Not Now for Lafayette's Sales Tax Increase

Did You Know?
Lauren is the only candidate who OPPOSES Measure H
Lafayette’s Sales Tax Increase

Last night the Lafayette City Council voted to place a measure on the November ballot asking citizens to approve a .5% sales tax increase. Even with a seven-year sunset clause and the creation of a citizens oversight committee, I don’t believe this is the right time to be asking for more of your hard-earned dollars. Here are my comments made at last night’s meeting:

I’ve been speaking to a lot of citizens about this - and, frankly, it’s coming as a shock. We went from a surplus where our city was buying millions of dollars in property to a $2.5 million deficit VERY quickly. 

Participating in Lafayette’s public process for nearly the last decade, I have voiced my support for our city to create more parks, gathering spaces and safe pathways for our citizens to enjoy. But at no time recently have I heard “we really don’t have the money for this.”  There’s been no focus nor prioritization.

I get that Lafayette doesn’t get much from property tax revenue and there are great things that our city could do with more money. We can always do with more money. But I do think we need to get our house in order before we ask the public for more of their hard-earned dollars.

That said, I do want to thank staff for its proposed 10% cuts. It’s good to see what they have deemed possible and I think it’s important that with other line-items, because - YES, there is more fat we can cut - we can see what we may be able to bring back and invest in further.

So, yes, we must:

1. Move forward with the cuts.

2. Get reimbursement for unfunded mandates. At $300,000 a year, this comprises 15% of the annual deficit. 

3. And I understand that this is just for next year, but we need to freeze public arts and mural funding.

   Look, I am a huge supporter of the arts. It’s our nation’s greatest export. But at $289,000 next year? This is another 15% of next year’s deficit. We need to talk about needs versus wants.

On the flip side, let’s look at more accurately reflecting our revenue. The city has consistently underestimated the amount of property tax revenue garnered each year by about $100,000 with total funding sources underestimated by $250,000. That’s another 5% [sic] adjustment. (NOTE: it’s actually 12%)

Now I’ve paid attention to the ARPA funding distribution. It’s a timely micro example of how money has been spent … and, frankly, it’s left a bad taste in my mouth. Nearly half a million dollars of the funding we received went to consultants and contractors. Money was also spent to advertise a survey where citizens battled each other for a piece of the support. And at the end nearly 45% of the money was just put back in the General Fund. Instead of doing something really great with that money … we just kicked the can down the road. 

Again, I hear the need for more money. I’d love more. There are great things that our city can do - but with focus and priority. But, even with a citizen’s oversight committee - which I would love to understand how that will be established - I do think that in order to consider a sales tax increase, we need to get the house in order first.

Thank you.