League supports Proposition 15
Editor: The League of Women Voters of San Joaquin County urges you to vote Yes on Proposition 15, the Schools and Communities First Initiative. Proposition 15 creates a “Split Roll” tax structure, assessing commercial and industrial properties differently from residential and agricultural properties, which would continue to be assessed in the same way they are now. Commercial properties worth over three million dollars would be taxed at market value.
There are many misconceptions about this proposition. To be clear, it does not apply to residential property.
This includes individual homeowners as well as property with multi-family units. Residential properties that include commercial uses such as home offices will be classified as residential. In addition, agricultural property is exempt from the measure. Land used to produce agricultural commodities, and improvements to that land (such as irrigation systems or barns), are not included. The Legislative Analyst’s Office confirms that it does not anticipate new tax revenue from agricultural land coming from this measure. Vineyards with direct sale stores on their property may see those buildings assessed separately at the commercial rate, but only if the assessed value exceeds three million dollars.
Proposition 15 would bring approximately $44 million each year to San Joaquin County while ensuring strict accountability.
Forty percent of the revenue would be designated for schools. Our local K-12 schools could particularly benefit from increased per-pupil spending, more student services and smaller class sizes. Delta College would also receive additional funding.
Sixty percent would fund community services and public infrastructure. San Joaquin County Hospital and other health related services, as well as homeless programs, parks, libraries, community centers, flood control projects and more could all benefit.
Proposition 15 affects only large corporate properties. Property taxes on residential and agricultural property would remain unchanged. Please join the League of Women Voters in support of this important measure. To learn more, sign up through our web site for a Proposition 15 Zoom forum Sept. 23 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at www.sjc.ca.lwvnet.org
GRETCHEN NEWBY
President, League of Women Voters
of San Joaquin County