Record-shattering sales tax measure should be rejected

Alameda County already has the second-highest countywide sales tax in California. Officials are currently seeking court approval, which is likely, of a contested measure from the March ballot that would place the county at the top of the state list

nd now, for the Nov. 3 ballot, county supervisors are piling on, seeking voter approval of yet another sales tax measure. Measure W would drive the total tax in Alameda County to at least 10.25%, more than a dime on every dollar purchase of taxable goods.

It would be even worse in cities that have their own municipal sales taxes. The total rate in Emeryville would go to 10.50%. Alameda, Albany, Hayward, Newark, San Leandro and Union City would hit 10.75%.

Sales tax is a regressive levy that disproportionately burdens the poor. At any time, this level of sales tax should be unthinkable. During the pandemic, it’s stunningly tone-deaf to the plight of so many people who are out of work, unable to make ends meet and, in many cases, at risk of losing their homes.

Voters should reject Measure W.

The countywide sales tax is comprised of the 7.25% statewide levy and four county 0.5% add-ons — two for county transportation, one for BART and one for health care — bringing the current total to 9.25%.

In addition, 64% of voters in March supported a fifth 0.5% countywide add-on for childcare, early education and a pediatric trauma center. There is currently litigation on whether that measure required a simple majority, as the county claims, or two-thirds approval. A recent state appeals court ruling suggests the county is likely to prevail, increasing the countywide rate to 9.75%, the highest countywide sales tax in the state.

Measure W, which would last until 2031, would provide the sixth 0.5% add-on to the countywide sales tax, bringing the total to 10.25%. Currently, the next closest countywide rate is Los Angeles County, at 9.50%.

The money from Measure W, estimated at approximately $150 million annually to start, would be poured into the county’s budget, to be spent for any legitimate government purpose.

The first justification for Measure W listed on the ballot is to provide funds for homelessness. County officials fail to mention that voters in 2016 approved a $580 million housing bond measure that, in part, was supposed to help address homelessness, a measure that is projected to cost the average homeowner up to $60 annually.

The county should be able to make do with the money it already has. Revenues of $3.5 billion this fiscal year are 11% more than just three years ago. As an example of county excesses, the top staffer, Susan Muranishi, is the highest compensated county administrator in California; she received $787,431.72 in total pay and benefits in 2019, according to Transparent California.

Rather than asking for record-shattering sales taxes, Alameda County government needs to do more to share the sacrifice. Vote no on Measure W.