In a significant move for Stockton’s fiscal sustainability, the City Council, as reported by Victoria Franco of Bay City News, has passed an ordinance to extend a crucial sales tax measure for an additional ten years. This decision, made on Tuesday night, revolves around the three-quarter-cent transaction and sales use tax initiated by Measure A in 2013.
The ordinance passed with a 6-1 majority, Councilmember Michele Padilla being the lone dissenter. This extension maintains the current 9 percent sales tax rate on purchases within Stockton. The proceeds from this tax are pivotal in funding law enforcement, crime prevention services like the Office of Violence Prevention, and other essential services for residents, businesses, and property owners.
Measure A, a cornerstone in Stockton’s financial recovery, was initially a response to the city’s bankruptcy filing in 2012. It was set to sunset on March 31, 2024. However, to extend the measure, the City Council was required to hold two public hearings, which were conducted in November and on the night of the vote. These hearings were to confirm the ongoing need for the tax and to ensure that employee compensation remains within reasonable limits.
According to Kimberly Trammel, Stockton’s Chief Financial Officer, Measure A has been a linchpin in the city’s financial stability and crime reduction efforts. It has generated approximately $36 million annually, accounting for 17% of the city's general fund revenues. Without this extension, Trammel highlighted that the Stockton Police Department would face significant financial constraints, given that it comprises 55% of the city’s general fund.
Failure to renew the tax could have led to severe repercussions, including reduced police force and response times, closure of three fire stations, reduced library hours, and the shutting down of the Oak Park Ice Rink. Moreover, the Office of Violence Prevention, crucial in mitigating violent crimes in the community, faced potential elimination.
City Manager Harry Black informed the council that the city's auditor had reviewed and proposed procedures to ensure most of the funds from the tax would go to the Stockton Police Department. During the public hearing, numerous speakers, including individuals affected by violent crimes, advocated for the continued funding of the Office of Violence Prevention, underscoring its vital role in the community.
Mayor Kevin Lincoln, moved by the testimonies during the hearing, acknowledged the profound impact of these programs on the community. He emphasized the transformative potential of the supported services, hinting that they might even nurture future leaders of the city.
This decision marks a significant commitment by the Stockton City Council to continue supporting essential public services, reflecting the community's priorities and needs.
This report is based on the original article by Victoria Franco, Bay City News.