After our own member, Joanne Mathis, testified in front of the Fairfield Mayor and City Council in support of the council adopting Resolution 2108-122, also known as the “1% Tax Measure”, the Council approves the resolution and adds it to the ballot. The Daily Republic reports in more depth, below:
FAIRFIELD — The Fairfield City Council agreed Thursday to place a 1 percent tax measure on the November ballot after an outpouring of support from those who spoke during a packed council session.
Nearly two hours of public comment from a crowd of business owners, community groups and residents led to the unanimous council vote to put the tax before voters. The tax is estimated to raise between $12 million to $13 million per year, saving the city from laying off police officers and firefighters as well as preserving services for seniors and students, according to staff.
“Our job is to listen to you. You spoke loud and you spoke clear,” Councilwoman Pam Bertani told the crowd before the vote. “What really matters is what happens on Nov. 6th. This is not a dress rehearsal. This is the main event.”
Fairfield is facing a deficit of $7.75 million this year and has been studying the idea of raising revenue for six months. The city has cut $37 million from the budget over the last five years and among other moves has cut employee salaries by 10 percent.
The 1 percent tax is set for five years and will have citizen oversight and audits if approved. Fairfield currently has a sales tax of 7.375 percent.
Read more at: http://www.dailyrepublic.com/news/fairfield/1-percent-fairfield-tax-measure-heads-to-ballot/
