SUNNYVALE APPOINTS AD HOC COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER NEW REVENUES

SUNNYVALE, Calif. – The Sunnyvale City Council has appointed a new ad hoc committee to consider increasing existing and/or establishing new local taxes. The action came at the Council’s regular meeting on Tuesday, May 13.

In light of the region’s continuing economic decline, the City Council and staff have been working to close an estimated annual $15 million budget deficit. The City Manager’s proposed budget has called for service and staff reductions which narrow the budgetary gap by more than $13 million, but additional revenue sources still must be found.

The City Council created the 17-member ad hoc advisory committee to assist the City Council in considering whether to increase existing or establish new local taxes. The committee consists of 14 registered voters/residents and/or business representatives, three City Council members and three alternate members.

The ad hoc committee membership, as approved by the City Council, is:

Mayor Julia Miller, Vice mayor Timothy Risch and Councilmember Jack Walker complete the committee.

The ad hoc committee will examine the potential for increasing local taxes and/or establishing new local taxes. Currently existing local taxes include the business licenses, construction, transient occupancy (hotel), property transfer and utility user. Possible new taxes include general and special taxes, parcel taxes, benefit assessments and a Mello-Roos community facility tax.

The Council also added several other possible new tax sources for the committee’s review. In addition, the committee will recommend a public information campaign that could be used to inform and educate Sunnyvale residents and business owners about any proposed ballot measures on tax changes.

The ad hoc committee is expected to conduct its meetings and provide recommendations to the City Council during the next six to eight weeks.