City Surveys Residents on How to Spend Half Cent Tax Increase

Starting today, the tax rate on purchases made in Healdsburg increases a half cent, from 8.25 percent to 8.75 cents on the dollar.

The county tax rate increased to 8.25% on January 1, 2013. The extra half penny comes from Measure V, passed by Healdsburg voters in November, 2013.

While promoting the ballot measure, city officials promised that community members would have an opportunity to provide input on the allocation of Measure V funds.

Now the City of Healdsburg is inviting you to take part in a survey to determine how they should budget the added half cent tax that starts today.

“We’re really trying to stay transparent,” said City Manager Marjie Pettus. “The council is committed to listening to what the community wants on this issue.”

On the City’s website, at this page  they list the spending priorities, as set by the City Council in response to public input. Prioriteis include the following:

• Priority 1: Public Safety
• Priority 2: Street Maintenance and Repair
• Priority 3: Economic Development
• Priority 4: Address Deferred Maintenance of City Facilities

The survey is available in multiple ways, according to Pettus. It’s currently available on the city’s website, and it is also being translated into Spanish. Copies of the survey in English and Spanish will be available at City Hall and other city facilities, including the community center at Foss Creek.

The survey will be included in the city’s utility bills as well, delivered sometime around the 20th of the month.

Or you can fill out the survey online by following this link, or download the 2-page survey PDF with this article or here, then print it out at home.

After you fill it out you are asked to mail it by April 30 to:

City of Healdsburg,  Administration Department
401 Grove Street, Healdsburg, CA 95448

Revenue from the tax is expected to be about $1 million per year.

Follow on Twitter | Like on Facebook | Sign up for daily email | Start a blog on Patch!