To Tax or Not to Tax
Item 18 on tomorrow’s ridiculously packed agenda are proposals to put a streets and infrastructure tax on the November ballot. One includes a 15 year sunset clause and the other has no sunset at all. The no sunset option in DOA, I’m sure. The tax increase is projected to produce $15,000,000 a year.
The 6.5% sales tax increase is supposed to be restricted to infrastructure, meaning it needs a supermajority (66.6%) of voters to pass. A general tax would only need 50%+1 to pass; but that option seems to have no chance of a majority to put it on the ballot, and is not being considered. Since the August 4th meeting is cancelled so the politicians can attend the cops’ feel-good National Night Out party, this is the last chance to get something on the November ballot.
The people of Fullerton have finally had enough of bad roads that only seem to get worse. But will 67% vote for this? I don’t know. People hate bad roads but a lot of them also hate taxes.
The ad hoc Budget Sustainability Committee did not recommend this infrastructure tax increase. Two members did support it, and only on the condition that the current budget requirement for infrastructure spending remain in place, thus avoiding the usual budget switcheroo. But the idea couldn’t get a third vote. Still, the existing requirements for infrastructure are not being deleted in this ordinance, so at least there’s that.
I am extremely skeptical of Fullerton’s bean counters to keep everything straight, especially given this years accounting fiascos. The language of the proposed ordinance requires an annual audit of the funds, but we know how this goes.
I see the potential for several departments – police, fire, parks stand out – as trying to lay claim for capital project billing using these new funds. The Engineering and Public Works personnel will be the biggest employee beneficiaries since they already generously charge their time to capital projects. Does their current subsidy by the General Fund remain? I sincerely doubt it.
On the happy side, the ordinance would require 75% of the new funds be applied to streets only. Water/sewer and airport expenditures are explicitly verboten using this money, likely because they don’t need it. Still, the plan is only as good as the accounting.
What accounting? This is a city that can’t even pass a budget.
Good point. That’s supposed to happen tomorrow, too.
If I read it correctly Council is supposed to provide direction so it can happen in the middle of next month.
I think you’re right. The Manfor All Seasons did ask if it was okay if they approved it in August. What a humiliating clusterfuck.
August 4th is cancelled. Budget approved on August 18th – six fucking weeks late. This is no way to run a railroad. Manfor All Seasons is just marking time.
As good as the accounting. The finance department is on autopilot. I wouldn’t hire that director to walk my dog.
So is this post for or against the proposed tax?
My instincts are saying no effing way. It’s bound to be misallocated, mismanaged, massaged.
We have to restore your trust.
Is there some other way to fix the roads?
No.
Would this have actually been used to fix roads?
Also No.
Please try not to be so obtuse. I realize it’s hard for you but not impossible, surely.
Hero Unions gave basically killed public finance in the State of California.
Yep. As their jobs got easier and safer they go paid more and more.
It is fun watching the boohoos like Jody Valencia lionize the Heroes. They know what the problem is.
I think you meant Jody Vallejo – the rude, indignant, self-righteous perfesser. A charter member of Fullerton Angry.
She is drunk most days.
You nailed it!
There isn’t a single member of the Hero Unions Organized Crime Syndicate who would offer to take a reduction in pay and benefits or increase in cost short to improve services for the residents and community they allegedly swore to serve. They wouldn’t even agree to a 1% increase in benefit cost share or reduction in pay. They are all selfish and ungrateful gangsters, gorging themselves on ever more money while their community decays and starves.
It’s called killing the host.
Accurate
Just do it and be done.
3-2 to receive and file.
I love it. Fullerton being Fullerton.
Fullerton is at the point where it admires Stanton.
Waste of time. Will never pass.
It won’t be on the ballot. 3-2 against.
Do you know how many days a year I use the roads?
Probably somewhere in the neighborhood of 325. Give or take.
Do you know how many days a year I use police and fire?
0
That’s not to say that I don’t expect them to up if I did indeed need them.
Also not a intended putdown.