In a first, Pleasanton voters asked to approve half-cent sales tax increase this November

The City Council in Pleasanton voted to place a half-cent tax measure on the November ballot to address a projected $13 million annual budget shortfall starting in 2025 by potentially generating $10 million annually, totaling $100 million until 2035, if approved.

City Manager Gerry Beaudin emphasized that the tax measure is crucial to preventing significant cuts in services and positions, despite already saving $2.5 million by postponing projects like a new fire station and implementing a hiring freeze.

Opposing the tax increase, Councilman Jack Balch expressed skepticism about a single solution for financial issues, cautioning against relying on a 'silver bullet' approach.

Fire Capt. Craig Freeman stressed the importance of adopting the tax measure to avoid fire station closures and staff reductions to maintain effective public safety services, highlighting the potential risks and consequences of prolonged response times.

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