Special Tax to Prevent Development
The City Council of the City of Martinez has adopted a resolution that places before the voters the question whether to approve a special tax on property within the City.
The proposed ballot measure will come in front of the voters for consideration during the June 7, 2022 Primary Election.
The ballot measure reads:
"Shall the measure of the City of Martinez to levy a dedicated special tax to prevent development and acquire, create and maintain 297 acres of permanent public parkland and wildlife habitat known as the Alhambra Highlands, at a maximum rate of $79 annually for single-family parcels and at specified maximum rates for other parcel types, for 30 years, providing approximately $1.2 million annually, with exemptions for low-income persons, be adopted?"
The proceeds of the proposed special tax would be used to acquire (for $19.25 million), the Alhambra Highlands property as permanent public parkland and wildlife habitat, consisting of 297 acres located approximately one mile south of Highway 4. The City anticipates financing the purchase price of the property through the issuance of municipal bonds or other debt, the debt service for which would be repaid using the proceeds of the special tax.
The proposed special tax would be levied annually as a maximum flat amount per parcel that varies by number of units for residential parcels and by lot size for non-residential parcels. The maximum rate would be $79 for each single-family residential parcel. The maximum rate for multi-family parcels would vary from $160 to $5,500 for multifamily parcels, depending on the number of units per parcel. The maximum rate for non-residential parcels would vary from $150 to $600 per parcel, depending on the square footage of the parcel. The maximum rates are set forth in detail in the full text of the ballot measure. These maximum rates would not be increased during the term of the special tax, and the actual amount levied could be less than the maximum rates authorized by the ballot measure if a lesser amount is sufficient to pay debt service. Exemptions from the special tax would be available to households made up of low-income persons who own and occupy a parcel as their principal residence, and who apply to the City for such exemption pursuant to guidelines established by the City based on PG&E’s CARE program criteria.
The special tax would be collected by Contra Costa County with regular property taxes, and be subject to the same penalties and interest that apply to regular property taxes if not paid when due.
The special tax would remain in effect for 30 years, starting in the fiscal year that begins on July 1, 2022, and ending in the fiscal year that begins on July 1, 2051.
As required by California law, the proceeds of the special tax will be deposited into a special account established by the City and will be applied only to the specific purposes described above. The City has covenanted to have on file with the City Council no later than January 1 of each year a report stating the amount of the special tax proceeds collected and expended and the status of the project authorized to be funded.
