Oakdale voters back measure to increase sales tax

OAKDALE — It appears residents are willing to pay a bit more in taxes for city services.

Measure O, which would increase the sales tax by a half-cent for three years, had strong support in early results Tuesday. With half of the precincts counted, the measure had 1,049 "yes" votes, or 57.8 percent, against 765 "no" votes, or 42.2 percent.

"We are elated by the results so far," said Councilman Jason Howard, who supported the measure. "We're hopeful."

Measure O requires a simple majority to pass. It would raise the city's sales tax from 7.375 percent to 7.875 percent and adds a dime to a $20 purchase.

Measure O is a general tax, which means it can used for any city purpose. But supporters vow it will be used for police and fire, parks and senior programs.

City officials say the tax could bring in $1.2 million annually to the city's general fund, which pays for police and fire, parks and other basics. The city has slashed its general fund from $10.872 million in 2008 to $8.135 million this year because of the downturn.

Public safety has not been immune from the budget cuts. The Police Department has gone from 28 to 21 officers. The Fire Department has formed a partnership with the Oakdale Fire Protection District to maintain staffing after both agencies thinned their ranks.

Measure O had the support of the city's police and fire unions.

It was backed by four City Council members. Mayor Pat Paul and council members Mike Brennan, Kathy Morgan and Howard signed the ballot argument in favor of it.

There was no formal opposition, but former Mayor Farrell Jackson spoke against it at council meetings, saying the city had not made the difficult choices to rein in spending.

If Tuesday's results hold up, the tax increase would take effect April 1.

Bee staff writer Kevin Valine can be reached at kvaline@modbee.com or (209) 578-2316.