A recent survey of voter impressions about extending and
altering Measure P also asked the
“tax increase question” and the answers may have an impact on
police, fire and recreation services. The question arose during
City Council discussions on closing the revenue gap in the 2003-04
city budget.
The question: “would you support or oppose raising local taxes by about $10 a month to “maintain” police, fire protection, parks and recreation services (at their current levels)” received 55 percent ‘yes’, 36 percent ‘no’ and 8 percent ‘don’t know’.
A second question was asked about “increasing” such services: “If it meant that you could expand … police and fire protection, parks and recreation services would you support or oppose raising local taxes by about $10 a month?”
The answer was different: 20 percent ‘yes’, 69 percent ‘no’ and 9 percent ‘don’t know’.
The type of tax increase was not mentioned. Cities have any number of ways to increase revenue, most of which require approval by two-thirds (66.7 percent) of voters.
Sales taxes and other revenues are down; expenses – though cut to a city-described bone – are up and the future is uncertain because of the economy and the volatile budget situation in Sacramento. The city’s share of sales tax revenue goes directly into the general fund which pays for police, fire protection, parks and recreation services.
All three services were cut or eliminated during the last period of economic strife in the early 1990s – the police force pared to the minimum, fire protection contracted out to Santa Clara County Fire Department and the entire recreation department disbanded. Parks deteriorated from lack of care.
The Morgan Hill Police Department is only now reaching its previous staffing levels, though the population, patrol area and crime levels have continued to rise. The Recreation Department was re-established and now offers dozens of classes, programs and events for a citizenry clambering for activities in city parks and from the new community and cultural center. An aquatic center will open in May 2004, to be followed by an indoor recreation center and outdoor sports fields.
SURVEY RESULTS
According to the survey, performed by the Survey and Policy Research Institute at San Jose State University, demographics made a difference on both questions.
• To “maintain” services at current levels (yes answers first, no answers second): Democrats support the idea, 64-27 percent. Republicans are divided: 49-44 percent. Women support 58-32 percent; men, 50-42 percent; Asians 62-24 percent; whites support 58-34 percent; Latinos are divided, 43-44 percent.
Geographically, residents of Holiday Lake Estates and Jackson Oaks, in the east hills, support 63 yes/29 no. Residents in the valley’s westside: 48-41 percent; those living west of the railroad tracks and south of Dunne Avenue, 51-37 percent.
Income was also a factor. Those earning under $50,000 a year: 48-42 percent yes/no; those earning more than $50,000 voted yes about two to one. Homeowners, 57-34 percent yes/no; renters 47/46 percent
• To “increase” service levels. This question was asked of people who did not support a tax increase to “maintain” services: If it meant that you could expand city services (police, fire, recreation) would you support or oppose raising local taxes by about $10 a month?”
Support: 20 percent; oppose: 69 percent; don’t know 9 percent.
The survey added the 20 percent support numbers from the “increase services” question to the “maintain services” question and came up with a 64-36 percent ratio of voters open to a tax increase of $10 a month.
The idea of expanding these services was more popular with Latino voters surveyed than with other demographic groups: 35 percent of Latinos who did not support a tax increase to “maintain services” were in favor of an increase if it meant additional services.
Measure P is the voter-approved growth control ordinance that was recently studied for update and extension. Since the matter may be on an upcoming ballot, the city wanted to know the current level of voter knowledge and interest; hence the survey.
