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City of Mill Valley
Public hearing on the proposed increase in the Mill Valley municipal services tax
26 Corte Madera Avenue
Mill Valley, California
6:30 PM PT
Mill Valley City Council will give the public a chance to learn and comment about the Municipal Service Tax, which is proposed for the November ballot and pays for fire prevention and road repairs.
http://www.cityofmillvalley.org/index.aspx?page=1710
The Municipal Service Tax (MST) committee exploring extension of the tax is an exemplary mix of current and former elected officials and reps from the Chamber of Commerce, CSPP, KIDDO, and others. Former Mayor Ken Wachtel is chair.
A few basics:
- MST generates $1.2M/year
- The current tax rate is $195 per single family residence.
- The proposal is to set the new rate at $266 with an annual adjustment of 2%.
- MST was first passed in the 1980's.
- Funds pay for fire prevention (26%) and road repairs (74%).
This proposal is being advanced because our MST has not been increased in many decades, which is reasonable. However, as you review the measure, please consider these five points:
1. Re: Annual inflation adjustment. The annual rate of adjustment is at 2%, a more reasonable figure than the 5% attached to the Mill Valley Schools parcel tax, which will also be on the November ballot. However, even with that considered, why 2%? What reliable and equitable data is that based upon?
A proposal: The annual adjustment rate of any new or continued tax should be aligned with the Consumer Price Index, just like social security.
2. Re: Fire Safety. The Mill Valley City website lists "Health and safety of residents" as the first core value and "Emergency preparedness with a focus on fire,. . ." as the first Key Issue. These expenses have always been funded by existing revenue sources.
A proposal: The General Fund budget should be the source of the revenue for values and issues that are essential and listed as top priority. If it's a priority, budget for it using basic tax dollars.
3. Re: Street Rehabilitation. The City generates $2,214,000 from five funding sources: Municipal Services Tax ($885K = 40%), road impact fees ($641K), gas tax ($370K), general fund ($200K), and Measure A sales tax ($118K). In addition, federal and state funds provide $716K for bike/pedestrian improvements. However, the City has not adequately explained why these sources are not adequate.
A proposal: Plan for tightening the city's financial belt to allow for the General Fund budget to be the primary funding source .
4. Re: Locally Controlled Funding. The mailed postcard giving notice of the 8/1/16 City Council meeting identifies an advantage of revenue from MST is "locally controlled funding." However, in my home alone, I got 4 notices, which tells me the city spent four times more than what was required.
A proposal: Before extending and increasing the MTS, reduce carelessness, inefficiency and waste with the funds already being provided.
5. Re: Single Family Residence Rate. The mailer says the MST rate is currently $195 per single family residence, but the rate for multiple units was not explained. We should be fully informed on this in order to determine if it is equitable.
A proposal: Disclose the formula for setting the rate for multiple units and show the number of single family and multiple units and estimated tax for each.
Organization: City of Mill Valley
Website: http://www.cityofmillvalley.org/index.aspx?page=1710