In the final weeks leading up to the Nov. 8 election, Williams officials are reaching out to residents and voters with information about Measure C, a proposed increase to the city’s transactions and use (sales) tax.
Voter approval of the measure would raise about $750,000 in revenue, which could be used for street repair and other general fund purposes, said Finance Director Rex Greenbaum.
While the city can’t spend taxpayer money telling people how to vote, the city can provide the information that allows voters to make informed decisions, officials said.
The city prepared an information letter in English and Spanish, which has been mailed directly to Williams residents, and plans to utilize newspaper advertising, social media, and information booths at the Williams Flea Market to get the word out.
“One thing we did in our office, we have an informational bulletin board to get people’s input on the different categories and where they would want the city to spend Measure C,” Greenbaum said.
Greenbaum said for those who want to add their “two-cents,” the bulletin board in the Finance Department allows them to place four “half penny” stickers on categories to rank priorities.
The four categories are public safety (police/fire), street and sidewalk repair, park and playground equipment, and recreational activities.
Printed information is also available at City Hall and staff have been answering questions.
Based on a small amount of input so far, Greenbaum said the public prioritized street and sidewalk repair by about 58 percent, followed by public safety (16 percent); recreation (15 percent); and parks and playground equipment (10 percent).
Williams officials estimate about 90 percent of sales taxes generated in the city comes from visitors passing through and off of Interstate 5, rather than from residents.
Currently, the city’s sales tax rate is 7.75 percent, of which 6.25 percent goes to the State of California. Williams’ share is currently 1.5 percent and the additional .5 percent, if Measure C passes, would increase Williams’ share to 2 percent and remain in city coffers, Greenbaum said.
Williams officials said because the need for additional revenue is so great, Measure C is written without a sunset date and would remain in effect indefinitely, unless repealed by voters at a subsequent election.
Measure C, if approved by a simple majority of 50 percent plus one, would cost an additional five cents for every $10 dollar purchase of goods and services subject to sales taxes.
“Like we’ve been saying, there is no need we have that money wouldn’t fix,” said City Administrator Frank Kennedy. ■