Combined property taxes in San Mateo County rose $258 million, or 7.7%, to $3.6 billion in fiscal year 2022-23 compared to the year before — the 12th year in the row of consecutive growth and leading to an overall 84% growth in the past decade, according to officials.
The San Mateo County Controller’s Office released its property tax highlights Wednesday and shows that the $3.6 billion consists of the 1% general tax totaling $2.9 billion, $373 million in special charges and $316 million for debt service. About 52% of general taxes collected are distributed to school districts, 25% to the county, 15% to cities, 7% to special districts and 1% to successor agencies of former redevelopment agencies, according to the report.
While the amount of taxes spells good news for government services, the report points to concern about proposals at the state level regarding money from vehicle license fees. Local budgets are dependent on those funds but are facing a shortfall of about $70 million from the prior year and an estimated shortfall of $114.4 million for the current year, the report said.
The governor’s current budget proposal does not include funding for the shortfall as it has in years past through legislative and policy fixes, according to the report.
The state’s reliance on volatile personal income tax revenue means its budgets sway between large deficits or surpluses and the report suggests further advocacy for a legislative solution for VLF shortfalls.
While it's tempting to celebrate increased tax income, inflation seems to be growing faster and in a few years we may see calls for additional taxes to keep up. Rather than campaign for more money, we should hold our local governments accountable for the money they spend. Does anyone know of a role or organization that pores over the financial records as an independent, citizen-interest effort?
Possibly the Civil Grand Jury but they would only become involved if a citizen or civic groups would file a complaint. Even then, the Jury has no fiscal jurisdiction. If inaccuracies are observed they would be deferred to another County agency or the DA.
All cities and districts have so-called financial oversight committees which are usually made up with friends or inexperienced well-meaning citizens. As a result, the committees are generally a rubber stamp and provide no meaningful oversight. Voters have allowed this fox-guarding-the-henhouse system to flourish based on questionable trust.
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(2) comments
While it's tempting to celebrate increased tax income, inflation seems to be growing faster and in a few years we may see calls for additional taxes to keep up. Rather than campaign for more money, we should hold our local governments accountable for the money they spend. Does anyone know of a role or organization that pores over the financial records as an independent, citizen-interest effort?
Possibly the Civil Grand Jury but they would only become involved if a citizen or civic groups would file a complaint. Even then, the Jury has no fiscal jurisdiction. If inaccuracies are observed they would be deferred to another County agency or the DA.
All cities and districts have so-called financial oversight committees which are usually made up with friends or inexperienced well-meaning citizens. As a result, the committees are generally a rubber stamp and provide no meaningful oversight. Voters have allowed this fox-guarding-the-henhouse system to flourish based on questionable trust.
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Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.