Half-cent sales tax measure confirmed for November ballot in Pleasanton

[RandySF]

Pleasanton residents will be voting on a city revenue measure this November that, if passed by a simple majority, will increase the city’s sales tax by half a percent and bring in roughly $10 million annually for the following 10 years.

The Pleasanton City Council voted 4-1, with Councilmember Jack Balch dissenting, in favor of placing the tax increase measure on this year’s ballot during Tuesday’s meeting, the culmination of nearly nine months of looking for ways to tackle a structural budget deficit that — if not addressed soon — could force the council to make drastic cuts and reductions to city services and amenities.

“When that ballot comes to my door, I’m going to support it and I hope you will too,” Mayor Karla Brown said during the July 16 meeting. “This is what we need to keep Pleasanton a highly sought after and desirable community.”

If approved by voters following the Nov. 5 election, the total sales tax in Pleasanton would go from 10.25% to 10.75%, which means that for every $100 of taxable purchases, consumers would pay 50 cents in additional tax.




https://www.pleasantonweekly.com/election/2024/07/17/half-cent-sales-tax-measure-confirmed-for-november-ballot-in-pleasanton/

[Auggie]

1. My first reaction was that 10.75% would set a record in California ...

but upon further research I see it's becoming more common across the state.

Alameda, Albany, Hayward, Newark, San Leandro, and Union City all top out at 10.75%. Dozens of other cities are right behind at 10.5, 10,25, and 10 percent. I had no idea.

[CoopersDad]

2. Prop 13 needs serious reform.

I'm not far from you in Rio Del Mar (Aptos) and we're surrounded by empty homes, many paying 1/20 what neighboring homes pay in property tax.
Cities and the County float sales tax proposals nearly every election cycle because we don't have the revenue we need to take care of basics like roads, schools, etc. Meanwhile, the uberwealthy enjoy their tax breaks.