612 / 64.08% Yes votes ...... 343 / 35.92% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures

The ordinance provides that each year during the budget adoption process, the Town Council shall determine the total amount of expenditures necessary to provide adequate levels of municipal services or capital improvements and to deduct therefrom the projected revenue to be gathered from sources other than the proposed municipal services tax. Once that amount is determined, the Town Council shall, within the maximum limits set within the ordinance, determine the total amount to be raised by the proposed tax and apportion the tax among all improved parcels of real property or utility users within the Town limits.

The ordinance provides for notice and public hearing before the adoption of the tax; its inapplicability to use of property legally exempt from tax; allows for additional exemptions by resolution; sets forth the manner of collection and the increase of the appropriations limit required to fund the tax.

s/HADDEN ROTH
Ross Town Attorney

The above statement is an impartial analysis of Measure D. If you desire a copy of the measure and ordinance to be voted on, please call the Ross Administration office at 453- 1453 ext. 105, and a copy will be mailed at no cost to you.

The Town of Ross has worked hard to create responsive and highly skilled fire and police departments. Our commitment to raising salaries commensurate to other Marin communities has paid huge dividends, as we've retained our talented and committed public safety personnel. In 2006, we initiated a successful fire apprentice program, which added a third person to each engine. We made a sound and substantial investment in public safety equipment to protect our lives and property, including purchasing a $450,000 state-of-the-art fire engine in 2007.

These critical public safety improvements would not have been possible without the municipal services tax.

In 1984, Ross voters first chose to support additional taxes rather than risk reductions in public safety. Every four years since, voters have resoundingly endorsed this tax, which received over 60% voter support in 2004.

While more than two-thirds of the Town budget supports public safety costs, this ballot measure also provides necessary funds for other Town services, including tree and park maintenance.

This measure continues the present $1,000 maximum annual levy, however, the Council sets the actual rate each year after holding a public hearing. The Council set the rate in 2007 at $775. This municipal services tax will be in effect for four years, ending in 2012.

Vote "YES" on Measure D to maintain strong fire and police services. The Town Council and all six Council candidates support this measure.

s/R. SCOT HUNTER
Mayor

s/WILLIAM CAHILL
Mayor Pro Tempore

s/DIANE DURST
Council Member

s/MICHAEL SKALL
Council Member

s/RICHARD STRAUSS
Council Member

(No arguments against Measure D were submitted)