Poll shows support for Burlingame schools parcel tax

The hypothetical parcel tax measure would levy 13.5 cents per building square foot, capped at $2,500 per parcel, providing $3,574,000 annually, until ended by voters, with annual adjustments, citizens’ oversight, senior exemptions, no funds for administrators and with all funds staying local.

Survey results show an average of 69.5% of potential voters “probably” or “definitely” would vote in favor for this to be adopted. Parcel taxes require two-thirds voter approval to pass. Construction bonds require 55% to pass.

“We think that the per square foot approach is the better way to go of the two, but there is still a lot of work to do,” said Bryan Godbe, president of Godbe Research. “If we were to just put this on the ballot and assume that we were going to win that would be the wrong approach. We have a lot of work to do to keep our supporters on board.” 

The research presented suggests residents are “somewhat more likely” to vote against the measure over concern about how cost of living adjustments could affect the rate each year, and the fact that the measure will more than double the amount of the current school parcel tax. 

Additionally, 46.7% of survey respondents said they would possibly vote against the measure because they are struggling with continuing inflation, including high gas and grocery prices, and agree “now is not the time for a property tax increase.” 

Jeremy Hauser of TeamCIVx, a consulting group, said the next phase of the process is to continue gathering stakeholder input on the specifics of the measure, especially from large property owners because it would be a per-square-foot rate, to make any necessary adjustments to ensure it will pass come November. 

“We recommend embarking on that process as soon as possible so that you can leave time to implement any feedback that you might hear in that process,” Hauser said.  

A report presented to the board on March 12 projects unrestricted general fund deficits of $2.4 million in 2024-25 and $1.3 million in 2025-26, demonstrating its need for an increase in revenue. Unrestricted funds can be used for any purpose decided by the board. 

Superintendent Marla Silversmith said in an email that local funding would be used to “attract and retain quality educators, maintain quality core academic programs in science, technology, engineering, and math, and support arts and music has not increased in more than 12 years — despite growing inflation.” 

The Board of Trustees created a subcommittee which will coordinate with TeamCIVx on the overall communications plan, messaging and outreach in an effort of moving this forward.

Once the measure and its specifics are constructed and finalized, the school board will need to call for the election of the measure to be on the ballot in November by Aug. 9. 

According to the survey, 64.2% expressed agreement with the statement the district needs additional funding. The district currently receives revenue from one parcel tax, Measure L, which is $256 per year per parcel and is set to expire in 2030. 

“We absolutely see a path forward here,” Godbe said. “We have really encouraging numbers ... I think your community recognizes there’s a real need here for supplemental funding.” 

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