The following comments about Measure M, the city's sales tax increase that will be on the November ballot, which I presented before the Novato City Council.
Good evening. I’m Bernie Meyers, a former Novato mayor and City Council member.
Supporters of Measure M say that if the Measure fails, there will be immediate layoffs and services cuts. That need not be.
First, there is a budget in place, covering all employees and services through June 2025.
Second, you have reserves which, if you choose, can cover anticipated deficits through June 2027.
Third, if you choose not to spend reserves, you can borrow from the pots of money Novato has, like the Hamilton Trust, with $32 million. Novato used the Hamilton Trust in 2022 when Novato loaned $2+ million at 2.5% interest for 30 years to a third party. Surely it could use the Hamilton Trust to help pay its police officers.
Interestingly, that loan was approved over the unanimous objection of the then Oversight Committee by a 3/2 Council vote. Those same 3 council members now urge voters to approve Measure M.
Finally, Novato can do what those opposed to Measure M suggest - have a new election for a far better sales tax measure, one including guardrails like a sunset clause, as soon a March 5 of next year. While that will cost more than a regular election, Novato can save money by not having to pay political consultants and mail out slick flyers that mislead voters into thinking that a sales tax increase is required because taxpayers are only receiving the benefit of 7% of their property taxes.
Novato also omitted that we receive the benefit of property taxes paid to the Novato Fire District. That means that taxpayers get the benefit of 21% of their property taxes, putting Novato in the top tier of Marin cities.
Mr. Mayor, I ask that Novato explain to the voters why, since 2017 to this day, Novato has not timely completed every single audit of its annual financials – being 3 years behind at one point and how that has cost taxpayers over $7 million in lost grants.
I also ask that the city sponsor a debate between supporters and opponents of Measure M in this very chamber. The opponents are available on almost every evening this month through early-October.
Thank you.