Letter to the Editor | Long-term stable funding is essential for city services

The Municipal Services Tax (City Services Tax) has been in existence for more than four decades. It was first approved by voters in 1981, again in 1984, and has been approved every subsequent four years. It was last approved by Piedmont voters in 2020 and is set to expire on June 30, 2025. The City Services Tax funds core city services, including police, fire and paramedic services, the maintenance of parks, green spaces, stormwater, infrastructure, streets and public facilities, in addition to planning, library, recreation and other community services.

On October 16, 2023, the Piedmont Budget Advisory and Financial Planning Committee (BAFPC) recommended to the City Council that a renewal of the tax be placed before the voters. The BAFPC evaluated the City’s 10-year financial projections and maintenance needs, concluding that long-term stable funding is essential for city services.

City Council members all urge ‘yes’ vote on Measure F which will amount to an estimated increase of less than $15 per month for most property owners.

The City Council took action to place the renewal of the tax on the March 5, 2024, ballot. The ballot measure proposes a 20% increase and a 12-year term to preserve existing service levels citywide, augment staffing for the emergency 911 communication center, and leverage new and improved technology. Measure F amounts to an estimated increase of less than $15 per month for most property owners.  Please join us in support of the city services we all rely upon and vote Yes on Measure F. 

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