CitySLUSD Liaison Highlights 2010 0729

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and Contra Costa counties pursuing a sales tax increase, stating that Union City is seeking to increase their sales tax '/z percent which would raise the current 9.75 percent to 10.25 percent, which means that San Leandro would not have the highest sales tax in the County. In Contra Costa County, Concord and Antioch are seeking a 'h percent sale tax increase as well. City Manager Hollister stressed that in order to protect and maintain local services, it is imperative that the measure passes, noting that the City still has a $3 million operating deficit and should the measure not be successful or revenues don't increase on their own, further cutbacks would need to be implemented including the elimination of a fire ladder truck, and nine firefighters, several police personnel including the School Resource Officer Program. Councilmember Gregory added that "We are between a rock and a hard place." "We either, increase taxes and provide all quality of life services and public safety, or we cut." 2. November 2nd District Sports Facilities Bond Measure A draft of the Bond measure language was distributed. Superintendent Cathey stated that on July 13, the Board unanimously voted to proceed with placing a $50.1 million facility bond measure on the November 2, 2010, ballot estimated to cost approximately $25.00 per $100,000 assessed property value. Subsequently, on July 20, 2010, the Board unanimously passed and adopted a Resolution including bond amount, project list, and the 75 -word question. Superintendent Cathey stressed that "it is important for the public and the City to know that this decision wasn't done in haste," as some needs have consistently surfaced over the past several decades including renovating Pacific Sports Complex, including Burrell Field; repairing the San Leandro High School pool, upgrading District school fields, continuing to modernize school facilities and addressing safety and security for all schools. The Superintendent added that the District will continue to seek input from the community, City, local businesses and staff over the coming months to identify school specific projects. The Board will have a preliminary discussion and review of the detailed project list at their August 3 Board meeting. Mayor Santos stated he felt that the school district should have explored other options before putting the bond on the ballot. The Mayor asked if the District had considered "regionalizing" and partnering with San Lorenzo Unified which would mean selling the Burrell Field land to create a sports complex at San Lorenzo High School. Trustee Hague commented that the idea of selling had been considered and rejected by the board, stating that selling that property and investing in another district's property would not be in the best interest of the school district, and would still leave the remaining facilities issues unaddressed. 2