Position Regarding Measure's H and I

By Ted Driscoll

Measure H:

• Our Town only gets 4% of the property taxes each homeowner pays each year. In contrast all neighboring Towns and agencies get more, some times much more. This is a side effect of Prop 13.
• To fix this problem, almost 20 years ago, the Town enacted a small tax on utility use. It now covers roughly 20% of our operating expenses, and has been renewed 4 times over the years.
• It goes to streets and playing fields and trails --- to our general operating budget. Without it, discretionary spending would have to be significantly curtailed.
• It does not go directly to a new Town Center. That project is funded from a special account funded by private donations and past reserves accumulated over 40 years for just such a "rainy day."

• These proceeds go directly to a restricted Open Space Acquisition Fund that can only be used for that purpose.
• Measure I will not pass unless Measure H also passes.