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It’s a classic election-year question: do voters want more services from their municipality or pay fewer taxes?
Voters in six Contra Costa County cities face the question this year, with the money if the measures are approved going to each city’s general fund to pay for services like police, firefighters and parks, senior and childcare programs. Five of the measures require a simple majority of yes votes to pass.
El Cerrito
In El Cerrito, voters will choose whether to extend its current one-cent sales tax with Measure G, providing $4 million annually in services, with “citizen’s oversight, annual audits, all funds staying local, none to Sacramento,” according to the ballot.
Lafayette
In Lafayette, Measure H asks voters if they want to enact a half-cent sales tax that would be in effect for seven years and generate an estimated $2.4 million annually, with yearly financial audits, public review of expenditures by a citizen oversight committee, and a guarantee all funds benefit Lafayette.
Pinole
In Pinole, Measure I would provide an estimated $2.5 million annually until ended by voters and require audits, spending disclosure, and all funds spent for Pinole.
San Pablo
San Pablo’s Measure M is slightly different than the other tax measures as the tax would impose a cannabis business license tax of up to 7% of gross receipts, or $10 per square foot of commercial grow area, on cannabis businesses, lasting until voters end it.
Measure M would generate an estimated $1.5 million to $2.2 million annually. The ballot says all funds would stay “local” and be subject to annual audit.
San Ramon
San Ramon residents are being asked whether they want a one-cent sales tax per dollar spent in the city for 10 years to help fund city services.
Measure N would provide approximately $16 million annually, subject to public review and annual audits. All funds would benefit San Ramon.
Pleasant Hill
Measure S for the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District requires a two-thirds majority to pass and seeks to repair and improve local parks, trails, and recreation facilities to support health, fitness, and activities for residents.
Measure S would also add restrooms where needed, improve park safety and children’s playground equipment, and provide more access for residents with disabilities.
The measure asks voters to approve $77 million in bonds, levying approximately $4.2 million annually while bonds are outstanding at average rates of $19 per $100,000 assessed value, with independent citizen oversight and all money staying local.
The deadline to register to vote in California is Monday, Oct. 21. People can register online at the Secretary of State’s website. Election Day is Nov. 5.
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