Politics & Government

County to Place Proposed $8.50 Parcel Tax on June Ballot

The County is seeking a parcel tax of $8.50 on all improved parcels within the unincorporated County outside of recreation and park districts.

The following is a news release from the County of Santa Cruz: 

[Tuesday] the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution to place a parcel tax measure on the June 3, 2014 ballot. 

The County is seeking a parcel tax of $8.50 on all improved parcels within the unincorporated County outside of recreation and park districts, anticipated to generate approximately $355,000 per year for County parks maintenance, operations, and programs. 

Funds from the proposed parcel tax would ensure that County parks are clean and maintained by providing funding necessary for frequent cleaning of park restrooms, frequent pickup of garbage at all County parks, beaches and open space areas, and the maintenance and repair of recreational and restroom facilities.  

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In addition, the funds would be used to continue to offer safe and healthy activities for children and youth including after-school and summer recreation programs for children, swim lessons and arts and science enrichment throughout the year. The current annual service charge of $6.58 per residential unit will expire at the end of the 2013-14 Fiscal Year.

County Parks maintains 59 parks, beach access and open space areas encompassing over 1400 acres.  In addition, Parks provides after-school programs, swim lessons, art and science enrichment, and sports leagues for children.  Senior programming provides opportunities for older residents to maintain fitness and an active lifestyle.  Parks staff also oversees the County’s Public Art Program. 

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