The City Council will decide today whether to ask Manteca voters on Nov. 5 to approve a sales tax increase for 20 years.
The amount — ¾ of a cent — will generate $13 million annually based on current sales tax trends.
As such, it would — if in place today — increase the general fund revenue of $73.8 million the city expects to collect this fiscal year to provide day-to-day services such as police and fire protection, road maintenance, and such by 18 percent.
The city had been exploring a one cent increase in sales tax before deciding to opt to ask for ¾ of a cent.
If passed, it would take the sales tax charged on retail transactions in Manteca from 8.25 cents to 9 cents.
Of the current 8.25 cent sales tax rate presently being charged for purchases made in Manteca:
*3.94 cents goes to the state.
*2.81 cents goes to San Joaquin County including 0.5 cents to Measure K for transportation infrastructure such as the 120 Bypass/Highway 99 improvements breaking ground this summer.
*1.5 cents goes to the City; one-third of that (0.5 cents) goes to Measure M Public Safety Sales Tax.
Measure M was passed by the Manteca voters in 2006. It currently funds 36 public safety positions; 18 police officers and 18 firefighters.
Passage of such a funding measure requires a simple majority of support of the voters (50 percent +1 yes vote).
In a PowerPoint being presented during today’s 4 p.m. meeting, it is noted:
*The city has had to cut back on all General Fund Services to maintain a balanced budget.
*Manteca has significant maintenance and major infrastructure needs.
*City facilities and equipment are out of date and falling apart.
*The City receives $5 million annually in SB1 and Gas Tax for road repair/ maintenance but that is $4 million to $7 million short on an annual basis on what is needed to keep the Pavement Condition Index current.
*Current staffing levels do not meet Rule of 60 Standards Ø 60% officers assigned to patrol with 60% of their time being unavailable allowing for 40 percent of their time to be dedicated to proactive community policing and patrols.
*A new Police Department facility “is greatly needed” at a cost of roughly $56 million.
*The city needs to hire more additional firefighters to maintain critical response times.
*There is a need now to build a sixth fire station. Construction costs have increased nearly 17% every year and continue to rise..
*There is a pressing need to purchase new fire apparatus to replace aging and ineffective equipment. The price of a new type 1 fire engine has risen to over $1,000,000 (up from $600,000 just a few years ago).
The PowerPoint says if the tax measure is past, residents can expect:
*Repaired roads.
*Additional public safety personnel and facilities such as a new Police Public Safety Headquarters and additional fire stations.
*A new community pool.
*Clean and updated parks and downtown areas.
*Funds for addressing homelessness and blight.
*Small business support.
*Additional senior and youth programs.
*Stepped up crime and fire prevention.
If the ballot measure is not passed, the PowerPoint states the city would face significant cutbacks on services and programs.
This could mean:
*More potholes on streets.
*Fewer police officers and firefighters.
*Potential closures of parks and the city pool.
*Plus other impacts on staffing and services.
“The City of Manteca has continually faced the challenge of balancing the costs of essential and desired programs, services, and infrastructure with the revenue needed to support these efforts,” City Manager Toni Lundgren noted in a staff report. “This task has been especially difficult as the City recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic and contends with rising costs of goods and services.”
“The City manages public funds responsibly, striving to maximize every dollar. Staff have worked diligently to clear the backlog of audits, update development fees, and boost economic development and tourism. Additionally, staff successfully negotiated a new property tax sharing agreement with San Joaquin County and established Community Facility Districts.”
“While Manteca has maintained staffing levels similar to other cities of its size, the level and quality of services expected are often higher. However, rising costs continue to challenge the City’s ability to maintain or enhance these service levels.”
To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com
