parcel tax

The City Council's Monday meeting on the parcel tax was described as one of their finest moments this year, with a 7-1 vote and efficient proceedings that concluded without extending into Tuesday. The meeting included a presentation, public comment, and focused discussion on the key issue.

The City Council will vote on August 3 to place a parcel tax on the November ballot to fund upgrades for the Pasadena Fire Department. A poll is currently testing voter support, with some locals advocating for more studies. The author urges ending the poll, referencing the Eaton Fire's impact on residents.

Oakland’s midcycle budget reduces police overtime and patrol funding after voters rejected Measure E, a parcel tax aimed at closing the budget deficit. The $4 billion budget, approved 6-2 on June 12, lowers the Oakland Police Department budget from $410 million to $375 million.

The City Council is considering a parcel tax to fund Fire Department upgrades, but residents express skepticism about taxes, accountability, and whether alternatives were explored, despite supporting emergency services. Some community members demand proof of necessity before agreeing to pay.

The City Council will continue debating two tax measures for the Nov. 3 ballot — a parking occupancy tax and a parcel tax to fund fire department infrastructure and street maintenance. The discussion follows the elimination of other proposals, including a quarter-cent transaction and use tax and a real property transfer tax, during last week’s meeting.

The Pasadena City Council instructed staff to draft a parcel-tax measure for the November ballot to rebuild earthquake-vulnerable fire stations, aiming to meet an August 7 deadline. The unanimous vote, initiated by Councilmembers Rick Cole and Steve Madison, directs staff to prepare the tax proposal and spending plan but does not yet place the tax on the ballot.