The passage of Cotati's Measure A will raise sales taxes a half cent from 9 to a whopping 9.5% . What do you think?

Here is the ballot argument against Measure A that has been submitted to the City by the Sonoma County Taxpayers Association.

Argument  Against  Measure  A 

It is true, Cotati has seen tax revenues fall as the result of the recession. So have other communities in Sonoma County.   It is also true the City has cut expenses, postponed non-essential activities and its employees have voluntarily taken pay cuts.   However, the timing is wrong for a large sales tax increase during this economic crisis.  Especially when City Officials have been unwilling to consider measures like shared services with other government units or contracting out services  which might avoid the need for proposing a large tax increase.  The proposed sales tax increase, if approved, would place the tax at 9.5 percent, the highest in Sonoma County.   For example the Lowe’s store in Cotati contributes a large percentage of the City’s sale tax revenue.   Lowe’s  competes with several home improvement stores in nearby communities.  Some shoppers, especially those making large purchases like contractors and consumers who buy big ticket items  may opt to buy at other retailers in order to save on taxes.  The high tax rate could negatively affect other city merchants.   The net result could be an even larger reduction in sales tax revenue for the City.  We urge the voters to think about the unintended consequences of voting for this tax increase.    There are other options and this is not the time to increase taxpayer’s burden.  We suggest you choose to vote no on Measure A.


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