Agenda Item Wording:
title
Annual Recertification of the Measure T (Sales Tax) Plan for FY 2022/23.
body
Deadline for Action: 6/30/2021
Submitting Department: Finance and Technology Services
Contact Name and Phone Number: Renee Nagel, Finance & Technology Director 713-4375, Amee Swearingen, Financial Analyst 713-4170
Department Recommendation:
It is recommended that the Council recertify the Measure T expenditure plan for the new budget year July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023 (FY 2022/23) as required per the plan.
Background Discussion:
In 2004, City of Visalia voters approved a measure to increase sales tax by 1/4 cent. This was known as Measure T and the sales tax revenues generated by the voter-approved measure are earmarked for public safety. The sales tax is shared 60% police and 40% fire. Thus, the City maintains two funds: Measure T - Fire and Measure T - Police. The measure uses a detailed, 20-year plan which includes hiring of personnel, construction of capital projects, and equipment purchases. The plan requires each fund to have an economic uncertainty fund of 25% of sales tax revenues collected. This is to be used if revenues do not cover expenditures. However, the plan elements should be funded before the economic uncertainty fund is fully funded. Annually the plan is required to get recertified by Council. For the recertification, staff brings all the completed elements and a projection of both the funds revenues and expenditures.
Plan elements implemented to date are as follows:
* 2 Police substations completed;
* 23 Police Officers hired and vehicles purchased (reduced from 28 due to revenue shortfalls and as directed by the City Council at their June 20, 2011 meeting);
* 13 Firefighters hired;
* Administrative Captain position and 1 Battalion Chief position added;
* Fire Stations 53, 55, and Training Facility completed;
* New Fire Engine purchased;
* New Fire Ladder Truck purchased;
* Contribu...
Click here for full text