Title
Staff Report for Overview of Various Revenue Measures Currently Being Explored for the November 2016 Ballot
Staffreport
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The City Manager recommends that the City Council review, discuss, and provide direction to staff regarding up to three potential local revenue measures currently planned for the November 2016 ballot.
BACKGROUND
In November 2010, San Leandro voters authorized Measure Z, a local 1/4-cent sales tax revenue measure that was designed to temporarily stabilize the City budget in the midst of the Great Recession. Measure Z provided a reliable, voter-approved funding source for public safety and other essential City services for seven years. As Measure Z was approaching expiration, San Leandro voters authorized its extension at a half-cent rate for 30 years through passage of Measure HH in November 2014. The primary purpose of Measure HH was to preserve current City service levels for a range of public services, including public safety and anti-gang programs, library, and programs serving children and youth, as well as various other City programs and services. In conjunction with Alameda County Measure BB, Measure HH also assists with the City's significant street and road repair needs.
While Measure HH allows the City to maintain existing service levels, the City continues to face a growing backlog of new and emerging needs that cannot be sufficiently addressed through existing revenue sources. Such needs include major renovations to aging public safety infrastructure (e.g. police and fire protection facilities), deteriorating playground and park equipment in need of replacement, human services challenges related to the homeless and other at-risk and low income community members, and community interest in enhanced artistic and cultural amenities.
Although local sales tax receipts this past year were robust, they are inherently volatile in that they generally rise and fall in direct correlat...
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