Measure O - June 3, 2008 Ballot

Set to appear on the June 3, 2008 San Mateo County General Election ballot, Measure O is an initiative that dedicates funding for park and recreation programs in San Mateo County, the cities located within the County, the Ladera and Highlands recreation districts, and the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District.

How Measure O Works

To pass, Measure O requires two-thirds approval by those voting in the election. If approved, Measure O increases the sales tax by 1/8th of a cent for 25 years. The revenue, projected to raise approximately $16 million per year (at 2002 median per capita income figures) at an estimated annual cost of $18.10 per person, would be allocated to jurisdicitions, who will have the authority to spend the funds according to their need on park and recreation related functions, for example, maintenance, operations, activities and programs, capital improvements or acquisition.

What This Means for the District

If passed, Measure O is expected to provide approximately $634,000 a year for 25 years to the District. Some of the projects that could be supported through this Measure include:

Design and construction of trailhead parking, restrooms, signage, and fencing as part of the La Honda Creek Master Plan Project
	Development of new interpretive trails, regional trails, and trail connections, including a new section of the Bay Area Ridge Trail
Additional resources for habitat restoration projects for endangered species such as the California red-legged frog, San Francisco garter snake, and Southwestern pond turtle
	Protection and restoration of historic structures on open space preserves, such as the red and white barns at La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve
Development of a trail system in the newly purchased Mindego Ranch, a 1,047-acre property with unparalleled views, which will be incorporated into the Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve

Impartial Analysis of Measure O (Source: San Mateo County Elections Office) The California Constitution and state law authorizes the County of San Mateo Board of Supervisors, upon approval of two-thirds of the voting electorate, to levy a transactions and use tax (“sales tax”) for specified purposes. By this measure, the Board of Supervisors propose to levy a one-eighth (1/8) of a cent sales tax within the County of San Mateo for a period of twenty five years. This would increase the current sales tax from 8.250% (8 1/4 %) to 8.375% (8 3/8%). It is anticipated that the collection of the additional tax will commence on October 1, 2008. The stated purposes of the additional sales tax are to fund parks and recreation services provided by cities, the County and special districts including, but not limited to: maintaining and improving park bathrooms, picnic areas and athletic facilities; repairing and upgrading playgrounds and play structures; improving access to parks and playgrounds for the disabled; preserving natural open spaces; and maintaining hiking, walking and biking trails. The proceeds of the tax will be placed into a special account. The funds will be distributed from this account to the County, special districts within the County and cities within the County pursuant to a formula specified in the measure. An annual report is required that accounts for the sales tax revenues collected and the manner in which they have been spent. A "yes" vote on this measure would allow a 1/8 cent sales tax to be levied within the County of San Mateo for a period of twenty five years. The tax would be used to support parks and recreation services provided by cities, the County and special districts including, but not limited to: maintaining and improving park bathrooms, picnic areas and athletic facilities; repairing and upgrading playgrounds and play structures; improving access to parks and playgrounds for the disabled; preserving natural open spaces; and maintaining hiking, walking and biking trails. A "no" vote on this measure would not allow the special tax to be levied. For more information, visit the County Elections Office's Impartial Analysis of Measure O page.

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