Tax Measures For Libraries, Parks, Tourists Face Opposition In Sonoma County

SONOMA COUNTY, CA – Sonoma County tax measures for libraries, parks and on tourists are on the Nov. 8 ballot, but they face opposition from the Sonoma County Taxpayers Association.

Voters throughout the county will consider Measure Y, a one-eighth-cent tax for the county's public library system that includes 14 locations. An identical measure failed in November 2014 when it received only
62.2 percent, not the two-thirds approval required for approval.

Measure Y would provide $12 million annually for 10 years. Proponents say rising costs and flat property tax revenues before the Great Recession impacted the library system. Staff and libraries were cut, benefits and pensions were flat and service hours were reduced, Sonoma Library Commissioner Helena Whistler said.

Property tax revenue has increased modestly in the last two years, and it was spent on infrastructure, expanding library services in Roseland and filling critical vacancies. The libraries are still closed on Monday,
more books for children are needed and other basic library services need funding, Whistler said.

The library system is a Joint Powers Agreement and is not part of the Sonoma County budget or pension program. Its funding is from 22.2 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value, according to Measure Y proponents.

The Sonoma County Taxpayers Association argues the economy has improved the past two years and the libraries are receiving more property tax money.

The taxpayer group says keeping libraries open on Mondays isn't really a priority because the regional library system gave raises, created new positions and hired consultants to market the tax measure. A former library commissioner, Joanne Sanders, opposes the measure.

Voters in the unincorporated areas of Sonoma County will decide Measure J, a half-cent tax for parks that will help provide clean drinking water sources and protect fish and wildlife habitat in the county park system. The measure would provide $9.5 million annually for 10 years if approved by two-thirds of voters.

Proponents say the tax revenue must be used for park maintenance and improvements only. The measure promises safe areas for families to explore outdoors and exercise resulting in reduced rates of obesity and
health care costs.

The Sonoma County Taxpayers Association concedes parks deserve appropriate funding and serve the county's residents, but it believes more viable funding sources are available. Dan Drummond, the association's executive director, said too much taxpayer money goes to the county's Open Space District to acquire land not accessible to the public.

Drummond said parks spending has increased 73 percent over the past 12 years, and the county's unfunded pension debt and personnel costs take away money for parks.

Measure L would increase the county's transient occupancy tax from 9 to 12 percent at overnight lodgings in the unincorporated areas until repealed. It is intended to address the impacts of tourism by investing in
roads, emergency response, workforce housing for families and veterans and water quality protection. The tax hike will provide $4 million per year.

Proponents say the county's transient occupancy tax has been 9 percent for 20 years, and the increase will keep the tax equal or below neighboring cities and counties.

The Board of Supervisors intends to allocate the increased revenue to fix roads, pay for fire and emergency services, workforce housing, vacation code enforcement and water quality protection, according to the measure's proponents.

Supporters of Measure L are Supervisors David Rabbitt and Susan Gorin, Sonoma County Economic Development Board chair Pam Chanter, the North Bay Labor Council, Save Our Sonoma Roads and the Sonoma County Fire Advisory Council.

Timothy Hannan, president of the Sonoma County Taxpayers Association, argues against the measure. He said the current 9 percent rate gives the county a competitive advantage.

Hannan said Measure L is a general tax, not a special tax, and it can be spent on anything. Tourists may spend their money in another county if they believe the 12 percent rate is too high, he said.

Measure L requires a majority approval.

In other election news:

• Runoff Candidates Vying For 5th District Supervisor Seat In Sonoma County
• Efforts In Place To Protect Bay Area Voters' Rights, Prevent Election Fraud
• More Than Half A Million Californians Register To Vote Days Before Deadline
• Petaluma Mayor Announces Endorsement For District 3 State Senate
• 7 Open Space Projects In Line For $3.4 Million Funding In Sonoma County
• County's 23 Ballot Measures Span Wide Range Of Issues

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