San Mateo City Council Places Extension of Measure L on November Ballot

The San Mateo City Council unanimously placed a local funding measure on the November 2015 ballot to extend the existing voter-approved Measure L. If approved by voters this November, this extension measure would continue locally-controlled funds, allowing the City to address key infrastructure and service priorities without raising tax rates.

“Measure L was approved by San Mateo voters during one of the worst economic times of our day” stated San Mateo Mayor Maureen Freschet. “While the economy has begun to improve, historical State takeaways- over $50 Million in the last 25 years- coupled with a slow recovery from the recession have impacted San Mateo’s ability to address basic city needs. An extension of Measure L would allow the City to continue addressing the quality of life issues San Mateo residents have told us they want and deserve, with funding that cannot be taken by the State and without raising tax rates”.

Recently, the city of San Mateo concluded a study which showed over $360 Million in basic infrastructure needs without an identified funding source. An extension of Measure L would allow the City to address these issues and maintain quality of life services that include; maintaining sidewalks, potholes and failed streets, crime prevention including after school, anti-gang and recreation programs, 9-11 emergency response times and fire protection, without raising tax rates.

The City prides itself on its award-winning budgetary practices and financial accountability provisions. The revenue measure includes mandatory financial audits and reports to the community. A Citizens’ Oversight Committee will also ensure that all voter-approved funds continue to be spent responsibly, consistent with community priorities.

For additional information, please visit www.cityofsanmateo.org.

• --News release from the city of San Mateo.