Agenda Item Wording:
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Measure T District Tax Recertification - Recertify the Measure T plan for Fiscal Year 2025/26.
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Prepared by: Renee Nagel, Finance Director 713-4375 renee.nagel@visalia.city Amee Swearingen, Financial Analyst 713-4170 amee.swearingen@visalia.city.
Department Recommendation: It is recommended that the Council recertify the Measure T expenditure plan for the new fiscal year July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026 (FY 2025/26) as required per the plan to be done annually; and to continue with the existing plan until all staffing levels and projects have been met.
Summary:
In March of 2004, the voters of Visalia passed a Sales Tax Override measure to increase public safety in the community. The plan had several accountability components to assure that the City was accountable to the public, namely:
* An independent auditor will annually review and audit expenditures to ensure monies are spent as outlined in the plan.
* The Citizens Advisory Committee will annually review revenues and expenditures, providing a second independent verification.
* Every eight years, a public hearing will be conducted to review the progress of the plan and the continuing need for the sales tax. To continue the sales tax measure, a supermajority vote (4/5ths) is required. The public hearing is held the first meeting of January starting January 2013, then January 2021, and continuing every 8 years thereafter.
* Annually in June, the City Manager will recertify the expenditure plan for the upcoming fiscal year to City Council.
This report meets the annual requirements mentioned above.
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 de...
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