San Mateo Has A New Measure S Oversight Committee

SAN MATEO, CA - From the City of San Mateo: San Mateo is looking for individuals to serve on its new Measure S Oversight Committee. This new independent committee will be comprised of five (5) residents who will oversee the receipt and expenditure of Measure S sales tax revenue. The Measure S Oversight Committee will be responsible for reviewing information on the amount of tax generated and how it is used, as well as with making recommendations to the San Mateo City Council on the use of the tax revenue. To be eligible, applicants must be at least 18 years of age and a resident of the City of San Mateo. The application period is open November 27 – December 29, 2017.

In November 2015, San Mateo voters approved Measure S, the continuation of a quarter-cent sales tax for 30 years, or until March 31, 2048. The tax was designed as a general tax, with revenue deposited into the general fund to be used locally for any government purpose. Another government agency may never appropriate these funds. Taxes levied through Measure S will help improve the City's streets, continue emergency medical services and police protection services, and maintain senior and children services. “The new Measure S Oversight Committee will provide strict fiscal accountability for how funds are spent. It is not very often that the City opens up a new citizen advisory committee, so this is a unique opportunity. We strongly encourage all San Mateo residents who are interested in serving on this new committee to apply,” says Assistant City Manager and Finance Director, Drew Corbett.

This quarter-cent sales tax was originally approved by voters in 2009 under the name Measure L and was set to expire on March 31, 2018. Measure S kept the total sales tax rate in the city at 9.25 percent—7.5 percent mandated by the state, a 1.5 percent county tax and the city’s 0.25 percent tax.

To apply for the Measure S Oversight Committee or learn more, go to http://www.cityofsanmateo.org/3750. Applications are due December 29, 2017.

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