Political Gumbo: About That Meeting on Monday

Monday’s meeting on the parcel tax was one of the City Council’s finest moments this year.

I’m not going to get into the 7-1 vote. You can decide if that was good or bad.

What I liked was the meeting did not stretch into Tuesday as electeds didn’t roll out the issue for a third time.

Instead, on Monday, the members around the dais listened to a presentation, public comment and then honed in on the meat of the matter, a sunset clause and accountability on where the money would be spent.

And then they voted.

Smooth.

From my view, the only thing that should have been discussed more was Steve Madison’s concern that sunsetting the tax could lead to a decrease in services in the future.

Here’s the skinny.

The tax would levy 19 cents per square foot on improved properties to provide a dedicated funding source, $22.1 million a year.

Revenue generated by the tax would be restricted to fire and emergency services, including wildfire prevention and brush clearance programs, upgrading 911 communications systems, replacing aging firefighting equipment, enhancing paramedic response capabilities, and constructing or modernizing emergency response facilities identified in the department’s 2026-2036 Strategic Plan.

Other priorities include rebuilding Fire Stations 33 and 37, establishing a dedicated fire headquarters and training center, and expanding staffing and emergency preparedness programs.

Originally, there was no expiration date on the tax.

I’m not a fan of forever taxes, but it is true that firefighting like everything else is probably going to look a lot different in the next 10 to 15 years.

So how much bang can we get for the buck going forward? Something to think about.

Back on point.

City Attorney Michele Bagneris explained the guardrails with precision, and City Clerk Mark Jomsky did his thing with the bell and had no problem explaining the motion and the friendly amendment.

City Manager Matt Hawkesworth (sorry, I don’t like the interim game. If you’re doing it, you get the full title from me) exhibited a mastery on the topic when called on to explain matters.

By the way, I have to say Hawkesworth has been doing a great job on trees and taxes.

But there was more, after several speakers incorrectly claimed the parcel tax came up too quickly without enough study or discussion, Councilmembers pushed back.

Yes, democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others that have been tried from time to time.

Now, here’s where democracy comes into play.

Your elected officials have done the city’s business, and in just a short time you get to do your business when you vote on the parcel tax.

Yes, the City Council has a job to do, and for the most part on this issue they have done that job.

Now, you the voters have to deliberate.

You have 91 days to decide if funding the fire department upgrades is a blessing or a burden.

Vote, and do your part.