Frequently Asked Questions about Renewing Expiring Local Funding

What sources of local funding are set to expire?

In 2010, San Anselmo voters approved a local parcel tax that provides dedicated funding to support the San Anselmo Library. Additionally, in 2013, San Anselmo voters approved a half-cent sales tax that supports Town services and infrastructure. Both of these sources of local funding are now set to expire.

How are local Town services funded in San Anselmo?

In 2013, San Anselmo voters approved a half-cent sales tax that supports Town services and infrastructure, including repairing potholes, repaving roads, reducing traffic congestion, maintaining and improving sidewalks, drainage and street medians and preserving public safety. This funding has helped repair potholes, maintain 40 miles of Town roads and repair Town buildings. 

What happens if local sales tax funding expires?

If local sales tax funding is not renewed by voters, San Anselmo will lose $1.2 million in local funding, requiring the Town's pothole repair and street maintenance program to be cut by at least 50 percent. 

What is the Town doing to maintain local sales tax funding? 

The Town of San Anselmo is currently considering placing a measure on the November 2022 ballot to renew the current ½¢ sales tax and potentially increase the rate to 1¢. This would provide approximately $2.4 million in locally controlled funding that could not be taken by the State.

Specifically, what could a potential sales tax renewal measure fund?

If approved by voters, renewed locally controlled sales tax funding could be used for general Town services, including:

• Repair potholes and maintain streets
• Reduce the impacts of drought with new water sources and storage
• Improve fire protection services
• Maintain 9-1-1 emergency, firefighter and paramedic response times
• Maintain bridges and retaining walls
• Improve and maintain Town parks

How do we know funds from a potential sales tax renewal measure would be spent as promised? 

Projects and programs funded by the existing sales tax measure that is set to expire were completed by the Town on-time and on-budget. A renewal measure would likely require the same strict fiscal accountability provisions as required by the current measure, including:

• An independent citizens’ oversight committee, mandatory financial audits and annual public spending disclosure to the community
• By law, no money could be taken away by the State
• Essential purchases like groceries and medicine are exempt from a sales tax to ensure it is not a burden to those on fixed or limited incomes

Would a potential sales tax measure ensure that San Anselmo’s visitors pay their fair share?

Yes. Visitors who work or shop in our community and enjoy its many benefits would also pay the sales tax, ensuring that local homeowners and renters don’t shoulder the entire burden.

How much might a potential sales tax renewal measure cost?

The existing local sales tax is a half cent, adding 50 cents to a $100 purchase. A potential renewal measure will either maintain this rate or increase the rate to one cent, which would add $1 to a $100 purchase.

Are there protections for people on fixed or limited incomes?

Yes. By law, essential purchases like groceries and prescription medicine are exempt from a sales tax so it is not a burden to those on fixed or limited incomes.

Don’t sales tax measures hurt local business? 

There is no evidence that increasing sales tax rates discourages patrons from supporting local businesses. Research shows that an extra 50 cents  or $1 per $100 spent is not enough incentive for a consumer to change their buying habits or drive extra distance. Plus, essential purchases are exempt from sales tax. 

How are library services funded in San Anselmo?

In 2010 San Anselmo voters approved a local parcel tax that provides dedicated funding to support the San Anselmo Library. This funding has maintained library operating hours, increased collections and provided programming for children, families and seniors.

What is the Town doing to maintain local funding for our library? 

The Town of San Anselmo is currently considering placing a measure on the November 2022 ballot to renew the existing San Anselmo Library parcel tax at the current rate of $66 per year with a 3% annual increase.

Specifically, what would dedicated funding for our library be used for?

If approved by voters, local parcel tax funding for library services would be used to:

• Maintain library operating hours
• Increase book and ebook collections
• Maintain programs for children, families, seniors and people with disabilities
• Maintain free computers, internet access and technology

How do we know funds from a potential parcel tax renewal measure would be spent as promised? 

Each year the Parcel Tax oversight committee has reviewed the use of funds to ensure they have been spent in accordance with the voter approved expenditure plan. You can read the full reports here: https://www.townofsananselmo.org/552/Library-Tax-Oversight-Committee. A renewal measure would likely require the same strict fiscal accountability provisions as required by the current measure, including:

• An independent citizens’ oversight committee, mandatory financial audits and annual public spending disclosure to the community

• All money raised by this measure would continue to be controlled locally for San Anselmo Library only

• By law, no money could be taken away by Sacramento or used for other purposes

Would a parcel tax renewal measure increase our tax rates?

A potential measure would renew the library parcel tax at its existing rate. Like the expiring parcel tax, it would also include a 3% annual increase in order to keep funding in line with price levels.

Could the State take funding away from either potential renewal measure? 

No. The funds from a sales tax or parcel tax renewal measure could not be taken away by the State, ensuring that our tax dollars are used locally.

How can I learn more or provide my input about renewing local funding? 

Please share your opinions and priorities as the Town of San Anselmo considers options for renewing local funding. Email questions or comments to localfunding@townofsananselmo.org.