Three-Year Local Option Tax Levy Authorization

Ballot Measure No. 24-09 would authorize the City to levy a local option property tax of $0.7344 per $1,000 of assessed valuation for three years in addition to its existing permanent rate levy. The proposed levy would be used through fiscal year (FY) 2000-01 to:

· avoid reducing current programs, including police, fire, library, parks maintenance, recreation, community development and other services that support these programs;

· restore library services;

· add police officers; and,

· maintain some new parks.

The City's Five Year Forecast projects that the City faces a General Fund shortfall of approximately $3.8 million per year by FY 1999-2000. At least 70% of the proposed levy would be used to maintain current services.

The proposed levy amount would also include funds to restore library services that were reduced or eliminated with the passage of Measures 47 and 50. These would include:

-hours at the main Library branch;

-hours at the West Salem branch;

-bookmobile service;

-services to youth;

-book and other collections budgets; and

-senior/social service "bookshelf libraries."

The proposed levy also includes funds for five additional police officers to concentrate on traffic enforcement and for related support services in the Court, Legal and Finance Departments.

Two parks maintenance programs are included in the levy. Part of the levy would pay for maintaining new neighborhood parks in Salem neighborhoods not currently served; which would be built using Systems Development Charge funds dedicated solely to park acquisition and construction. The levy also sets aside funds to maintain the final phase of Riverfront Park when it becomes developed, which is planned to occur in FY 2000-01.

The levy amount that would be collected is estimated to be $3,875,940 in FY 1999-99; $4,030,975 in FY 1999-2000; and, $4,192,215 in 2000-2001, for a total of $12,099,130. The estimated cost to a taxpayer owning a property valued at $100,000 would be an additional $73.44 in taxes per year.

Any remaining levy proceeds may be used for City operations.
Submitted by
Mike Swaim, Mayor
on behalf of the Salem City Council

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