Title
Report from City Council Ad Hoc Committee on Community Priorities and Potential Revenue Measure
Body
In November 2010, San Leandro voters authorized Measure Z, a 0.25% general transactions and use tax (i.e. a quarter-cent local sales tax), the proceeds of which have been dedicated to maintaining the provision of local government services in San Leandro. This measure included a seven-year sunset provision that is set to expire in March, 2018.
Although the broader regional economy as well as the City's general fund budget has improved since the adoption of this measure in 2010, the City of San Leandro continues to face many financial and operational challenges in the years ahead. While Measure Z revenues support current service levels, these funds do not sufficiently address a growing backlog of unfunded public safety, infrastructure, and other program and service needs.
On November 18, 2013, the City Council appointed an Ad Hoc Committee on Community Priorities and Potential Revenue Measures in order to further explore the above issues and to guide the work of consultants who were retained by the City to explore the viability of extending Measure Z. This ad hoc committee included Mayor Cassidy, Council Member Prola and Council Member Reed. On December 2, 2013, Council also authorized contracts with the Lew Edwards Group and Godbe Research in order to develop and execute a public opinion survey designed to gauge community service priorities as well as the potential viability of extending Measure Z. The Ad Hoc Committee subsequently met on December 19, 2013 in order to provide direction to staff and the consultants regarding the contents and scope of the survey. The results of this survey were subsequently presented to the Council during the February 1, 2014 planning session.
Survey results indicated community support was highest for the following programs and services:
* Maintaining 9-1-1 emergency response times
* Maintaining neigh...
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