” tax, which means that the City of Riverside may use the tax revenues for any governmental purpose (for example, repairs of streets, potholes, and infrastructure, as well as maintaining the City’s long-term financial stability). Although Measure Z is entitled “transactions and use tax” it is commonly referred to as a sales tax. With some exceptions, transactions and use tax is levied on the sale or use of tangible personal property sold at retail. Retailers collect the tax at the time of sale and remit the funds to the State Board of Equalization, which administers the tax, including transmitting payment to the City. Currently, the total retail sales tax in Riverside City is 8% of the purchase price. The revenue generated by this tax is allocated to the State, Riverside County, and the City. Of the 8%, the State receives 6.25%, the County of Riverside receives .75% and the City receives 1%. All of the proceeds of the tax increase proposed in Measure Z would go only to the City to be placed into the general fund, and would not go to the State or County. A “yes” vote is a vote to approve a one percent (1%) increase in transactions and use tax. A “no” vote is a vote against the increase in transactions and use tax. If approved, the transaction and use tax increase will take effect on April 1, 2017 through 2036 unless extended by the voters. The City will begin receiving revenues in July, 2017.[2] |
” |
| —Riverside City Attorney[1] | ||
Full text
The full text of the measure is available here.
Support
Supporters
The following individuals signed the official argument in favor of the measure:[1]
- Rusty Bailey, Mayor, City of Riverside
- Timothy David Strack, Fire Captain/President, Riverside Firefighters
- Cynthia G. Roth, President/CEO, Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce
- Sergio G. Diaz, Chief of Police, Riverside Police Department
- Rose M. Mayes, Executive Director, Fair Housing Council of Riv. Cnty
Arguments in favor
Official argument
The following official argument was submitted in favor of the measure:[1]
| “ |
Vital city services in Riverside have suffered as a result of the Great Recession. Public safety has been cut, youth and after-school programs have been reduced, and our homeless problem is getting worse. As budget reductions continue to take their toll, our police department has fewer officers and fire department and emergency response times have been compromised. It’s time to restore public safety and vital services for Riverside. Measure Z will provide the funding needed for essential public safety services while helping us take care of the basics – like filling potholes and repairing sidewalks. It will prevent further cuts to police protection, paramedic services and programs that fight gangs and drugs. Riverside is a great place to live and raise a family. We cannot afford to keep cutting vital services. It’s time to protect our future. Measure Z will generate $48 million per year for Riverside to provide police and fire protection, paramedics and 9-1-1 emergency response. In addition, Measure Z will provide the resources to take care of the basics like street repairs, tree trimming, libraries, parks, and senior services. The homeless problem is getting worse, having reached excessive levels in Riverside, hurting local businesses, public safety, and our quality of life. Measure Z will help get people off the streets and into programs and housing, working to end the cycle of homelessness. Measure Z includes tough accountability, requiring annual independent financial audits and citizen review of expenditures. It ensures that all funds remain in the City of Riverside and cannot be taken away by Sacramento. These strong fiscal safeguards will ensure funds are used efficiently, effectively and for the benefit of Riverside. Join Riverside firefighters, police officers, community and business leaders. Vote Yes on Measure Z.[2] |
” |
Opposition
Opponents
The following individuals signed the official argument against the measure:[1]
- Paul Sundeen, Retired, Chief Financial Officer, City of Riverside
- Dr. Sharon B. Mateja, Riverside Homeowner and Taxpayer
- Kevin Dawson, Riverside Homeowner and Taxpayer
- Susana Hernandez, Retired, Alvord Unified School District
- Bob Buster, Riverside native, former Councilmember
Arguments against
Official argument
The following official argument was submitted in opposition to the measure:[1]
| “ |
Vote NO on Measure Z, the biggest tax increase in Riverside’s history. Measure Z costs taxpayers $1 BILLION DOLLARS over 20 years. It’s not the tiny “one-cent” or penny increase described by the ballot. It’s actually ONE PERCENT (1%), as the City Attorney’s Analysis clarifies. The sales tax goes from 8 to 9 percent, raising at least $48 million annually. City Hall gets a huge revenue surplus to spend any way it wants. The City Council approved pay raises without sufficient funds, causing a deficit in the $267 million budget. Measure Z raises FIVE times what is needed to balance the budget. Taxpayers deserve fiscal responsibility. Measure Z is UNFAIR: Riverside households have not recovered income lost in the recession. Savings accounts earn less than 1%; seniors’ Social Security is not increasing. We’ll pay $250 more in taxes to buy a $25,000 car. The tax burdens our children and grandchildren. Personnel costs make up almost three-quarters of the budget. City employees receive generous pay (with annual “step” increases), benefits, and pensions. City pensions average $71,811 (police and fire are at $108,173). Measure Z is UNNECESSARY: • City revenues are increasing rapidly, including those from the current Sales Tax and Property Tax. A 6½% Utility User’s Tax is also on our electricity, water, natural gas, phones, and cable TV bills. • Unlike other cities, Riverside has a big extra source of annual revenue: $45 million in “profit” from electric and water rates was transferred from our utility to City Hall this year. That’s on top of Utility User’s Tax revenues. Belt tightening is needed; not a tax increase. Don’t be tricked by Measure Z backers’ scare tactics and doomsday predictions. [2] |
” |
Path to the ballot
This measure was put on the ballot through a vote of the governing officials of Riverside, California.
Recent news
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See also
External links
Footnotes
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