The Mill Valley City Council recently voted to move forward on a proposed sales tax increase to the voters in the Nov. 5 election. The measure would raise the 8.25% rate by a percentage point to support city services, facilities maintenance and public safety. The current rate brings in about $3.6 million in annual revenue, according to the city. The tax increase would generate additional $4.2 million.

In an effort to engage with the community and facilitate an opportunity to ask questions, the Yes on Measure L campaign is hosting a series of community forums on Measure L.

On Monday, October 14th from 7-8 PM at Assembly at 319 Miller Ave., the Measure L campaign hosted a community forum about the measure, an important local initiative aimed at securing Mill Valley’s future.

The first of the three Community Forums gave attendees a chance to learn how Measure L will provide the funding needed to protect our city from wildfire risks, maintain critical infrastructure like roads and emergency routes, and support needed maintenance for our beloved library and community center. With unanimous support from the Mill Valley City Council and endorsements from 12 former Mayors, Measure L has also been backed by key local organizations including the Mill Valley Chamber of Commerce. Join to learn more, ask questions, and discover how Measure L will help ensure a resilient and sustainable future for Mill Valley. Space for community discourse provided by Assembly. RSVP at tinyurl.com/YesOnLForum

More information about Measure L at YesForMillValley.com

“From the beginning of this process a year ago, my emphasis was on this generation doing what it takes to harden our town for subsequent generations,” Vice Mayor Stephen Burke said. “A new roof on the library is certainly part of that, but it’s the deeper investments we have to make that we haven’t necessarily fully understood the scope of yet.”

“We may feel comfortable at the moment, but this investment is what our generation needs to do on behalf of those who come after us,” he said.

The city needs to come up with $150 million to $180 million for infrastructure updates over the next 10 to 15 years, according to a city committee’s report to the council in December. In March, the council directed staff to move forward with a sales tax increase after receiving favorable polling results. The council voted in June to place the measure on the ballot. On Monday, it passed a resolution endorsing the measure.

Mill Valley Mayor Urban Carmel and City Manager Todd Cusimano discuss the City’s financial health and future infrastructure needs, with appearances from members of the City’s advisory panel.

Related Documents

• Sales Tax Measure 2-page Executive Summary
• Full Text of the Sales Tax Ordinance
• Important Dates, Argument and Rebuttal Information: County of Marin August & November Measure Guide

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