GONZALES — Voters of Gonzales will once again take to the polls to vote on Measure O, a transaction and use tax that if approved would raise the tax from 1/2 percent to 1 percent on Nov. 6.
Measure O would also extend the term of the existing 1/2 percent Transaction and Use Tax, approved by Measure K in 2014, and be collected until 2034.
“It’s a general purpose tax and was brought forward by the Advisory Committee,” said City Manager Rene Mendez. “The Measure K Committee brought the recommendation forward to the City Council to increase it and extend the time.”
The current tax rate in Gonzales is 8.25 percent, and Measure O would raise that tax rate to 8.75 percent for most purchases in the city. The revenue generated would be deposited into the City’s General Fund and used for police and fire services, park and road maintenance, public safety renovation, youth and senior programs, community center development and other essential services.
The Transaction and Use Tax revenues would be audited annually and be joined by the city manager and city finance director for reviewing the status and performance of the programs and services funded with tax proceeds.
Voters who vote “No” on Measure O would be against the tax and extension. No argument against Measure O was submitted for the November Voter Guide.
More than 50 percent of the votes are needed for the measure to pass.
In the Voter Guide, the measure is supported by Mayor Maria Orozco and Oversight Committee Member Candice McFarland Camacho.
