The City of Rancho Cordova recently surveyed people who live there to find out how life in the city could be improved. More police, more youth programs, and reduced blight were identified as priorities.
The City is now asking for a higher sales tax.
The Rancho Cordova City Council voted to put a half-cent general sales tax increase before voters. The measure can't say how the money will be used. The City says its finances are fine, but it needs more money to address concerns voiced by people who recently completed the quality-of-life survey.
Some residents like Navin Naik say they like the idea of improving Folsom Boulevard and implementing more gang-prevention programs, but would vote only for a specific-use tax, not a general tax.
"I would like to see that there is... they use it for any specific cause and not for any general purpose."
A general-use tax requires 50-percent of the vote. A specific-use tax requires 75-percent.
People like Holly Chavez -who live outside the city- say they wouldn't avoid shopping in Rancho Cordova if the sales tax increased.
"That would be like saying I’m not going to San Francisco because they charge me ten cents for a bag. I’ll pay ten cents for the bag because I’m already spending $500 on whatever I’m going there for.”
Daniela Sinigur lives in Rancho Cordova. She says she hopes the city can find a better way.
"It’s a great idea that they want to make it better, especially Folsom Boulevard because it does need help. But, I feel like there’s other ways they could get the money. They don’t have to charge the people."
The City says as much as $5 million per year could be generated by the tax.
Natalie Gebhart lives in Rancho Murrietta. She says existing taxes should be able to pay for current needs, but she'd still be willing to shop in Rancho Cordova.
"We give plenty of money to be able to provide those things, but I guess in the long run, a half a cent to clean up Folsom Boulevard, which is important, and get some of those other things done, I say in the long run, it would be a wash."
The measure will be on the November ballot.
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