Editorial: A "yes" vote for Measure U and Measure Q

I've never met anyone that likes taxes, but we pay them to fund the things we need in our lives: fire protection, law enforcement, education, roads, and services, just to name a few.

In November, Measure U is before the voters of South Lake Tahoe. A "yes" vote will add an extra 1/2 percent to the sales tax on non-food items purchased in the city limits. Currently, the tax is eight percent so the increase works out to be an extra five cents on every ten dollars purchased. It is estimated the tax increase would bring in an extra $2.5 million to the City.

Instead of the money just being added to city coffers to pay for whatever City leaders choose, Measure U comes with three choices or citizens to choose where the money will be spent, and voters who vote "yes" on U can make this choice. Those that vote "no" will not be able to choose.

Voters will pick from one of the following measures with their "yes" on Measure U:

Measure Q for Housing
Measure R for Roads
Measure S for Facilities

The City Council candidates overwhelmingly support funds going to roads so it will be interesting to see where the public decides, should Measure U pass.

With a lot of public communication about affordable and workforce housing being needed in the community, will Measure Q get the most votes? Money would go to re-establish the city's first time home buyers program offering a silent second mortgage, offer silent second mortgages to community members at or below median incomes, supplement the construction for rent controlled apartments and condos for community members, finish the Aspens project or be used to attract developers. A housing commission could be established to gamer community input and recommend to council a best path forward.

Roads in the city are in dire need of repair after years of just getting bandaids put on problems instead of entire road replacement. Measure R would help put money to roads, with funds being added to the Road Rehabilitation Program. The extra money would go to reducing the City's $31 million deferred maintenance backlog and get needed work completed. Highway 50 would not be addressed since that is a federal highway and not maintained by the City.

Then there is Measure S. Money raised through a tax increase would go into the Facilities Rehabilitation Program and fund repairs and maintenance on the 33 buildings the City owns as well as fire, police and snow removal equipment, all things that are in need of major repairs or replacement.

Even though many areas need money, I am backing Measure Q. While an extra $2.5 million won't build much, it could be the catalyst needed to give locals the housing they need to be able to stay, and work, in Lake Tahoe.