HomeMy WebLinkAboutProof - Measure G Impartial Analysis, Arguments, and RebuttalsIMPARTIAL ANALYSIS OF MEASURE “G”
On June 13, 2024, the City Council unanimously voted to place Measure
“G” on the November 5, 2024 general municipal election ballot. By placing
Measure “G” on the ballot, the City complies with Article XIII C of the California Constitution (Proposition 218), which requires a majority of the voters to approve an ordinance that establishes a general tax.
If approved by a majority of Palm Desert voters, this Measure would authorize a one percent (1%) retail transactions and use (sales) tax within the City of Palm Desert. A one percent (1%) rate equates to an extra $1 per $100 purchased. It is estimated that Measure “G” will provide an additional
$25,000,000 in annual local funding that could be used for maintaining
general City services such as 9-1-1 emergency response, youth/afterschool
programs, cleaning and maintaining public parks, trails and other areas, and retaining/attracting local businesses. This tax would be a “general tax,” meaning that revenues raised from the tax would go into the City’s general fund to pay for any lawful City program, improvement, or service.
California Revenue and Taxation Code section 7285.9 authorizes the City to levy a general transactions and use/sales tax at a rate of one percent (1%) so long as the tax is approved by a majority of the voters voting in
an election on that issue. If approved, the tax would remain in effect until
ended by Palm Desert voters voting at a subsequent election.
The tax would be paid in addition to current sales taxes and would be
collected at the same time and in the same manner as existing sales taxes.
All revenues raised by the tax would remain in the City and would not be
shared with the State, County or any other agency.
A “yes” vote on Measure “G” will authorize the 1% transactions and use
(sales) tax.
A “no” vote on Measure “G” will not authorize the 1% transactions and
use (sales) tax.
The above statement is an impartial analysis of Measure “G”. If you desire a copy of the Measure, please call the City’s elections official at (760) 346-0611 and a copy will be mailed at no cost to you.
/s/ ISRA SHAH City Attorney
33-9005-M11
REBUTTAL TO ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF MEASURE “G”
Vote No on Measure G.
The Council members in favor of Measure G blame inflation for Palm Desert’s financial problems rather than accept responsibility for their actions. Nearby cities operated at a surplus during the pandemic while Palm Desert went $17 million in the hole. That’s not inflation. That’s poor management.
Now the Council wants all of us to pay more at every store to cover up their mistake of defunding the police in 2020 which caused a 45% spike in violent crime (FBI statistics).
Their argument offers a wish-list of how new revenue “will” be spent, but they don’t mention how the language of Measure G includes a loophole allowing them to waste money any way they choose. There is no built-in oversight and we are forced to trust the Council to do the very thing they have proven incapable of: managing our money.
Furthermore, their argument attempts to disguise the fact that 100% of residents will pay more at every store in Palm Desert. Tourists will not be “easing the weight” by chipping in on your purchases. The math is simple: 100% of Palm Desert residents will pay more.
An easier option is to simply replace the Council members who favor Measure G by voting for individuals who prioritize restoring our public safety and respecting our money.
●Don’t fall for the scare tactics
●Don’t allow 100% of Palm Desert residents to pay higher taxes
●Don’t vote to pay more at every store
Vote no on Measure G. NoOnGPalmDesert.com
By: Dr. Gregg Akkerman
Stephen Nelson
33-1180-XX
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF MEASURE “G”
Vote YES on MEASURE G!
Vote YES to keep Palm Desert Safe and Strong.
Even with Palm Desert’s history of top ratings from the State Auditor and careful fiscal management, rising costs and inflation have strained our city’s budget. We face significant budget issues and cuts to essential services.
Measure G will:
●Protect Our Emergency Services:Measure G will be used to update existing fire stations, build a new fire station in the north area, and increase our sheriff deputies and firefighter staffing. It will also help ensure 911 emergency response times do NOT increase.
●Ensure Economic Stability:These funds stay in Palm Desert. Measure G will strengthen financial reserves and protect public services for everyone.
●Guard Public Safety:Our public safety teams must be equipped with the most current tools and technology to keep our neighborhoods safe.
●Improve Infrastructure:This revenue will fund regular maintenance, repairs, and upgrades to roads, community centers, parks, and more – ensuring safety and services for all neighborhoods.
●Plan for Extreme Weather:The extreme heat and storms we continue to experience require advanced coordination of emergency response plans. We must invest in new storm management plans and infrastructure, and strengthen emergency budget reserves.
Palm Desert’s visitors make about 70% of all purchases in Palm Desert. This means that visitors enjoying our city will help fund our essential services, easing the weight on residents. Please note that Measure G does NOT impact groceries, medicine, or rent.
One added cent for every dollar spent will provide an estimated $25 million annually.
Vote Yes on Measure G for a safe and strong Palm Desert and a bright future for all residents. It’s a small change for a big impact!
Vote YES for PALM DESERT’S FUTURE.
Vote YES on MEASURE G.
By: Jan C Harnik, Mayor Pro Tem
Kathleen Kelly, Councilmember
Gina Nestande, Councilmember
Evan Trubee, Councilmember
33-9002-XX33-9005-M12
REBUTTAL TO ARGUMENT AGAINST MEASURE “G”
Vote YES on MEASURE G!
Palm Desert has a history of top ratings for fiscal responsibility from the State Auditor. Still, increasing costs and Palm Desert’s growth have strained the budget - even with significant belt-tightening. Measure G will help maintain our high quality of living in Palm Desert.
Measure G will:
●Protect Emergency Services: Measure G will help our lifesaving 911 emergency response times remain strong. Updating existing fire stations and building a new fire station in north Palm Desert are critical. Palm Desert NEEDS more sheriff deputies and firefighters, and additional funds are necessary.
●Ensure Economic Stability: These funds STAY in Palm Desert – out of Sacramento’s reach! Measure G will strengthen emergency reserves and protect public services.
●Guard Public Safety: Our public safety teams need the most current tools and technology to keep our neighborhoods healthy and safe.
●Improve Infrastructure: Ensure safety and services for neighborhoods with regular maintenance, repairs, and upgrades to roads, community centers, parks, and more.
●Plan for Extreme Weather: Increased intense heat, wind, and rainstorms require investments in infrastructure, and advanced coordination of emergency response plans.
Palm Desert visitors make about 70% of all purchases in Palm Desert. Our visitors help fund vital services, easing the weight on residents.
With oversight by the Palm Desert Finance Committee, Measure G will support our essential services. That’s why the following community and business leaders encourage you to VOTE YES:
Robert Leo Ph.D., Chairman, Palm Desert Finance Committee
Local Firefighters 2881
Sheriff Lt. Matt Martello (ret.)
Local Democratic Club President Ralph Perry
Local Republican Club President Mike Morsch
VOTE YES on MEASURE G
By: Jan C Harnik
Kathleen Kelly
Evan Trubee
33-9001-XX
ARGUMENT AGAINST MEASURE “G”
The argument against Measure G is simple: the City Council messed up and wants all of us to pay more at every store.
In 2020, the Council gutted the police budget by millions, spun it as ‘’smart police budgeting,” and ignored taking responsibility when violent crime shot up 45%.
Rather than restoring the police budget, the Council has declared a false financial crisis stating reserves will be out of money in three years and that the only solution is a sales tax increase. NOW IS NOT THE TIME! Do you want to pay more at department stores, restaurants, or drug stores? Under their proposal, 100% of Palm Desert residents will pay more at every store.
Here’s what’s really going on: the Council gutted the public safety budget creating a spike in crime. Now they are using the high crime rate as a scare tactic to convince you to give them more of your money without any oversight.
They tell us the new revenue will be spent only on important projects, but the ballot initiative includes the designation, “general government use.” That’s code for, “We can give administrators big raises and spend the money on vanity projects.” The Council already proved they mismanaged the public safety budget, so why should we trust them now?
All of us are facing historic inflation, and tightening our belts is what’s best for now. With high prices still hitting our pocketbooks, we need to explore common-sense solutions to our city’s financial problems before we consider new taxes with no built-in oversight. Now is not the time.
●Don’t fall for the scare tactics
●Don’t allow 100% of Palm Desert residents to pay higher taxes
●Don’t vote to pay more at every store
Vote no on Measure G. NoOnGPalmDesert.com
By: Dr. Gregg Akkerman
Stephen Nelson
33-9005-XX33-9005-M13