Argument Against Measure M

Don't give a blank check with no ending date to a government that doesn't manage its finances responsibly.

Since 2017, Novato has not gotten timely, independent audits (at one point being three years behind) so Novato missed possibly millions in federal grants. It couldn't keep track of its own properties and other properties it used, and had to buy one it thought it owned for $5,8 million on an emergency basis when the owner decided to sell.

Novato squandered millions of precious taxpayer funds on a theater, a third, unneeded SMART station, and a 2.5% thirty-year loan.

Novato is a financial mess. A 2023 Marin Civil Grand Jury found Novato's actions "to the detriment of Novato and its residents". To recoup those squandered millions, Novato now proposes a regressive sales tax, asking approval of the maximum allowable. Forever.

This 3/4% sales tax increase will provide $10.3 million in 2025 (growing over time), even though its budget deficit is $4 million. The money is "for general government use," which could include better roads and more policing. But the additional revenue MIGHT easily go again to salaries and pensions for additional highly-paid administrators, extravagant consultant fees, wasteful grants and/or more low interest rate third-party loans.

Novato's proposed forever tax evades the accountability provided by having to get voter approval to renew an expiring tax. Novato refused to include a sunset, whereas San Rafael did so in 2020 and Mill Valley this year.

Novato's claim that voters can readily repeal the tax is misleading: the cost and effort involved present a near-insurmountable hurdle.

Already struggling with surging sewer, water, gas/electric and insurance bills, taxpayers face a tsunami of additional tax measures in 2024, 2026 and beyond. We should choose wisely when approving more.

Hold Novato accountable. Demand a reasonable alternative.

Vote no on this huge perpetual tax increase.

Rebuttal to Argument Supporting Measure M

Novato resorts to scare tactics for your vote, threatening public safety cuts and argues its funds are spent with oversight. But the 2023 Marin Grand Jury discovered “there have been lapses in Novato’s financial management to the detriment of Novato and its residents”. For example, Council overrode a unanimous recommendation of the oversight committee not to loan millions to third parties, including a 30-year loan at 2.5%.

Novato provided over $8 million to third parties, like the failed Novato Theater.

This tax increase, projected to bring in $10.3 million in 2025 (over double its deficit) goes to the General Fund which can be used for ANYTHING. Where do YOU think the extra will go?

Incredibly, annual audits have not been timely completed since 2017, costing millions in lost federal grants.

For decades, Novato failed to sell/lease unused properties worth millions.

Novato misinforms you about Novato receiving the lowest percentage of property tax dollars in Marin by failing to explain Novato isn’t responsible for fire or library services like other communities. Accounting for these services makes Novato's tax share among the highest in the County!

Novato has sufficient funds to operate above current levels through June 2027, allowing voters time to approve a sales tax increase with an end date, like San Rafael and Mill Valley, ensuring accountability with the ultimate guardrail, a sunset clause.

Vote No on M. Require Novato to show fiscal responsibility in expenditures and include what good government demands in taxes, a sunset clause.