Measure G | californiachoices.org

My vote

Would authorize a "special sales tax” on the sale and/or use of all tangible personal property sold at retail stores in the City and on-line sellers, at the rate of one cent for every dollar spent (1%). The revenue would remain in Folsom and be deposited into a special City account separate from the general fund for the City to be used only for the specific purposes of Police and Crime Reduction, Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Medical Services, Parks, Recreation Facilities and Trails, Traffic Mitigation and Environmental Water Quality, Community Enhancement and Economic Development, and Major Capital Improvement Projects. Measure G requires a simple majority vote in order to pass.

Fiscal Impact: Measure G would increase sales tax, bringing Folsom's sales tax rate to 8.75%, consistent with or better than neighboring cities such as Rancho Cordova (8.75%), Sacramento (8.75%), Elk Grove (8.75%) and Galt (9.25%). A significant portion of the funds generated by this increase, approximately 40%, would be paid for by visitors, not the residents of the City of Folsom.

Next Sacramento County Measure: Measure L

See Endorsements for Measure G

Details

Pro/Con

Pro:

Supporters argue that Measure G will provide critical funding for programs and amenities that, according to surveys year after year, are most important to Folsom residents, including: More resources to enhance public safety, reduce crime, and address homelessness. Street improvements to repair roads and reduce traffic. Maintenance and improvements to our existing parks, fields and playgrounds. New resources to attract more businesses and high-paying jobs. Citizen oversight on how our tax dollars are spent.

A YES vote on this measure means: you are in favor of increasing the sales tax on tangible personal property sold at retail stores in the City and on-line sellers to support Public Safety and Quality of Life programs.

Folsom Yes on G (Campaign Website)

Con:

Opponents argue that Measure G was written by former city employees, and it is funded by wealthy developers who want to raise local taxes by $29 Million every year - making our sales tax among the highest in the region. And they want to impose this tax hike forever. Enough is enough! Say “No” to Measure G. Our community does need more cops, better parks, and improved roads. But, despite promises from politicians, there is no guarantee the Measure G tax hike can or would get the job done. Politicians and special interests claim the city has done everything to cut costs and raising your taxes is the only option. Do you believe them?

A NO vote on this measure means: you are not in favor of implementing a new special sales tax.

In Depth

Measure G proposes a "special sales tax” on the sale and/or use of all tangible personal property sold at retail stores in the City and on-line sellers, at the rate of one cent for every dollar spent (1%). The revenue would remain in Folsom and be deposited into a special City account separate from the general fund for the City to used only for the following specific purposes, and in their respective percentages of expenditure, authorized in the Measure:

Twenty percent (20%) for "Police and Crime Reduction" to maintain and improve police services and additional staffing, and to provide equipment and facilities for Folsom Police.
Twenty percent (20%) for "Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Medical Services" to maintain and improve fire, rescue and emergency medical services, and to provide equipment and facilities for Folsom firefighters and paramedics.
Fifteen percent (15%) for "Parks, Recreation Facilities and Trails" to maintain and renovate existing parks, trails, and other recreation facilities, including sports facilities used jointly with the Folsom-Cordova Unified School District and provide for funding to complete identified incomplete parks and trails in Folsom.
Fifteen percent (15%) for "Traffic Mitigation and Environmental Water Quality" to improve traffic congestion and safety, street maintenance, storm system repair and maintenance, and to maintain creek corridor and water quality in Folsom.
Fifteen percent (15%) for "Community Enhancement and Economic Development" to be used for investments, job creation and projects to enhance quality of life and long-term economic viability for the City, such as those consistent with the City adopted master plan.
Fifteen percent (15%) for "Major Capital Improvement Projects" to help fund major improvements to City infrastructure or facilities, including transportation/traffic safety, stormwater systems, parks and recreation facilities, public safety facilities, parking facilities, libraries and large capital equipment.

No proceeds from the special tax will be used to enhance existing public employee retirement benefits, replace existing developer obligations, or substitute existing funding mechanisms.

The Measure requires annual audits and appointment by the City Council of a Citizens Oversight Committee to ensure that funds generated by the special tax are and will be used as specified in the Measure.

Source: Impartial Analysis of Measure G

Voter Resources

Sacramento County Voter Registration and Elections Office