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Measure CC
City of Hayward – Business Tax Ordinance Measure
HAYWARD BUSINESS LICENSE TAX MODERNIZATION: Shall the measure updating the Hayward Business License Tax for the first time since 1978, to support general city services, including neighborhood police protection, firefighting, 911 response, libraries, and pothole repair, generating an additional $12 million annually until repealed, with a minimum tax of $60 and rates from $.30 to $3.75 per $1,000 of gross receipts, with higher rates for higher-grossing businesses, as stated in the ordinance, be adopted?
Vote Required: 50%+1
Criteria:
1-Intent and structure of the tax (i.e. a % or rate for a sales or transfer tax, or a $ per parcel or square foot for a parcel tax).
2- Amount of tax generated per year and the duration of the tax.
3- Is this a Special or General tax? (The more specific it’s described, so that one can easily figure which it is, the more credit they get).
4- Where is the money specifically going? (particularly if a special tax).
5-Is there an existing or similar tax already in place? If so, that tax information should be included.
****** Extraneous language unrelated to the matter (-1 point )
Score: 4.3
Comments: The score was lowered from the maximum of five because of misleading voters by calling the measure an update or modernization instead of a tax increase. While it says the measure will generate an additional $12 million annually, it does not say either what the present revenues are, or what the present tax rate is. As a general tax, the proceeds can be spent on any city purpose and not necessarily the popular listed items of police protection, firefighting, pothole repair and 911 responses.
