Lafayette Measure H: Endorsements, Arguments

LAFAYETTE, CA—This November, the city of Lafayette is asking voters to approve a temporary half-cent sales tax that would raise the rate from 8. 75 percent to 9.25 percent, generating over $2 million annually in revenue.

Here is the official language of Measure H as it appears on the ballot for the Nov. 5 general election: "To provide funding to maintain City services, including public streets, storm drains, pothole repairs, wildfire preparedness, number of police officers, traffic safety, senior and youth programs, and other general city services, shall the measure enacting a 1/2₵ sales tax for 7 years generating approximately $2,400,000 annually with yearly financial audits, public review of expenditures by a citizen oversight committee, and all funds benefitting Lafayette be adopted?"

The city needs a simple majority of 50 percent plus one for the measure to be approved.

According to a city statement issued Saturday, Oct. 12, Lafayette currently experiences an annual budget deficit of over $2 million. If authorized by voters, Measure H is projected to generate approximately $2.4 million annually, sufficient to maintain the current level of services provided to residents without cutting back or eliminating some programs.

All funds generated by the local sales tax will be locally controlled, and 100 percent of the revenue will remain in Lafayette to provide essential city services, the city said. Under California law, the state cannot take this funding away.

"One reason the City Council chose to place a sales tax measure on the ballot is because sales tax is paid by everyone who dines and shops in Lafayette, including visitors, so funds would be brought into the community from people who reside outside the community but who utilize our public infrastructure and services," said Tracy Robinson, administrative services director.

According to the statement, the city receives about 1 percent of the current sales tax of 8.75 percent. Nearly half goes to the state, 2.5 percent to the county, and 1.25 percent to transportation agencies, including BART.

In contrast to neighboring cities —Moraga, Orinda, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill and Concord — Lafayette does not currently have an additional local transaction and use (sales) tax. If Measure H is approved, the sales tax rate in Lafayette will increase by .50 percent from 8.75 percent to 9.25 percent —half a penny — on every taxable dollar spent locally for seven years.

According to the city, all revenue from Measure H would go directly into the city's general fund, which pays for:

• Maintaining public streets and storm drains and providing timely pothole repair.
• Funding wildfire preparedness activities.
• Maintaining the number of sworn police officers at the current level.
• Maintaining the current level of services for seniors.
• Cleaning and maintaining city parks, open spaces, paths and playfields.
• Improving traffic safety on local streets and roads for all users.
• Continuing financial support for community partners like the Chamber of Commerce.

City officials said if Measure H does not pass, the Lafayette City Council will need to consider the possibility of reducing or discontinuing certain city programs and services as part of the budgeting process.

The Democratic Party of Contra Costa County endorses Measure H.

The League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley also endorsed Measure H and had this say:

"LWVDV finds this measure a thoughtful solution to Lafayette’s projected budget deficit. The revenue generated will go into the city’s General Fund to preserve the city’s current programs. LWVDV likes that Lafayette will establish a citizen’s committee with oversight, and sunsets this sales tax in seven years.

"In keeping with the League of Women Voters principles regarding transparency, we note the City Council established a two-person 'Fiscal Responsibility' committee who met with staff to examine the budget, assessed options, and reported to the City Council for a year. Public comments were taken at every meeting. The City finances are available via their website. We applaud the City’s observing the Brown Act and their efforts to keep the public informed. The League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley finds this measure in compliance with the State position on State and Local Finances and endorses this Lafayette half-cent Sales Tax Measure."

Here is what KQED had to say about Measure H:

"Yes" argument: “Measure H is vital to preserving Lafayette’s exceptional quality of life by maintaining essential city services that keep our community thriving. Measure H maintains police staffing levels, keeps roads in good shape, preserves senior services, and sustains our high quality of life. With robust safeguards in place, it ensures that our funds are spent responsibly.”

"No" argument: “The city … entered Fiscal Year 2025 with a general fund balance of over $16.5 million, equal to 88% of annual general fund expenditures. This is well above the Government Finance Officers Association’s recommendation of a 17% general fund balance. Meanwhile, executive compensation in Lafayette is quite high for such a small municipality. City Manager Niroop Srivatsa received $325,519 in wages during 2023, while five other employees each collected over $200,000.”

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