Quick Take
Yes, tax bites do mount up, bit by bit. Yet, they are essential to keep local governments and our schools moving forward, meeting these anxious times. The Lookout Editorial Board supports both Capitola’s and Scotts Valley’s tax increases, and those of the six local districts seeking approval.
Editor’s note: A Lookout View is the opinion of our Community Voices opinion section, written by our editorial board, which consists of Community Voices Editor Jody K. Biehl and Lookout Founder Ken Doctor. Our goal is to connect the dots we see in the news and offer a bigger-picture view — all intended to see Santa Cruz County meet the challenges of the day and to shine a light on issues we believe must be on the public agenda. These views are distinct and independent from the work of our newsroom and its reporting.
Yes on Measure Y, Capitola sales tax increase
We support the increase of the city of Capitola sales tax to 9.25%. Rising a quarter-point from the current tax, the approximately $2.2 million raised annually would offset a budget deficit and allow the incoming city council to better balance the many needs of the city, from roads to bike safety to wharf maintenance. At the new rate, Capitola would still levy one of the lower sales taxes in the county.
Yes on Measure X, Scotts Valley business tax increase
There’s broad agreement in Scotts Valley that a relatively minor increase in the fees that businesses pay should be approved. The increase would help offset the nagging budget deficit that Scotts Valley, like most local governments, is facing. If passed, the measure would raise the base rate of the tax to $150 from $90 and implement a sliding scale to determine how much a business would pay annually. In total, about $750,000 would be raised, and as in Capitola, is needed because Scotts Valley’s incoming city council will face tough decisions on addressing multiple issues.
Yes on school bonds
Workforce housing features prominently in three of the five school bond measures on the ballot. Those three – Live Oak, Pajaro Valley, and Soquel Union Elementary — all are addressing what has become an overwhelming need to provide affordable workforce housing for those who teach our kids.
LOCAL MEASURES
Yes on Measures D, L, M, N, O and P – school district bonds
All six of the measures seek to provide funds for classroom renovations and expansions, replacing utilities, upgrading technology, repairing athletic fields and gyms and more. Three of the districts — Live Oak, Pajaro Valley and Soquel Union Elementary — are planning to fund workforce housing.
School districts have seldom been more stretched, as declining enrollment and state funding formulas have created headaches for administrators at each of the county’s 20 districts.
The Lookout Editorial Board supports each of these five bonds, yet other necessary taxes to fund the basics of local services, in this case none more important than education.
Measure D asks Aromas-San Juan Unified School District voters to approve the sale of general-obligation bonds not to exceed $44 million. It is estimated that the bonds would raise about $2.7 million per year for the school district.
Measure L is a Bonny Doon Elementary School District bond, and asks voters to approve the sale of up to $7 million in general-obligation bonds. The bonds would generate about $456,000 per year for the district.
Measure M is a Pajaro Valley Unified School District bond that asks voters to approve the sale of up to $315 million in general-obligation bonds. The bonds would raise about $18.3 million per year for the district
Measure N is a Live Oak School District bond asking voters to approve the sale of up to $45 million in general-obligation bonds. They would generate about $3.3 million per year for the district. This measure is solely dedicated to funding workforce housing.
Measure O is a Scotts Valley School District bond that asks voters to approve the sale of up to $85 million in general-obligation bonds. They would raise about $5 million each year for the district.
Measure P is a Soquel Union Elementary School District bond that asks voters to approve the sale of up to $73 million in general obligation bonds. The bonds would raise about $4 million annually for the district.