quick take
Yes, the tax burden is increasing little by little. But they are essential if local authorities and schools are to cope and continue to move forward during this uncertain time. The Lookout Editorial Board supports the tax increases in Capitola and Scotts Valley, as well as the six local districts that are seeking approval.
Editor’s note: Lookout View is an opinion piece in the Community Voices opinion section, written by an editorial board consisting of Community Voices editor Jody K. Biehl and Lookout founder Ken Doctor. Our goal is to connect the dots you see in the news and provide a bigger picture. All of it is designed to make sure Santa Cruz County is meeting today’s challenges and shine a light on issues that we think need to be on the public agenda. These views are separate and independent from the work of our newsroom and its reporting.
Measure Y supports Capitola sales tax increase
We support raising the City of Capitola’s sales tax to 9.25%. A quarter-point increase over current taxes would raise about $2.2 million a year to offset the deficit and help the incoming City Council address many of the city’s needs, from roads to bicycle safety to pier maintenance. You will be able to respond more appropriately and in a balanced manner. With the new rate, Capitola will still have the lowest sales tax in the county.
Measure X supports business tax increase in Scotts Valley
There is broad agreement in Scotts Valley that relatively modest increases in fees paid by businesses should be approved. The increase will help offset the persistent budget deficits Scotts Valley, like most local governments, faces. If passed, the bill would raise the base tax rate from $90 to $150 and introduce a sliding scale to determine how much companies pay each year. In total, about $750,000 will be raised, and like Capitola, Scotts Valley’s next City Council will need the money because it will face tough decisions about addressing multiple issues.
Yes to school bonds
Workforce housing features prominently in three of the five school bond measures on the ballot. All three of these schools, Live Oak, Pajaro Valley, and Soquel Union Elementary Schools, are addressing the overwhelming need to provide affordable workforce housing for the people who teach our children.
Local measures
Yes to Measures D, L, M, N, O, P – School District Bonds
All six measures aim to provide funding for classroom renovations and expansions, public facility replacements, technology upgrades, and repairs to playgrounds and gymnasiums. Three of the school districts — Live Oak, Pajaro Valley and Soquel Union Elementary Schools — plan to fund workforce housing.
Each of the county’s 20 school districts rarely expands further, as declining enrollment and state funding formulas create headaches for administrators.
The Lookout Editorial Board supports each of these five bonds, as well as other taxes needed to fund the basics of community services. In this case, nothing is more important than education.
Measure D asks Aromas-San Juan Unified School District voters to approve general obligation bond sales not to exceed $44 million. The bond is estimated to raise about $2.7 million annually for the district.
Measure L, the Bonny Doon Elementary School District bond, asks voters to approve the sale of up to $7 million in general obligation bonds. The bond would generate approximately $456,000 annually for the district.
Measure M, Pajaro Valley Unified School District Bonds, asks voters to approve the sale of up to $315 million in general obligation bonds. The bond will allow the district to raise approximately $18.3 million annually.
Measure N is a Live Oak School District bond that asks voters to approve the sale of up to $45 million in general obligation bonds. These would generate approximately $3.3 million annually for the district. This measure is only intended to fund worker housing.
Measure O, the Scotts Valley School District bond, asks voters to approve the sale of up to $85 million in general obligation bonds. They will raise approximately $5 million annually for the district.
Measure P, the Soquel Union Elementary School District bond, asks voters to approve the sale of up to $73 million in general obligation bonds. The bond will raise approximately $4 million annually for the district.
