Measure R: Transient Occupancy Tax

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League of Women Voters of California Education Fund

Fresno County, CA

November 4, 2008 Election

Measure R
Transient Occupancy Tax
City of Selma
Needs 51% to pass

1850 / 35.79% Yes votes ...... 3319 / 64.21% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures

Information shown below: Impartial Analysis | Arguments |

Shall the City of Selma increase the existing transient occupancy tax for the privilege of occupancy in any room, hotel, inn, tourist home, house, motel or other lodging, for occupancy for a period of less than 30 days from 6% to 10% of the rent charged by the operator of such lodging?

Impartial Analysis from the City Attorney
On August 4, 2008, the City Council of the City of Selma adopted Resolution No. 2008-60R calling for a City wide municipal election to be consolidated with the general election on November 4, 2008, on "Measure R" the "City of Selma Transient Occupancy Tax Increase Measure." Current City ordinances establish a transient occupancy tax on the privilege of occupying a room or rooms in any hotel, inn, tourist house, home, motel or other lodging where the occupancy is for a period of less than thirty (30) days. The tax is required to be paid by the transient or occupant of such lodging to the operator of the hotel, motel, inn or other lodging. The tax rate under current ordinances is six percent (6%) of the rate charged by the operator. Measure "R" provides for an increase in the transient occupancy tax from six percent (6%) to ten percent (10%) of the rate charged to the transient for the privilege of occupying any room or rooms in any inn, hotel, motel, tourist house or home or lodging within the City for a period of less than thirty (30) days. The measure and the implementing Ordinance No. 2008-07 adopted by the Selma City Council will amend that part of existing City ordinances which impose the tax by increasing the tax rate from six percent (6%) to ten percent (10%) and changing the name of the existing City ordinance from the "Transient Room Tax Ordinance" to the "Transient Occupancy Tax Ordinance."

The City is authorized to impose the transient occupancy tax pursuant to Revenue and Taxation Code §7280. The transient occupancy tax is a general tax; that is, one that generates revenues for general governmental purposes. Article VIIIC of the California Constitution (Proposition 218) requires that the increase in the tax rate be approved by a majority of the electorate.

The above statement is an impartial analysis of Ordinance No. 2008-07 and Measure "R." If you desire a copy of the Ordinance or Measure, please call the Elections Official's office at (559) 488-3246 and a copy will be mailed at no cost to you.

Dated: August 7, 2008

s/ Neal E. Costanzo
City Attorney for the City of Selma

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Arguments For Measure R

Arguments in support or opposition of proposed laws are the opinions of the authors.
Current Selma City ordinances establish a transient occupancy tax of six percent of the rate charged by the operator of any room in any hotel, motel or other lodging within the City of Selma ("Selma"). The rate of this tax has not been increased since 1982. All cities within the Highway 99 corridor between Bakersfield and Sacramento impose a transient occupancy tax at rates at or above ten percent. Increasing the tax rate from six to ten percent will make the tax rate charged in Selma comparable to rates charged by other cities along the Highway 99 corridor. Raising the tax rate from six percent to ten percent will significantly increase the amount of general fund money available to the City by approximately $190,000. The tax is paid by those who rent a room in hotels, motels or other lodging facilities within the City and is normally not paid by persons who reside within the City. Thus, the residents of the City receive the benefit of the tax increase but are not required to pay the tax.
The City has recently experienced increases in operating expenses and a decrease in revenue from property, sales tax and other revenue sources. The transient tax increase, Measure R, will significantly increase revenues needed to fund the operations and public services provided by the City of Selma. Please vote "Yes" on
Dated: August 25, 2008
s/ Michael Derr
Council member, City of Selma

(No arguments against Measure R were submitted)

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