"Santa Clara County leaders are asking voters to approve Measure A, a five-eighths-cent sales tax increase on the Nov. 4 ballot, claiming more taxes are needed to support health care services. Before county officials hit hardworking residents with more taxes, voters need one simple question answered: Where is all our money going? Santa Clara County's budget exceeds $13 billion annually, more than the budgets of 19 states."
"The county has a history of profligate spending. County Executive James Williams' 2024 compensation exceeded $600,000, more than many comparable public executives. That same year, total compensation for another 146 county employees topped $600,000, six cleared more than $1,000,000. In 2021, $76 million of federal COVID-19 aid intended for small businesses, frontline workers and struggling families funded Hero Pay bonuses to almost every county employee."
"County employees are eligible for free health care for life after as few as 10 years of service. For several years beginning in 2018, the county offered employees free valet parking at county offices for a total of $4.5 million. Finally, the county recently spent taxpayers' money mailing residents an important update flyer from Williams parroting the major talking points of Measure A proponents."
Santa Clara County seeks a five-eighths-cent sales tax increase on the Nov. 4 ballot, projected to raise $330 million annually for health services. The county's annual budget exceeds $13 billion. Measure A proceeds would be general fund dollars usable for any purpose, and current oversight cannot constrain future Boards of Supervisors from reallocating funds. County spending history includes high executive and employee compensation, use of federal COVID-19 aid for wide Hero Pay bonuses, lifetime free health care eligibility after ten years, $4.5 million in valet parking, and recent taxpayer-funded mailings supporting Measure A. County management decisions, including a $150 million hospital acquisition, contributed to fiscal strain.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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