By Krista Daly
Arguments in favor of and against San Marino’s Utility User Tax (Measure U) and the Public Safety Tax (Measure SA) were due Thursday, Aug. 13 along with the city attorney’s impartial analysis.
Though no arguments against either ballot measure was filed, the Organization to Save San Marino From Financial Disaster submitted a statement to The Tribune against the Public Safety Tax.
“We believe the safety tax as a supplement to support our police and fire protection is no longer needed,” begins their statement. “The tax was initially needed because of Prop 13 and the inability to raise property taxes. Clearly most homes have changed hands and our property taxes have increased significantly.”
The Committee of San Marino Residents for Public Safety Tax and the City Council states in their argument in favor of Measure SA the tax provides about 14 percent of the city’s 2014-15 operating budget. They argue that if the public safety tax measure is not approved, the city will lose about 26 percent of the police budget and 20 percent of the fire budget, which is equivalent to cutting 12 of 28 sworn police officers and nine of 21 sworn firefighters/paramedics.
For the full story, see the print edition of the San Marino Tribune, or download the e-edition.
