2,779 / 68.0% Yes votes ...... 1,306 / 32.0% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures

The ordinance which would be approved by this measure would levy the proposed sales and use taxes on retail sales, and storage, use or consumption of personal property, in the City of Sebastopol, as more fully described in the language of the proposed ordinance. Certain exemptions would apply which are also identified in the ordinance.

Passage of Measure "T" will repeal the previous tax measure passed by the electorate in 2002, so that the sales and use tax rates in the City of Sebastopol will henceforth be as stated in the first paragraph of this analysis. If Measure "T" is not approved, then the current increase in the sales and use tax rates, established in 2002, of one-eighth of one percent (0.125%), will not be repealed, and will continue in effect.

This measure must be approved by a majority of the Sebastopol electorate at this election. If so approved, Measure "T" will become a valid and binding ordinance of the City, and will be considered as adopted upon the date that the vote is declared by the City Council.

s/ Larry McLaughlin
Sebastopol City Attorney

Our ability to maintain these public assets has been seriously compromised by the State's decision to balance their budget by taking money away from cities and counties. Since 1993, Sebastopol has lost more than $210,000 per year in property tax increases to Sacramento's fiscal irresponsibility. In 2004 and 2005 they will take an additional $100,000 per year.

Simply put, there is not enough money coming in to keep our streets paved and our police and fire departments adequately staffed. Any property owner knows that to defer maintenance of a building is a false economy which will cost far more in the long run for repairs and replacement.

Measure T will repeal the 1/8% sales tax passed by the voters in 2002 and replace it with a 1/4% increase. Raising our sales tax by an additional one eighth of one percent will cost the average Sebastopol family less than $1 per month. One eighth of one percent is the equivalent of an additional penny on an $8 purchase.

The net tax revenue raised by Measure T will generate approximately $150,000 per year to support vital city services. About 80% of this amount will be collected from people who live outside the City limits but use the City's streets and services.

Please join us in voting to support our community and to invest in our common safety and prosperity.

s/ Larry Robinson
Sebastopol City Councilmember

s/ Ken Jacobs
Attorney

s/ Linda Kelley
Mayor, Sebastopol

s/ Donald E. Fiori
Citizen of the Year

s/ Kim Caruso
Citizen

(No arguments against Measure T were submitted)