Agenda Item Wording:
title
Effectiveness Review for Measure N.
body
Deadline for Action: 4/1/2025
Submitting Department: Finance and Technology Services
Contact Name and Phone Number: Renee Nagel - Finance & Technology Director (559) 713-4375, Amee Swearingen - Budget Analyst (559) 713-4170
Department Recommendation:
Review the effectiveness of Measure N and approve the 1/2 cent sales tax for another 8 years.
Background Discussion:
In November of 2016, the voters of Visalia passed a 1/2 cent Sales Tax Override, Measure N also known as Visalia Essential City Services Measure. Sales Tax from Measure N provides for essential city services such as police, fire, and recreation, as well as maintenance of parks, trails, and roads. The measure uses a detailed, 10-year plan which includes hiring of personnel, construction of capital projects and equipment purchases.
As part of the measure, Council adopted an Accountability Ordinance (Ordinance 16-21) to establish accountability measures as outlined:
Revenue Requirements:
* 10% of budgeted revenues must be maintained in an Uncertainty Fund. This money can only be accessed during a fiscal emergency;
* 10% of budgeted revenues must be deposited into the following two categories:
o 2% into Youth Programs
o 8% into Maintenance and Emerging Needs
Expenditure Requirements:
* Tax money shall not be used for debt service payments;
* The annual expenditure plan must be approved by Council after the following process has occurred:
o City Manager makes a recommendation to City Council and makes changes as requested by Council;
o Staff receives comments and recommendation by Sales Tax Oversight Board;
o Staff conducts two public hearings at regular Council Meetings to consider expenditure plan.
Sales Tax Oversight Board:
The Oversight Board will consist of 11 members that will serve two-year terms. Members ma...
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