Measure U: A sales tax for either housing, roads or facilities

Nobody likes more taxes, but voters in South Lake Tahoe will be faced with approving a new tax that would provide funding for one of three areas that have been deemed a necessity in the community, housing, roads or facilities.

The 1/2 cent sales tax proposal is different than most as the voter gets to decide exactly how it will be spent. That works out to be five cents on every ten dollars spent on non-grocery items and would bring the sales tax in the City to 8.5 percent.

"These are needs we cannot fund without funding from the tax increase," said SLT City Manager Nancy Kerry.

On the ballot there will be an argument for the measure written by Mayor Wendy David and Mayor Pro-Tem Austin Sass. The City's financial house is in order, with budget cuts and restructuring of the organization to save taxpayers over $50 million.

"For these reasons -- and because the city simply needs more money to provide
the level of service residents expect -- voters should approve Measure U in
November," said Sass and David. "Measure U will increase the sales tax by 1/2 percent which is the equivalent of five cents for every $10.00 spent on taxable goods and services. It does not affect grocery or medication purchases."

No arguments against the tax measure were received.

If voters vote "yes" on the measure they will then get to choose one of three advisories: 1) improving South Lake Tahoe streets and roads, 2) creating needed housing including affordable housing for the community's workforce and retirees, and 3) improving the City's aging capital equipment and/or facilities.

If voters vote "no" they will have no choice as to where funds will be spent if it passes by the needed 50 percent plus one on November 8.

"Every year we don't make improvements, the cost to make our city greater
increases," said the Sass and David statement. "We are asking you to join us in supporting Measure U. Vote YES on measure U to invest in and rebuild our city."

Measure U says yes or no to the 1/2 cent sales tax increase.
Measure Q puts the money towards Housing.
Measure R puts the money towards Roads.
Measure S puts the money towards Facilities.

For more information, visit the City's website HERE.