22 Aug City of Vallejo’s sales tax Measure P Information and discussion

City of Vallejo’s sales tax Measure P Information and discussion.

 

Official No on Measure P  Statement: https://www.solanocounty.com/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?blobid=37832

 

Official Yes on Measure P Statement: https://www.solanocounty.com/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?blobid=37833

 

The Impartial analysis by City Attorney Veronica Nebb:  https://www.solanocounty.com/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?blobid=37752

 

Vote No on Measurer P by Anne Carr:

 

Vote NO on Measure P, the so-called “Safe Streets and Essential Services Tax;” it’s a bait and switch. As a General Tax, there is no guarantee that ANY of the money will be spent on streets; the City can spend it however they like. Do not be fooled, either, by “citizen oversight,” as they can only make recommendations, which City Council can ignore.

 

We need to repair our streets and the police station. However, we cannot trust the City to spend our funds wisely. By their own survey, only 11% think that Vallejo is headed in the right direction; city management has lost the trust of the community. There’s a disconnect, marked by rash spending, poor project management and contempt of the public.

 

Consider the $13.5 million for the State Farm building, and push to use it for a waterfront police headquarters. By their own survey, the community favors a central police station; the police’s own analysis shows the building is too small. Renovations could cost up to $60 million.

 

Then there’s the $2.6 million Vallejo has to repay HUD because of mis-management; $7 million for staff raises and cash bonuses; having two assistant city managers; an $800,000 house for the water department; and approving a risky project with a $7 million funding gap, and deadline penalties.

 

The federal Covid funds (ARPA) were for pandemic relief, but staff spent $8 million on projects already budgeted. The City could face $50 million in lawsuits, much of it for excessive force and wrongful death.

 

Council says they will listen to residents. Since when? To quote Philip Balbuena, “if you haven’t earned my trust, you haven’t earned my tax dollars.”

 

Say no to reckless spending and poor management. Vote NO on Measure P, the Bait and Switch Tax.

 

Vote No on Measure A by Phillip Balbuena:

 

Why Measure P is bad for Vallejo

 

Goal Setting. Council’s top agenda was to improve local business. However. increasing taxes on disposable income does the opposite, limiting discretionary money families can spend on small businesses. Hence, Measure P would adversely affect local businesses the most.

 

Disposable and discretionary spending. Simply put, disposable income is the amount-a household has after paying income taxes, while discretionary income is the amount a household has after paving their bills (i.e„ rent, car payment. etc.). When disposable income is affected, it has a direct correlation to the other.

 

Inflation. The latest earnings report released by the Federal Government, show that while income has increased a record 5.2 percent this year, inflation remains at a forty year high at 8.8 percent. When adding the inflation rate year Over year, the average family has significantly less to spend.

 

Energy Costs. Fuel rates in 2022 increased an incredible 41 percent, with crude oil prices 61 percent higher now than earlier this year.

 

Recession Risk. The basic definition of a recession is when the economy shrinks two consecutive quarters. QI of 2022 saw the economy contract by 1.6 percent, while Q2 contracted an additional .9 percent. Combine that with the factors above, and the risk for a prolonged recession with increased inflation, known as “stagflation”. greatly increases. This type of recession tends to be more severe and can last for a prolonged period

 

Bottom Line. Economists are undecided on the economy, but agree action will be needed to stave off a recession. While Wall Street may have had a nice month in July, “Main Street” saw minimal reprieve. Based on these facts. there is no common logic that could explain why taxes would be a good idea in such a perilous climate.

 

 

Phillip Balbuena