Burlingame voters will be asked to approve in the coming fall election a quarter-cent sales tax which officials claim is needed to finance the construction of a new community center, as well as a variety of other infrastructure fixes.
The Burlingame City Council unanimously approved Monday, June 19, floating to voters a financing measure expected to generate as much as $2 million annually if approved by a simple majority in November.
With limited room in a tight city budget, officials agreed the tax measure would be the most effective way to address a laundry list of capital improvements to streets and sidewalks, as well as a hefty price tag hung on the construction of a new recreation center.
Mayor Ricardo Ortiz said the tax measure revenue would pay toward a variety of initiatives he has considered top priorities since being elected, based on feedback in conversations with residents.
“One thing that came through loud and clear was sidewalks, potholes and the recreation center, so that’s why I am strongly in favor of this measure,” he said.
It has been estimated the city has roughly $100 million worth of unfunded capital improvement projects and the new recreation center is expected to cost as much as $45 million. Officials have claimed building a new center is necessary to replace the existing antiquated facility.
Polling feedback showed necessary support for a half-cent tax existed, but officials said they opted to seek a smaller measure in favor of financial conservatism.
Considering the variety of substantial costs facing the city, Councilwoman Emily Beach said she believed the measure was the most sensible means of preserving and improving Burlingame’s quality of life.
“I think the quarter-cent sales tax is the most palatable and most reasonable thing to do,” she said.
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