The petition drive worked, and Measure 20-129 will be on the May 15th ballot. Since there may not be a voters guide for this spring election I've added the text of the Measure to this forum. The Caption, Question, and the Summary follow below (taken ver batim from the SEL 801 document approved on 3-15-2007 by County Counsel Wilson):
CAPTION: Public Safety Income Tax
QUESTION: Shall there be an income tax in Lane County dedicated for public safety purposes?
SUMMARY:
This measure places Ordinance 2-07 before voters by referendum petition.
A "yes" vote enacts the tax; a "no" vote repeals it.
The ordinance would:
- Impose tax on personal, non-resident and business income at 1.1% rate.
- Dedicate income taxes (after collection) to public safety only. Public safety defined as programs to protect people from criminal activity. Includes adult and youth corrections, crime prevention, detention, supervision, and patrol. Includes mental health and crime victim services, alcohol and drug treatment. Includes Sheriff, Youth Services and District Attorney departments, related support.
- Fund 2006-07 service levels.
- Require dedicated fund and a reserve of 10% annual income tax revenue.
- Dedicate 60% of county property operating taxes for public safety, 2.2% for extension services and 0.7% for veterans services.
- Include rate reduction if federal government continues federal timber fund replacement by June 1, 2007.
- Applies to tax years starting January 1, 2007. For calendar year taxpayers, the rate would be 0.55% for 2007; for others, similar reduction to address a mid-year effective date.
[If you're interested in fiscal responsibility and you live in the Springfield School District, see more at www.trishabarnes.clearwire.net .Thanks!]
