Council Reverts Back to Original City Parcel Tax Language
Council relents and removes the language change in the proposed Special Municipal Parcel Tax Ordinance to be voted on at the March 3, 2020, Primary Election.
On December 2, 2019, Piedmont’s contract City Attorney, Michelle Marchetta Kenyon, continued to maintain her opinion that the proposed language change was not substantive. Her opinion was disagreed with by many in Piedmont.
Vice Mayor Teddy King noted her concern over changing the language if the result was the same, for it added voter confusion. She stated many residents had stated the change from INCLUDING to MAY INCLUDE was substantive.
Speakers Hedi Gerken, Kathleen Quenneville, and Liane Campodonico agreed with King, that the language should not be changed, while voicing it would be a substantive change allowing services to be dropped by the Council. The Council had also received opposition to the language change by emails, letters, and comments.
Council member Betsy Andersen, an attorney, stated she had proposed the change to clarify language, but withdrew her proposal upon believing flexible options would be available, and there would be no guarantee of funding for the named services.
Questions were raised as to whether or not the 9 listed service items would be funded, if funds were available. The answer appeared unclear. Some had assumed that the parcel tax funds were delineated as a funding source for specific services; however, it has been Council practice during their May budget sessions to pool funds rather than specifically assigning the parcel taxes to specific services. During the budget sessions, the Council makes a determination on whether or not the parcel tax needs to be levied to support city services.
Services named in the ordinance are:
- police and fire protection,
- street maintenance,
- building regulations,
- library services,
- recreation,
- parks maintenance,
- planning and public works
- and similar services.
The Special Election for the parcel tax will held on March 3, 2020. Mayor Bob McBain and Council member Jennifer Cavenaugh will write the supporting arguments in the “Voter Information Guide.”
Opposition arguments for the “Voter Information Guide” are due to the City Clerk on December 13, 2019, with rebuttals due on December 20, 2019. For specific information contact the City Clerk, John Tulloch at 510/420-3040.
