3,916 / 64.5% Yes votes ...... 2,155 / 35.5% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures

Since 1970, the City of Redwood City has collected a transient occupancy tax from hotel patrons or transients (those persons occupying hotel rooms for a period of less than 30 days). Since 1978, the transient occupancy tax has been imposed at a rate of 8% of the rent charged for the room. The transient pays the tax to the hotel operator who in turn sends the tax to the City of Redwood City. The City then deposits the transient occupancy tax into its General Fund to support various City services including public safety.

If a majority vote approves this measure, the transient occupancy tax will increase to a new rate of 10%.

A YES vote on Measure "F" means providing funds for Police, Fire, Parks, Libraries, and other city services.

Like other cities, Redwood City charges a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on hotel rooms, used to support General Fund operations like Police, Fire, Parks, and Libraries. Our TOT is LOWER than most other cities in the area.

YES ON "F" will bring Redwood City's TOT in line with other cities, and help MAINTAIN FUNDING FOR CRITICAL PUBLIC SERVICES.

Without this increase, Redwood City will face additional budget cuts of an estimated $175,000 this fiscal year, and $350,000 next fiscal year. These cuts will reduce services to the people of Redwood City, with the City already in the midst of an unprecedented budget shortfall due to the economy and State takeaways of our local revenues.

The TOT is charged as a percentage of room prices at hotels and motels, so business travelers pay the vast majority of this tax. THIS IS NOT A TAX ON THE RESIDENTS OF REDWOOD CITY.

Redwood City's TOT is 8%, and has not increased since 1978. Of the 19 cities surveyed, 14 have a TOT of 10% or more. To avoid further cuts in crucial public services in Redwood City, our TOT must be raised to 10%.

An increase in the TOT is long overdue, will provide revenue that is necessary to avoid further cuts in critical public services in this fiscal year, and will put Redwood City's TOT in line with other similar cities.

YOUR YES VOTE on MEASURE "F" IS VERY IMPORTANT for your community, to provide funds for CRITICAL PUBLIC SERVICES FOR YOU AND YOUR NEIGHBORS.

VOTE YES ON "F" to avoid further City service cuts in excess of $500,000 over the next two fiscal years.

/s/ Richard S. Claire August 14, 2003 Mayor

/s/ Jeff Ira August 15, 2003 Vice-Mayor