Mill Valley Moves Forward With Sales Tax Ballot Measure

MILL VALLEY, CA — The Mill Valley City Council this week directed staffers to move forward with a proposed 1 percent sales tax increase for voters to consider in November.

The council said the measure is designed to create a dependable source of funding for crucial services, including public safety efforts, sewer and storm drain maintenance and roadwork. Officials warned the city was at risk for "significant infrastructure decline" over the next 15 years, with cost projections in the range of $150 million to $180 million to make repairs and improve wildfire prevention efforts and evacuation measures.

"The proposed measure would enhance Mill Valley's readiness for emergencies, natural disasters, and climate change impacts by funding critical infrastructure improvements," the city wrote Thursday. "It would also bolster the services vital to the community's quality of life, including neighborhood parks, bike lanes, pedestrian pathways, and modern library and recreation facilities."

Mayor Urban Carmel voiced support for the tax, noting that city efforts to explore alternative funding sources and tighten budgets would not be sufficient to cover the needed improvements alone.

Council members agreed, voting unanimously to move the sales tax proposal along as its preferred solution while stipulating sunset clauses, independent overside and annual audits on how the funds are used.

The plan builds on the findings of a study committee formed last year and early polling that showed 58 to 60 percent approval, officials said. County staffers will work over the next months to develop communication and education plans to inform the public, and officials expect to have official ballot language sometime in the summer.

Learn more about the sales tax proposal on the city's website.