Higher Taxes Looming in Lafayette, Yet Potential Exemptions for Some
In the upcoming November 2024 election, residents of Lafayette, CA, will be presented with Measure H, a proposed local sales tax aimed at addressing the city's ongoing annual budget deficit of over $2 million.
The deficit is attributed to rising costs and unfunded state mandates, which have put a strain on the city's resources. If passed, Measure H would generate approximately $2.4 million annually for the city's General Fund.
Without additional revenue, the City Council may need to cut services across various departments, including police, public works, parks, and recreation. The funds from Measure H would be used to maintain Lafayette's current level of services, funding essential services such as street maintenance, wildfire preparedness, police staffing, senior services, park upkeep, and traffic safety improvements.
If Measure H passes, a Citizen's Oversight Committee will be formed to ensure transparency. This committee, consisting of community members, will oversee the use of funds and an annual audit will be made available to the public.
For more information on Measure H, residents can visit the City of Lafayette's website at www.LoveLafayette.org/MeasureH. The website is affiliated with 925 News and Lafayette, offering a free newsletter for comprehensive updates on the measure.
The proposed tax is a 1/2-cent sales tax for a period of seven years. It is important to note that the funds from Measure H would remain under local control and could not be taken by the state.
Voters are encouraged to stay informed and make an informed decision when casting their ballots in the November 2024 election. For those interested in learning more, resources and related articles on Lafayette's Measure H, taxes, budget deficit, and spending are available on the website.
