Palm Springs Measure "G": Bogus 911 Emergency Services Arguments
Palm Springs currently collects a 911 Emergency Services Fee from telephone users. The funds are placed in a dedicated fund restricted to emergency service needs. If Measure "G" fails to pass, the City will continue to collect the fee and funds will continue to be set aside in a dedicated fund.
One argument advanced by Measure "G" supporters is that it will decrease funding and hurt emergency services. Another argument is that some users aren't paying their fair share for the cost of emergency services. Both arguments are really deceptive smoke screens designed to hide the true impact of Measure "G" on emergency services funding.
Measure "G" eliminates the 911 Emergency Services Fee and the emergency services fund would cease to exist. However, the City is not giving up that money. The funds will continue to be collected, but not for emergency services. Measure "G" provides for creation of a new Access Line Tax in place of the 911 Emergency Services Fee. All money collected will be placed in the General Fund to be used for salaries and other expenses. Measure "G" hurts emergency services funding and money that's dedicated for that purpose will no longer be available.
If Measure "G" passes, it will also open a big opportunity door for the City to reap a future tax revenue benefit. Voter memories dim with the passage of time. After a few years have passed the City will be able to craft a ballot measure to establish a new dedicated 911 Emergency Services Fee. They'll be able to trot out police and fire safety personnel to testify to the absolute need for such funds. Palm Springs taxpayers, always supportive of safety services, will listen to their local fire and police, and then pass the measure. Some may find this scenario far-fetched, but it's not. The high level official responsible for dreaming up new ways to increase City revenues is among the most creative in the field. His innovative raid on Redevelopment Agency funds attests to his proficiency in the tax and revenue new ideas field. Measure "G" is his brainchild, the new Access Line Tax is his idea, and none should deceive themselves into believing a future 911 Emergency Services Fee is not on his tax planning table.
Vote NO on "G".
Bond Shands
Palm Springs
October 14, 2009
One argument advanced by Measure "G" supporters is that it will decrease funding and hurt emergency services. Another argument is that some users aren't paying their fair share for the cost of emergency services. Both arguments are really deceptive smoke screens designed to hide the true impact of Measure "G" on emergency services funding.
Measure "G" eliminates the 911 Emergency Services Fee and the emergency services fund would cease to exist. However, the City is not giving up that money. The funds will continue to be collected, but not for emergency services. Measure "G" provides for creation of a new Access Line Tax in place of the 911 Emergency Services Fee. All money collected will be placed in the General Fund to be used for salaries and other expenses. Measure "G" hurts emergency services funding and money that's dedicated for that purpose will no longer be available.
If Measure "G" passes, it will also open a big opportunity door for the City to reap a future tax revenue benefit. Voter memories dim with the passage of time. After a few years have passed the City will be able to craft a ballot measure to establish a new dedicated 911 Emergency Services Fee. They'll be able to trot out police and fire safety personnel to testify to the absolute need for such funds. Palm Springs taxpayers, always supportive of safety services, will listen to their local fire and police, and then pass the measure. Some may find this scenario far-fetched, but it's not. The high level official responsible for dreaming up new ways to increase City revenues is among the most creative in the field. His innovative raid on Redevelopment Agency funds attests to his proficiency in the tax and revenue new ideas field. Measure "G" is his brainchild, the new Access Line Tax is his idea, and none should deceive themselves into believing a future 911 Emergency Services Fee is not on his tax planning table.
Vote NO on "G".
Bond Shands
Palm Springs
October 14, 2009
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