3,549 / 72.3% Yes votes ...... 1,357 / 27.7% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures

In addition to lowering the tax rate, this measure would formally provide for financial hardship exemptions from the tax for low income San Pablo residents, for the "life necessity" utilities of gas, electricity and water, should the East Bay Municipal Utilities District agree to collect the tax on behalf of the City. Such exemptions are not currently set forth in the existing ordinance.

The measure makes changes in definition sections to correspond to new technology and changes in state and federal law. Currently, for example, all cellular phone providers except one have agreed to collect the tax. The ordinance amends the code so that all cell phone and other telephone providers must collect the tax on all intrastate, interstate and international phone calls. The cable television bill tax would be assessed on other video providers as well, including satellite television services. Such changes require that the amended ordinance be placed on the ballot pursuant to Proposition 218.

The reduced tax will continue to be collected from the utility companies. Should the utility fail to pay the city in a timely fashion, penalties and interest will be assessed. The city's tax administrator may conduct audits to determine compliance with the chapter. Overpaid taxes will be refunded. Anyone may appeal the assessment of his or her tax.

This reduced tax may not be increased or extended without a vote of the people, but the City Council may otherwise amend the ordinance without a popular vote. The utility user's tax is a general tax whose proceeds go into the City's General Fund and whose uses are not restricted to a particular purpose.

The above statement is an impartial analysis of Measure S. If you desire a copy of the ordinance, please call the city clerk at 215-3000 and a copy will be mailed at no cost to you, or you may view the ordinance on-line at http://www.ci.san-pablo.ca.us.

Brian M. Libow, San Pablo City Attorney

The primary purpose of this measure is to reduce the existing Utility Users Tax rate from 8% to 7%, while modernizing the ordinance to keep up with emerging technologies. This tax will continue to provide the necessary revenue to fund the Recreation Programs of the City that include our Senior Centers, our after school recreation programs and summer recreation programs and the many services provided by the San Pablo Police Department. For the first time, certain qualified low-income residents will be formally exempted from the tax.

The Utility Users Tax generates 19% of the City's operating revenues and is critical to maintaining the services that are currently provided to the residents of our community. The council will likely consider a further reduction to this tax in the future should additional revenues become available.

We know that the City of San Pablo is one of the most fiscally conservative and efficient, full-service cities in Contra Costa County. We are sensitive to the plight of the tax payer and believe that this measure is in keeping with that philosophy. Please join other San Pablo Citizens in helping to maintain our property values and keep our community affordable, safe, and secure for all of our residents.

Vote YES on Measure S

Barbara Vigil, Mayor, City of San Pablo

Janet Klein, Member, Safety Committee

Hector Rojas, Resident

M.A. Khan, Member, Safety Committee

Beverly Thiele, Member, San Pablo Community Foundation