Moraga Sales Tax Measure Placed On November Ballot

Local roads are bad and destined to get worse, Lamorinda city officials say, and it's time to pony up and pay the piper.

Both Moraga and Orinda have drafted language asking locals and "out of towners" to pay a little extra for local purchases, with the money accrued through an adjusted sales tax put toward fixing local roads.

In Moraga, consultants and city leaders say the extra penny for some purchases will add an estimated $1 million to city coffers and pave the way for, well -- paving local roadways identified as being bumpier than usual and "at risk."

Backers, and most everyone seems to be behind the move, said improving local roads needs to be a priority for the town as ignoring the problem will only mean a more drastic decline -- and more money -- down the road.

Food, prescription drugs, rent and professional services will be exempt from the tax, a move aimed at lessening the impact on residents living on fixed incomes. As a local measure, all monies garnered by the tax will remain local -- and out of reach of a cash-hungry state government.

Moraga's latest tax would remain in place for 20 years -- if it meets with majority approval. Although few, if any, local voices have spoken against the proposal, Town Manager Jill Keimach has said the town will continue to seek state and federal monies to effect repairs on local roadways -- but that the current rate of decline may exceed the town's ability to keep pace with those needed repairs.