23 staff report.Ballot Measure Resolution with attachments
PREPARED BY: Katy Nomura
Assistant Town Manager
Reviewed by: Town Manager, Assistant Town Manager, Town Attorney, and Finance Director
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● (408) 354-6832
www.losgatosca.gov
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: 06/18/2024 ITEM NO: 23
DATE: June 14, 2024
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: Laurel Prevetti, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Adopt a Resolution and Introduce Ordinances to Place a One-Eighth Cent
Sales Tax on the November 2024 Ballot as Either One Measure for a Special
Tax or Two Measures for a General Tax and a Companion Advisory Measure
to be Adopted by a Separate Resolution; and Authorize a Fiscal Year 2024/25
Expenditure Budget Adjustment of $66,000 for a Single Measure or $132,000
for Two Measures from the Available Capital/Special Projects Reserve.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a resolution and introduce ordinances by title only, waiving further reading, to place a
one-eighth cent sales tax on the November 2024 Ballot as either one measure for a special tax
or two measures for a general tax and a companion advisory measure to be adopted by a
separate resolution; and authorize a Fiscal Year 2024/25 expenditure budget adjustment of
$66,000 for a single measure or $132,000 for two measures from the available Capital/Special
Projects Reserve.
BACKGROUND:
In January 2023, the Town Council included Exploring Revenue Measures as one of its Strategic
Priorities to address its overall goal to ensure fiscal stability and sustainability in the long term
for the Town of Los Gatos. Since then, the Town has conducted a competitive consultant
selection process and hired NBS to advise on a potential revenue measure. Through May 2024,
NBS has analyzed different revenue options and conducted a scientific poll on a potential 1/8th
cent sales tax measure.
On May 21, 2024, Town Council discussed the poll results and the Finance Commission
recommendation for a special tax and voted to:
PAGE 2 OF 5 SUBJECT: Adopt a Resolution to Place a One-Eighth Cent Sales Tax on the November 2024 Ballot DATE: June 14, 2024
BACKGROUND (continued):
• Explore a special tax for police, public safety, and emergency preparedness; wildfire
prevention (such as vegetation management); and traffic relief.
• Approve an amendment to the NBS agreement to conduct outreach.
• Direct staff to talk to key stakeholders and work with NBS on the outreach.
This report summarizes the outreach conducted, evaluates options for Town Council for a
potential ballot measure, and discusses next steps should the Council adopt a resolution to
place a measure on the ballot.
DISCUSSION:
NBS Outreach
NBS completed a set of frequently asked questions and answers regarding sales tax measures
which was posted on the Town’s website on Friday, June 7, 2024:
www.losgatosca.gov/RevenueMeasure.
In addition, this webpage also contains a link to a short survey, encouraging community
members to identify their priorities for the use of the revenue from a potential sales tax
measure. The data from the survey are currently being compiled and are expected to be
available to the Council and the public in a Desk Item for the June 18th Council meeting.
Staff Outreach
Based on Council direction, the Town Manager and Assistant Town Manager met with a few key
stakeholders to understand their perspectives on a potential ballot measure. While recognizing
that a 1/8th cent sales tax would add 12.5 cents for every $100 purchase and would most likely
not deter people from shopping in Los Gatos, most stakeholders acknowledged tax and
inflation fatigue on the part of Los Gatos voters.
In addition, stakeholders thought voters would want to know how the extra revenue would be
used. The three dedicated areas identified by the Council all resonated with the stakeholders.
For this reason, the notion of a special tax seemed most appealing to some despite the 2/3rd
vote requirement. Others also expressed that while these areas were worthy recipients of
additional funding, there was some concern that the special tax would not pass with the higher
threshold and therefore, result in no additional funding for these areas.
The Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce Board is scheduled to discuss the potential sales tax and
at the time of the writing of this report, the outcome of the Board’s discussion is not known.
PAGE 3 OF 5 SUBJECT: Adopt a Resolution to Place a One-Eighth Cent Sales Tax on the November 2024 Ballot DATE: June 14, 2024
DISCUSSION (continued):
Options for Consideration
Special Tax: Based on the Council’s motion on May 21, 2024, Attachment 1 contains a draft
resolution with ballot language for a special tax to be placed on the November ballot and the
proposed ordinance attached as Exhibit A. Attachment 2 contains a draft ordinance approving
placement of the ballot measure on the ballot with the proposed ordinance attached as Exhibit
A. The specific uses of the additional revenue are the three priorities identified by the
Town Council on May 21, 2024. The resolution and ordinances were prepared by municipal tax
counsel.
General Tax with a Companion Advisory Measure: At the May 21, 2024, Council meeting, the
Town Attorney mentioned an approach that has been used in other jurisdictions in which a
general tax is placed on the ballot along with a companion advisory measure that indicates the
specific use(s) for which the voters would prefer the tax revenue to be spent should both
measures pass. This concept was not explored in depth at the meeting and subsequently, a
Council Member has asked staff to provide more information to the Council.
The advantage of the general tax with a companion advisory measure is that each only need a
simple majority to pass. In addition, having a companion advisory measure prioritizing the
specific uses of the tax revenue would provide compelling guidance to the elected officials of
the will of the voters.
Attachment 3 is a draft resolution placing a general tax on the ballot with the proposed
ordinance imposing a general tax as Exhibit A. Attachment 4 is a draft ordinance approving
placement of the general tax on the ballot with the proposed ordinance imposing a general tax
as Exhibit A. Attachment 5 is a resolution placing an advisory measure on the ballot to
accompany the general tax measure. The advisory measure focuses on the same three
priorities as identified in the proposed special tax. The resolution for this measure has been
prepared by municipal tax counsel.
While the Registrar of Voters customarily receives ballot measures adopted by resolution, the
Revenue and Taxation Code can be interpreted to require that the placement of sales tax
measures on the ballot be approved by ordinance. For that reason, the attachments include
both resolutions and ordinances approving both measures for placement on the ballot. The
resolution will be provided to the County Registrar upon adoption and the ordinances will be
provided separately after adoption.
Attachment 6 contains examples of California cities that have successfully passed a general tax
with a companion advisory measure.
PAGE 4 OF 5 SUBJECT: Adopt a Resolution to Place a One-Eighth Cent Sales Tax on the November 2024 Ballot DATE: June 14, 2024
CONCLUSION AND NEXT STEPS:
The Town Council has the opportunity to determine whether to:
1. Adopt a resolution and introduce an ordinance by title only to place a one-eighth cent
sales tax on the November 2024 ballot as a special tax, waive further reading, introduce
an ordinance to approve the tax ordinance, and authorize a budget adjustment in the
amount of $66,000 from the available Capital/Special Projects Reserve; or
2. Adopt a resolution and introduce an ordinance by title only to place a one-eighth cent
sales tax on the November 2024 ballot as a general tax, waive further reading, introduce
an ordinance to approve the tax ordinance, adopt a resolution to add a companion
advisory measure, and authorize a budget adjustment in the amount of $132,000 from
the available Capital/Special Projects Reserve; or
3. Provide other direction; or
4. Take no action.
August 9, 2024 is the last day in which the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters is accepting
resolutions to add measures for the November 2024 election.
COORDINATION:
This report was prepared in collaboration between NBS, the Town Manager’s Office, the Town
Attorney, and municipal tax counsel.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The cost of each ballot measure is approximately $66,000. If the Council votes to put two
measures on the ballot (i.e., general tax and companion advisory measures), the total
estimated cost is $132,000. Budget adjustments would be needed to add these resources to
the adopted Fiscal Year 2024/25 Operating Budget. The source of funds would be the Capital/
Special Projects Reserve.
If a sales tax measure passes in November, it is estimated to generate approximately $1 million
per year.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
This is not a project defined under CEQA, and no further action is required.
Attachments:
1. Draft Special Tax Resolution with Exhibit A: Special Tax Ordinance
2. Draft Ordinance Approving Proposed Ordinance with Exhibit A: Special Tax Ordinance
PAGE 5 OF 5 SUBJECT: Adopt a Resolution to Place a One-Eighth Cent Sales Tax on the November 2024 Ballot DATE: June 14, 2024
Attachments (continued):
3. Draft General Tax Resolution with Exhibit A: General Tax Ordinance
4. Draft Ordinance Approving Proposed Ordinance with Exhibit A: General Tax Ordinance
5. Resolution Approving Advisory Measure to General Tax
6. Examples of Approved General Taxes with Advisory Measures
1 of 4
Resolution 2024- Date
ATTACHMENT 1
RESOLUTION NO. _______ A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA,
SUBMITTING A SPECIAL TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX MEASURE TO THE VOTERS AT
THE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024, GENERAL MUNICPAL ELECTION
WHEREAS, Town of Los Gatos residents have indicated that the quality of life in Los Gatos is
highly valued; and
WHEREAS, the costs of providing Town services and programs to residents have significantly
increased over the years and Town revenues have not kept pace; and
WHEREAS, additional locally controlled funding would allow the Town to maintain and
enhance critical public safety services and infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, the Town seeks to maintain and improve public safety services; and
WHEREAS, the Town also seeks to maintain and improve emergency services, including
protection against wildfire and storm hazards; and
WHEREAS, the Town also seeks to help fund infrastructure programs improving traffic flow
and mobility to relieve congestion;
WHEREAS, Government Code section 53724 and Revenue & Taxation Code section 7285.91
authorize the Town Council to submit to the qualified voters of the Town for their approval a
proposed special transactions and use tax; and
WHEREAS, locally-enacted funding sources such as a voter-approved transactions and use tax
are not subject to seizure by the State or County; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council desires to submit to the qualified voters of the Town a proposed
one-eighth of one percent (0.125%) special Transactions and Use Tax(the "Tax") to be collected
in addition to the existing one-eighth of one percent (0.125%) general Transactions and Use Tax
currently being collected within the Town; and
WHEREAS, the Tax must be approved by the electorate to be effective; and
WHEREAS, by Resolution 2024-029, the Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos called a
municipal election to be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, (“the Election”) and requested the
Board of Supervisors of the County of Santa Clara to consolidate the election with the General
Statewide election; and
WHEREAS, the consolidated municipal election will be held, regulated, and conducted in
accordance with the provisions of the law as provided in Resolution 2024-029.
2 of 4
Resolution 2024- Date
ATTACHMENT 1
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Council orders as follows:
Section 1. The Town Council finds and determines that each of the findings set forth above are
true and correct.
Section 2. The Town Council hereby submits the proposed ordinance set forth in Exhibit A,
attached hereto and incorporated in this Resolution by this reference, to the qualified voters of
the Town at the Election, and orders the following question to be submitted to the voters at the
Election:
“To provide dedicated funding for Los Gatos, that cannot be taken by
the State/County, for maintaining and enhancing Police and emergency
services, rapid 911 response times, wildfire/storm hazard
prevention/protection, and infrastructure to improve traffic
flow/reduce congestion, shall the measure to enact a 1/8 cent sales tax
(0.125%), raising approximately $1 million annually, ending in 20 years,
with mandatory annual audits, independent resident oversight, and all
funds controlled locally in Los Gatos, be adopted?”
YES
NO
The measure requires a two-thirds majority of the qualified voters voting on the proposed
ordinance to pass.
Section 3. That the “full text” of the proposed ordinance shall appear in the Voter Information
Pamphlet. The “full text” of the proposed ordinance is attached to this resolution as “Exhibit A.”
Section 4. Pursuant to Elections Code Section 9280, the Town Council hereby directs the Town
Clerk to transmit a copy of the measure to the Town Attorney. The Town Attorney shall prepare
an impartial analysis of the measure, not to exceed 500 words in length, showing the effect of
the measure on the existing law and the operation of the measure, and transmit such impartial
analysis to the Town Clerk on or before 4:00 p.m. on August 12, 2024.
Section 5. Pursuant to Elections Code Section 9286 et. seq., August 12, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. shall
be the deadline for submission of arguments in favor of, and arguments against, this measure.
Arguments in favor of or against the measure shall not exceed 300 words in length. The Mayor,
or her designee(s), is hereby authorized to prepare a written argument in favor of the proposed
measure on behalf of the City Council. At the Mayor’s discretion, the Argument may also be
signed by bona fide associations or by individual voters who are eligible to vote in the Town of
Los Gatos. Each argument shall be signed, filed with the Town Clerk, and include the printed
name(s) and signature(s) of the author(s) submitting the argument. If more than one argument
for or against is received, the priorities established by Elections Code Section 9287 shall control.
3 of 4
Resolution 2024- Date
ATTACHMENT 1
Section 6. Subdivision (a) of section 9285 of the Elections Code shall apply to the Election and
shall control the submission of any rebuttal arguments for this measure. If an argument in favor
and an argument against the measure have been selected to be printed in the voter information
guide, the Clerk shall send a copy of the argument in favor of the measure to the authors of the
argument against the measure and a copy of an argument against the measure to the authors of
the argument in favor of the measure. The rebuttal authors or persons designated by them may
prepare and submit rebuttal arguments not to exceed 250 words in length. Rebuttal arguments
must be submitted not later than August 19, 2024, by 4:00 p.m. This Section shall apply only to
the election to be held on November 5, 2024, and shall then be repealed.
Section 7. Pursuant to Elections Code Section 10002, the Town Council hereby requests the Board
of Supervisors of the County of Santa Clara to make available the services of the Registrar of
Voters for the purpose of performing the usual services necessary in the conduct of the
consolidated general municipal election, including the provisions of election supplies and voters'
pamphlets; and that upon approval of such requests, the Registrar of Voters of the County of
Santa Clara shall be reimbursed for all costs incurred by said services.
Section 8. Pursuant to Elections Code commencing with Section 10400, the Town Council hereby
requests the Board of Supervisors of the County of Santa Clara to order the consolidation of the
general municipal election to be conducted within the boundaries of the Town of Los Gatos on
November 5, 2024, with respect to which the Board of Supervisors of the County of Santa Clara
has the power to order a consolidation. The Town Council further consents to and orders the
consolidation of the general municipal election hereby called with the statewide general election
and acknowledges that the consolidated election will be held and conducted in the manner
prescribed in Section 10418.
Section 9. The Town Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to publish a notice of the general
municipal election within the time and in the manner specified in the Elections Code Section
12112. The Town Clerk is further authorized and directed to do all other things required by law
to hold the general municipal election above provided.
Section 10. The Town Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to certify to the adoption of this
resolution and to transmit a certified copy to the Board of Supervisors of the County of Santa
Clara and to the Registrar of Voters of the County of Santa Clara.
Section 11. That the Town Manager is authorized to negotiate and execute an agreement with
the Board of Equalization in accordance with Revenue and Taxation Code Section 7270 to
perform all functions incident to the administration and operation of the ordinance if adopted.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos
this 18th day of June, 2024 by the following vote:
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
4 of 4
Resolution 2024- Date
ATTACHMENT 1
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
SIGNED:
MAYOR OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
DATE: __________________
ATTEST:
TOWN CLERK OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
DATE: _________________
Page 1 of 9
EXHIBIT A
ORDINANCE NO._________ AN ORDINANCE OF THE PEOPLE OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS IMPOSING A SPECIAL TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX FOR A PERIOD OF TWENTY YEARS The People of the Town of Los Gatos ordain as follows:
SECTION 1. AMENDMENT OF MUNICIPAL CODE.
Chapter 25 of the Los Gatos Town Code is hereby amended by adding provisions as set forth
in this section below. Portions of the Chapter not included in this Ordinance are not changed.
Chapter 25
REVENUE AND TAXATION
ARTICLE VIII. SPECIAL TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX
Section 25.080.010. Title.
This article shall be known as the Los Gatos Special Transactions and Use Tax Ordinance.
The town of Los Gatos hereinafter shall be called "Town." This article shall be applicable in the
incorporated territory of the Town.
Section 25.080.020. Operative Date.
"Operative Date" means the first day of the first calendar quarter commencing more than
110 days after the adoption of this ordinance, the date of such adoption being as set forth
below.
Section 25.080.030. Purpose.
This article is adopted to achieve the following, among other purposes, and directs that the
provisions hereof be interpreted in order to accomplish those purposes:
(1) To impose a retail transactions and use tax in accordance with the provisions of Part 1.6
(commencing with Section 7251) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code and
Section 7285.91 of Part 1.7 of Division 2 which authorizes the Town to adopt this tax
ordinance which shall be operative if two-thirds of the electors voting on the measure
vote to approve the imposition of the tax at an election called for that purpose.
(2) To adopt a retail transactions and use tax ordinance that incorporates provisions
identical to those of the Sales and Use Tax Law of the State of California insofar as those
provisions are not inconsistent with the requirements and limitations contained in Part
1.6 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.
Page 2 of 9
(3) To adopt a retail transactions and use tax ordinance that imposes a tax and provides a
measure therefore that can be administered and collected by the California
Department of Tax and Fee Administration in a manner that adapts itself as fully as
practicable to, and requires the least possible deviation from, the existing statutory and
administrative procedures followed by the California Department of Tax and Fee
Administration in administering and collecting the California State Sales and Use Taxes.
(4) To adopt a retail transactions and use tax ordinance that can be administered in a
manner that will be, to the greatest degree possible, consistent with the provisions of
Part 1.6 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, minimize the cost of collecting
the transactions and use taxes, and at the same time, minimize the burden of record
keeping upon persons subject to taxation under the provisions of this ordinance.
(5) To provide transactions and use revenue to the Town to be used solely for maintaining
and enhancing Police and emergency services, rapid 911 response times, wildfire and
storm hazard prevention and protection, and infrastructure to improve traffic flow and
to reduce congestion.
Section 25.080.040. Contract with State.
Prior to the operative date, the Town shall contract with the California Department of Tax
and Fee Administration to perform all functions incident to the administration and operation of
this transactions and use tax ordinance; provided, that if the Town shall not have contracted
with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration prior to the operative date, it
shall nevertheless so contract and in such a case the operative date shall be the first day of the
first calendar quarter following the execution of such a contract.
Section 25.080.050. Transactions Tax Rate.
For the privilege of selling tangible personal property at retail, a tax is hereby imposed upon
all retailers in the incorporated territory of the Town at the rate of one-eight of one percent
(0.125%) of the gross receipts of any retailer from the sale of all tangible personal property sold
at retail in said territory on and after the operative date of this ordinance.
Section 25.080.060. Place of Sale.
For the purposes of this ordinance, all retail sales are consummated at the place of business
of the retailer unless the tangible personal property sold is delivered by the retailer or his agent
to an out-of-state destination or to a common carrier for delivery to an out-of-state destination.
The gross receipts from such sales shall include delivery charges, when such charges are subject
to the state sales and use tax, regardless of the place to which delivery is made. In the event a
retailer has no permanent place of business in the State or has more than one place of
business, the place or places at which the retail sales are consummated shall be determined
Page 3 of 9
under rules and regulations to be prescribed and adopted by the California Department of Tax
and Fee Administration.
Section 25.080.070. Use Tax Rate.
An excise tax is hereby imposed on the storage, use or other consumption in the Town of
tangible personal property purchased from any retailer on and after the operative date of this
ordinance for storage, use or other consumption in said territory at the rate of one-eight of one
percent (0.125%) of the sales price of the property. The sales price shall include delivery
charges when such charges are subject to state sales or use tax regardless of the place to which
delivery is made.
Section 25.080.080. Adoption of Provisions of State Law.
Except as otherwise provided in this ordinance and except insofar as they are inconsistent
with the provisions of Part 1.6 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, all of the
provisions of Part 1 (commencing with Section 6001) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation
Code are hereby adopted and made a part of this ordinance as though fully set forth herein.
Section 25.080.090. Limitations on Adoption of State Law and Collection of Use Taxes.
In adopting the provisions of Part 1 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code:
(1) Wherever the State of California is named or referred to as the taxing agency, the name
of this Town shall be substituted therefor. However, the substitution shall not be made
when:
a. The word "State" is used as a part of the title of the State Controller, State Treasurer,
State Treasury, or the Constitution of the State of California;
b. The result of that substitution would require action to be taken by or against this
Town or any agency, officer, or employee thereof rather than by or against the
California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, in performing the functions
incident to the administration or operation of this Ordinance.
c. In those sections, including, but not necessarily limited to sections referring to the
exterior boundaries of the State of California, where the result of the substitution
would be to:
1. Provide an exemption from this tax with respect to certain sales, storage, use
or other consumption of tangible personal property which would not
otherwise be exempt from this tax while such sales, storage, use or other
consumption remain subject to tax by the State under the provisions of Part
1 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, or;
Page 4 of 9
2. Impose this tax with respect to certain sales, storage, use or other
consumption of tangible personal property which would not be subject to tax
by the state under the said provision of that code.
d. In Sections 6701, 6702 (except in the last sentence thereof), 6711, 6715, 6737, 6797
or 6828 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.
(2) The word "Town" shall be substituted for the word "State" in the phrase "retailer
engaged in business in this State" in Section 6203 and in the definition of that phrase in
Section 6203.
a. “A retailer engaged in business in the District” shall also include any retailer that, in
the preceding calendar year or the current calendar year, has total combined sales
of tangible personal property in this state or for delivery in the State by the retailer
and all persons related to the retailer that exceeds five hundred thousand dollars
($500,000). For purposes of this section, a person is related to another person if
both persons are related to each other pursuant to Section 267(b) of Title 26 of the
United States Code and the regulations thereunder.
Section 25.080.100. Permit Not Required.
If a seller's permit has been issued to a retailer under Section 6067 of the Revenue and
Taxation Code, an additional transactor's permit shall not be required by this ordinance.
Section 25.080.110. Exemptions and Exclusions.
(1) There shall be excluded from the measure of the transactions tax and the use tax the
amount of any sales tax or use tax imposed by the State of California or by any city, city
and county, or county pursuant to the Bradley-Burns Uniform Local Sales and Use Tax
Law or the amount of any state-administered transactions or use tax.
(2) There are exempted from the computation of the amount of transactions tax the gross
receipts from:
a. Sales of tangible personal property, other than fuel or petroleum products, to
operators of aircraft to be used or consumed principally outside the county in which
the sale is made and directly and exclusively in the use of such aircraft as common
carriers of persons or property under the authority of the laws of this State, the
United States, or any foreign government.
b. Sales of property to be used outside the Town which is shipped to a point outside
the Town, pursuant to the contract of sale, by delivery to such point by the retailer
or his agent, or by delivery by the retailer to a carrier for shipment to a consignee at
such point. For the purposes of this paragraph, delivery to a point outside the Town
shall be satisfied:
Page 5 of 9
1. With respect to vehicles (other than commercial vehicles) subject to
registration pursuant to Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 4000) of
Division 3 of the Vehicle Code, aircraft licensed in compliance with Section
21411 of the Public Utilities Code, and undocumented vessels registered
under Division 3.5 (commencing with Section 9840) of the Vehicle Code by
registration to an out-of-Town address and by a declaration under penalty of
perjury, signed by the buyer, stating that such address is, in fact, his or her
principal place of residence; and
2. With respect to commercial vehicles, by registration to a place of business
out-of-Town and declaration under penalty of perjury, signed by the buyer,
that the vehicle will be operated from that address.
c. The sale of tangible personal property if the seller is obligated to furnish the
property for a fixed price pursuant to a contract entered into prior to the operative
date of this ordinance.
d. A lease of tangible personal property which is a continuing sale of such property, for
any period of time for which the lessor is obligated to lease the property for an
amount fixed by the lease prior to the operative date of this ordinance.
e. For the purposes of subparagraphs (3) and (4) of this section, the sale or lease of
tangible personal property shall be deemed not to be obligated pursuant to a
contract or lease for any period of time for which any party to the contract or lease
has the unconditional right to terminate the contract or lease upon notice, whether
or not such right is exercised.
(3) There are exempted from the use tax imposed by this ordinance, the storage, use or
other consumption in this Town of tangible personal property:
a. The gross receipts from the sale of which have been subject to a transactions tax
under any state-administered transactions and use tax ordinance.
b. Other than fuel or petroleum products purchased by operators of aircraft and used
or consumed by such operators directly and exclusively in the use of such aircraft as
common carriers of persons or property for hire or compensation under a certificate
of public convenience and necessity issued pursuant to the laws of this State, the
United States, or any foreign government. This exemption is in addition to the
exemptions provided in Sections 6366 and 6366.1 of the Revenue and Taxation Code
of the State of California.
c. If the purchaser is obligated to purchase the property for a fixed price pursuant to a
contract entered into prior to the operative date of this ordinance.
d. If the possession of, or the exercise of any right or power over, the tangible personal
property arises under a lease which is a continuing purchase of such property for
Page 6 of 9
any period of time for which the lessee is obligated to lease the property for an
amount fixed by a lease prior to the operative date of this ordinance.
e. For the purposes of subparagraphs (3) and (4) of this section, storage, use, or other
consumption, or possession of, or exercise of any right or power over, tangible
personal property shall be deemed not to be obligated pursuant to a contract or
lease for any period of time for which any party to the contract or lease has the
unconditional right to terminate the contract or lease upon notice, whether or not
such right is exercised.
f. Except as provided in subparagraph (7), a retailer engaged in business in the Town
shall not be required to collect use tax from the purchaser of tangible personal
property, unless the retailer ships or delivers the property into the Town or
participates within the Town in making the sale of the property, including, but not
limited to, soliciting or receiving the order, either directly or indirectly, at a place of
business of the retailer in the Town or through any representative, agent, canvasser,
solicitor, subsidiary, or person in the Town under the authority of the retailer.
g. "A retailer engaged in business in the Town " shall also include any retailer of any of
the following: vehicles subject to registration pursuant to Chapter 1 (commencing
with Section 4000) of Division 3 of the Vehicle Code, aircraft licensed in compliance
with Section 21411 of the Public Utilities Code, or undocumented vessels registered
under Division 3.5 (commencing with Section 9840) of the Vehicle Code. That
retailer shall be required to collect use tax from any purchaser who registers or
licenses the vehicle, vessel, or aircraft at an address in the Town.
(4) Any person subject to use tax under this ordinance may credit against that tax any
transactions tax or reimbursement for transactions tax paid to a district imposing, or
retailer liable for a transactions tax pursuant to Part 1.6 of Division 2 of the Revenue and
Taxation Code with respect to the sale to the person of the property the storage, use or
other consumption of which is subject to the use tax.
Section 25.080.120. Amendments.
All amendments subsequent to the effective date of this ordinance to Part 1 of Division 2 of
the Revenue and Taxation Code relating to sales and use taxes and which are not inconsistent
with Part 1.6 and Part 1.7 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, and all amendments
to Part 1.6 and Part 1.7 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, shall automatically
become a part of this ordinance, provided however, that no such amendment shall operate so
as to affect the rate of tax imposed by this ordinance.
Page 7 of 9
Section 25.080.130. Enjoining Collection Forbidden.
No injunction or writ of mandate or other legal or equitable process shall issue in any suit,
action or proceeding in any court against the State or the Town, or against any officer of the
State or the Town, to prevent or enjoin the collection under this ordinance, or Part 1.6 of
Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, of any tax or any amount of tax required to be
collected.
Section 25.080.140. Use of Revenue.
The revenues from the tax imposed by this chapter shall be segregated and deposited into a
special account and may be spent only for maintaining or enhancing Police or emergency
services, rapid 911 response times, wildfire or storm hazard prevention or protection, or
infrastructure to improve traffic flow or to reduce traffic congestion.
Section 25.080.150. Residents’ Oversight and Annual Audit.
(1) The Town Council shall appoint a committee (“Special Tax Finance Committee”) to
review and report on the receipt of revenues and the expenditure of funds from the tax
authorized by this chapter (“revenues and expenditures”). The number, qualifications,
and duties of Special Tax Finance Committee members shall be established by ordinance
or resolution of the Town Council.
(2) Beginning with the fiscal year that ends June 30, 2025, the Town's independent auditors
shall, as part of their annual audit of the Town's financial statements, review the
collection and expenditure of revenue from the tax authorized by this chapter. The
auditors' review shall be a public document.
(3) Each year, the Finance Director shall prepare a report consistent with the requirements
of section 50075.3 of the Government Code and shall submit the report to the Special
Tax Finance Committee and to the Town Council. The Special Tax Finance Committee
shall annually review the auditors' findings and the Finance Director’s report and report
in writing to the Town Council regarding the revenues and expenditures. The Special Tax
Finance Committee’s report shall be transmitted to the Town Council for consideration
at a public meeting.
(4) By January 31, 2025, the Town Council shall adopt a resolution establishing the
composition of the Special Tax Finance Committee and further defining its
responsibilities consistently with this section. Provisions defining the scope of the
Special Tax Finance Committee’s responsibilities and reporting requirements shall
address bond oversight, in the event that a decision is made at a later time to sell bonds
that are in part backed by the revenues referenced in this section. The Town Council
shall appoint the initial members of the Special Tax Finance Committee no later than
March 1, 2025
Page 8 of 9
Section 25.080.160. Termination Date.
The authority to levy the tax imposed by this chapter shall expire on March 31, 2045,
without further action by the Town Council or the voters of the Town. After said date, the tax
imposed by this Chapter can only be continued or reestablished by a two-thirds majority vote of
Los Gatos voters.
SECTION 2. ADJUSTMENT OF APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT.
Pursuant to Article XIIIB of the Constitution of the State of California and applicable laws,
the appropriations limit for the Town is hereby increased by the aggregate sum authorized to
be levied by this tax for fiscal year 2024-2025 and each year thereafter.
SECTION 3. CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT.
This ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act, Public Resources
Code section 21000 et seq., under, including without limitation, Public Resources Code section
21065, and CEQA Guidelines sections 15378(b)(4) and 15061(b)(3), as it can be seen with
certainty that there is no possibility that the activity authorized herein may have a significant
effect on the environment.
SECTION 4. SEVERABILITY.
If any provision of this ordinance or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is
held invalid, the remainder of the ordinance and the application of such provision to other
persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.
SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This ordinance relates to the levying and collecting of the Town transactions and use taxes
and shall take effect immediately.
SECTION 6. NOTICE.
Upon approval by the voters, the Town Clerk Administrator shall certify to the passage and
adoption of this Ordinance and shall cause it to be published according to law.
* * * * * * * * *
It is hereby certified that this Ordinance was duly adopted by the voters at the November 5,
2024 General Municipal Election and took effect 10 days following adoption of a resolution
Page 9 of 9
declaring the results of the election at a regular meeting of the Town Council held on _____, by
the following vote:
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
SIGNED:
MAYOR OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
DATE: __________________
ATTEST:
TOWN CLERK ADMINISTRATOR OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
DATE: __________________
Page 1 of 2
Draft Ordinance Date Adopted
ATTACHMENT 2
DRAFT ORDINANCE
AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
APPROVING THE ORDINANCE TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE VOTERS OF THE
TOWN OF LOS GATOS AT THE NOVEMBER 5, 2024, GENERAL MUNICIPAL
ELECTION THAT PROPOSES TO IMPOSE A ONE-EIGHTH OF ONE PERCENT
SPECIAL TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX IN THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS WHEREAS, The Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos has adopted a resolution
submitting to the voters of the Town of Los Gatos at the November 5, 2024, general municipal
election as a measure on the ballot for their approval an ordinance, a copy of which is attached
hereto as Exhibit A (“Proposed Ordinance”) that proposes to impose a one-eighth of one percent
(0.125%) special Transactions and Use Tax in the Town of Los Gatos; and
WHEREAS, The Town Council wishes to approve by its own ordinance the Proposed
Ordinance, although the Proposed Ordinance cannot go into effect unless and until approved by
a two-thirds majority of the voters of the Town of Los Gatos voting on the measure at the
November 5, 2024, general municipal election;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos as
follows:
The Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos approves the Proposed Ordinance, attached
hereto as Exhibit A, which proposes to impose a one-eighth of one percent (0.125%) special
Transactions and Use Tax in the Town of Los Gatos.
This Ordinance was introduced at a regular meeting of the Town Council of the Town of
Los Gatos on the 18th day of June, 2024, and adopted by the Town Council of the Town of Los
Gatos at its regular meeting on the ____ day of _____ 2024, by the following vote:
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
SIGNED:
_______________________________
MAYOR OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
DATE: __________________
ATTEST:
Page 2 of 2
Draft Ordinance Date Adopted
ATTACHMENT 2
___________________________________
TOWN CLERK OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
DATE: __________________
Page 1 of 9
EXHIBIT A
ORDINANCE NO._________ AN ORDINANCE OF THE PEOPLE OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS IMPOSING A SPECIAL TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX FOR A PERIOD OF TWENTY YEARS The People of the Town of Los Gatos ordain as follows:
SECTION 1. AMENDMENT OF MUNICIPAL CODE.
Chapter 25 of the Los Gatos Town Code is hereby amended by adding provisions as set forth
in this section below. Portions of the Chapter not included in this Ordinance are not changed.
Chapter 25
REVENUE AND TAXATION
ARTICLE VIII. SPECIAL TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX
Section 25.080.010. Title.
This article shall be known as the Los Gatos Special Transactions and Use Tax Ordinance.
The town of Los Gatos hereinafter shall be called "Town." This article shall be applicable in the
incorporated territory of the Town.
Section 25.080.020. Operative Date.
"Operative Date" means the first day of the first calendar quarter commencing more than
110 days after the adoption of this ordinance, the date of such adoption being as set forth
below.
Section 25.080.030. Purpose.
This article is adopted to achieve the following, among other purposes, and directs that the
provisions hereof be interpreted in order to accomplish those purposes:
(1) To impose a retail transactions and use tax in accordance with the provisions of Part 1.6
(commencing with Section 7251) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code and
Section 7285.91 of Part 1.7 of Division 2 which authorizes the Town to adopt this tax
ordinance which shall be operative if two-thirds of the electors voting on the measure
vote to approve the imposition of the tax at an election called for that purpose.
(2) To adopt a retail transactions and use tax ordinance that incorporates provisions
identical to those of the Sales and Use Tax Law of the State of California insofar as those
provisions are not inconsistent with the requirements and limitations contained in Part
1.6 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.
Page 2 of 9
(3) To adopt a retail transactions and use tax ordinance that imposes a tax and provides a
measure therefore that can be administered and collected by the California
Department of Tax and Fee Administration in a manner that adapts itself as fully as
practicable to, and requires the least possible deviation from, the existing statutory and
administrative procedures followed by the California Department of Tax and Fee
Administration in administering and collecting the California State Sales and Use Taxes.
(4) To adopt a retail transactions and use tax ordinance that can be administered in a
manner that will be, to the greatest degree possible, consistent with the provisions of
Part 1.6 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, minimize the cost of collecting
the transactions and use taxes, and at the same time, minimize the burden of record
keeping upon persons subject to taxation under the provisions of this ordinance.
(5) To provide transactions and use revenue to the Town to be used solely for maintaining
and enhancing Police and emergency services, rapid 911 response times, wildfire and
storm hazard prevention and protection, and infrastructure to improve traffic flow and
to reduce congestion.
Section 25.080.040. Contract with State.
Prior to the operative date, the Town shall contract with the California Department of Tax
and Fee Administration to perform all functions incident to the administration and operation of
this transactions and use tax ordinance; provided, that if the Town shall not have contracted
with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration prior to the operative date, it
shall nevertheless so contract and in such a case the operative date shall be the first day of the
first calendar quarter following the execution of such a contract.
Section 25.080.050. Transactions Tax Rate.
For the privilege of selling tangible personal property at retail, a tax is hereby imposed upon
all retailers in the incorporated territory of the Town at the rate of one-eight of one percent
(0.125%) of the gross receipts of any retailer from the sale of all tangible personal property sold
at retail in said territory on and after the operative date of this ordinance.
Section 25.080.060. Place of Sale.
For the purposes of this ordinance, all retail sales are consummated at the place of business
of the retailer unless the tangible personal property sold is delivered by the retailer or his agent
to an out-of-state destination or to a common carrier for delivery to an out-of-state destination.
The gross receipts from such sales shall include delivery charges, when such charges are subject
to the state sales and use tax, regardless of the place to which delivery is made. In the event a
retailer has no permanent place of business in the State or has more than one place of
business, the place or places at which the retail sales are consummated shall be determined
Page 3 of 9
under rules and regulations to be prescribed and adopted by the California Department of Tax
and Fee Administration.
Section 25.080.070. Use Tax Rate.
An excise tax is hereby imposed on the storage, use or other consumption in the Town of
tangible personal property purchased from any retailer on and after the operative date of this
ordinance for storage, use or other consumption in said territory at the rate of one-eight of one
percent (0.125%) of the sales price of the property. The sales price shall include delivery
charges when such charges are subject to state sales or use tax regardless of the place to which
delivery is made.
Section 25.080.080. Adoption of Provisions of State Law.
Except as otherwise provided in this ordinance and except insofar as they are inconsistent
with the provisions of Part 1.6 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, all of the
provisions of Part 1 (commencing with Section 6001) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation
Code are hereby adopted and made a part of this ordinance as though fully set forth herein.
Section 25.080.090. Limitations on Adoption of State Law and Collection of Use Taxes.
In adopting the provisions of Part 1 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code:
(1) Wherever the State of California is named or referred to as the taxing agency, the name
of this Town shall be substituted therefor. However, the substitution shall not be made
when:
a. The word "State" is used as a part of the title of the State Controller, State Treasurer,
State Treasury, or the Constitution of the State of California;
b. The result of that substitution would require action to be taken by or against this
Town or any agency, officer, or employee thereof rather than by or against the
California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, in performing the functions
incident to the administration or operation of this Ordinance.
c. In those sections, including, but not necessarily limited to sections referring to the
exterior boundaries of the State of California, where the result of the substitution
would be to:
1. Provide an exemption from this tax with respect to certain sales, storage, use
or other consumption of tangible personal property which would not
otherwise be exempt from this tax while such sales, storage, use or other
consumption remain subject to tax by the State under the provisions of Part
1 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, or;
Page 4 of 9
2. Impose this tax with respect to certain sales, storage, use or other
consumption of tangible personal property which would not be subject to tax
by the state under the said provision of that code.
d. In Sections 6701, 6702 (except in the last sentence thereof), 6711, 6715, 6737, 6797
or 6828 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.
(2) The word "Town" shall be substituted for the word "State" in the phrase "retailer
engaged in business in this State" in Section 6203 and in the definition of that phrase in
Section 6203.
a. “A retailer engaged in business in the District” shall also include any retailer that, in
the preceding calendar year or the current calendar year, has total combined sales
of tangible personal property in this state or for delivery in the State by the retailer
and all persons related to the retailer that exceeds five hundred thousand dollars
($500,000). For purposes of this section, a person is related to another person if
both persons are related to each other pursuant to Section 267(b) of Title 26 of the
United States Code and the regulations thereunder.
Section 25.080.100. Permit Not Required.
If a seller's permit has been issued to a retailer under Section 6067 of the Revenue and
Taxation Code, an additional transactor's permit shall not be required by this ordinance.
Section 25.080.110. Exemptions and Exclusions.
(1) There shall be excluded from the measure of the transactions tax and the use tax the
amount of any sales tax or use tax imposed by the State of California or by any city, city
and county, or county pursuant to the Bradley-Burns Uniform Local Sales and Use Tax
Law or the amount of any state-administered transactions or use tax.
(2) There are exempted from the computation of the amount of transactions tax the gross
receipts from:
a. Sales of tangible personal property, other than fuel or petroleum products, to
operators of aircraft to be used or consumed principally outside the county in which
the sale is made and directly and exclusively in the use of such aircraft as common
carriers of persons or property under the authority of the laws of this State, the
United States, or any foreign government.
b. Sales of property to be used outside the Town which is shipped to a point outside
the Town, pursuant to the contract of sale, by delivery to such point by the retailer
or his agent, or by delivery by the retailer to a carrier for shipment to a consignee at
such point. For the purposes of this paragraph, delivery to a point outside the Town
shall be satisfied:
Page 5 of 9
1. With respect to vehicles (other than commercial vehicles) subject to
registration pursuant to Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 4000) of
Division 3 of the Vehicle Code, aircraft licensed in compliance with Section
21411 of the Public Utilities Code, and undocumented vessels registered
under Division 3.5 (commencing with Section 9840) of the Vehicle Code by
registration to an out-of-Town address and by a declaration under penalty of
perjury, signed by the buyer, stating that such address is, in fact, his or her
principal place of residence; and
2. With respect to commercial vehicles, by registration to a place of business
out-of-Town and declaration under penalty of perjury, signed by the buyer,
that the vehicle will be operated from that address.
c. The sale of tangible personal property if the seller is obligated to furnish the
property for a fixed price pursuant to a contract entered into prior to the operative
date of this ordinance.
d. A lease of tangible personal property which is a continuing sale of such property, for
any period of time for which the lessor is obligated to lease the property for an
amount fixed by the lease prior to the operative date of this ordinance.
e. For the purposes of subparagraphs (3) and (4) of this section, the sale or lease of
tangible personal property shall be deemed not to be obligated pursuant to a
contract or lease for any period of time for which any party to the contract or lease
has the unconditional right to terminate the contract or lease upon notice, whether
or not such right is exercised.
(3) There are exempted from the use tax imposed by this ordinance, the storage, use or
other consumption in this Town of tangible personal property:
a. The gross receipts from the sale of which have been subject to a transactions tax
under any state-administered transactions and use tax ordinance.
b. Other than fuel or petroleum products purchased by operators of aircraft and used
or consumed by such operators directly and exclusively in the use of such aircraft as
common carriers of persons or property for hire or compensation under a certificate
of public convenience and necessity issued pursuant to the laws of this State, the
United States, or any foreign government. This exemption is in addition to the
exemptions provided in Sections 6366 and 6366.1 of the Revenue and Taxation Code
of the State of California.
c. If the purchaser is obligated to purchase the property for a fixed price pursuant to a
contract entered into prior to the operative date of this ordinance.
d. If the possession of, or the exercise of any right or power over, the tangible personal
property arises under a lease which is a continuing purchase of such property for
Page 6 of 9
any period of time for which the lessee is obligated to lease the property for an
amount fixed by a lease prior to the operative date of this ordinance.
e. For the purposes of subparagraphs (3) and (4) of this section, storage, use, or other
consumption, or possession of, or exercise of any right or power over, tangible
personal property shall be deemed not to be obligated pursuant to a contract or
lease for any period of time for which any party to the contract or lease has the
unconditional right to terminate the contract or lease upon notice, whether or not
such right is exercised.
f. Except as provided in subparagraph (7), a retailer engaged in business in the Town
shall not be required to collect use tax from the purchaser of tangible personal
property, unless the retailer ships or delivers the property into the Town or
participates within the Town in making the sale of the property, including, but not
limited to, soliciting or receiving the order, either directly or indirectly, at a place of
business of the retailer in the Town or through any representative, agent, canvasser,
solicitor, subsidiary, or person in the Town under the authority of the retailer.
g. "A retailer engaged in business in the Town " shall also include any retailer of any of
the following: vehicles subject to registration pursuant to Chapter 1 (commencing
with Section 4000) of Division 3 of the Vehicle Code, aircraft licensed in compliance
with Section 21411 of the Public Utilities Code, or undocumented vessels registered
under Division 3.5 (commencing with Section 9840) of the Vehicle Code. That
retailer shall be required to collect use tax from any purchaser who registers or
licenses the vehicle, vessel, or aircraft at an address in the Town.
(4) Any person subject to use tax under this ordinance may credit against that tax any
transactions tax or reimbursement for transactions tax paid to a district imposing, or
retailer liable for a transactions tax pursuant to Part 1.6 of Division 2 of the Revenue and
Taxation Code with respect to the sale to the person of the property the storage, use or
other consumption of which is subject to the use tax.
Section 25.080.120. Amendments.
All amendments subsequent to the effective date of this ordinance to Part 1 of Division 2 of
the Revenue and Taxation Code relating to sales and use taxes and which are not inconsistent
with Part 1.6 and Part 1.7 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, and all amendments
to Part 1.6 and Part 1.7 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, shall automatically
become a part of this ordinance, provided however, that no such amendment shall operate so
as to affect the rate of tax imposed by this ordinance.
Page 7 of 9
Section 25.080.130. Enjoining Collection Forbidden.
No injunction or writ of mandate or other legal or equitable process shall issue in any suit,
action or proceeding in any court against the State or the Town, or against any officer of the
State or the Town, to prevent or enjoin the collection under this ordinance, or Part 1.6 of
Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, of any tax or any amount of tax required to be
collected.
Section 25.080.140. Use of Revenue.
The revenues from the tax imposed by this chapter shall be segregated and deposited into a
special account and may be spent only for maintaining or enhancing Police or emergency
services, rapid 911 response times, wildfire or storm hazard prevention or protection, or
infrastructure to improve traffic flow or to reduce traffic congestion.
Section 25.080.150. Residents’ Oversight and Annual Audit.
(1) The Town Council shall appoint a committee (“Special Tax Finance Committee”) to
review and report on the receipt of revenues and the expenditure of funds from the tax
authorized by this chapter (“revenues and expenditures”). The number, qualifications,
and duties of Special Tax Finance Committee members shall be established by ordinance
or resolution of the Town Council.
(2) Beginning with the fiscal year that ends June 30, 2025, the Town's independent auditors
shall, as part of their annual audit of the Town's financial statements, review the
collection and expenditure of revenue from the tax authorized by this chapter. The
auditors' review shall be a public document.
(3) Each year, the Finance Director shall prepare a report consistent with the requirements
of section 50075.3 of the Government Code and shall submit the report to the Special
Tax Finance Committee and to the Town Council. The Special Tax Finance Committee
shall annually review the auditors' findings and the Finance Director’s report and report
in writing to the Town Council regarding the revenues and expenditures. The Special Tax
Finance Committee’s report shall be transmitted to the Town Council for consideration
at a public meeting.
(4) By January 31, 2025, the Town Council shall adopt a resolution establishing the
composition of the Special Tax Finance Committee and further defining its
responsibilities consistently with this section. Provisions defining the scope of the
Special Tax Finance Committee’s responsibilities and reporting requirements shall
address bond oversight, in the event that a decision is made at a later time to sell bonds
that are in part backed by the revenues referenced in this section. The Town Council
shall appoint the initial members of the Special Tax Finance Committee no later than
March 1, 2025
Page 8 of 9
Section 25.080.160. Termination Date.
The authority to levy the tax imposed by this chapter shall expire on March 31, 2045,
without further action by the Town Council or the voters of the Town. After said date, the tax
imposed by this Chapter can only be continued or reestablished by a two-thirds majority vote of
Los Gatos voters.
SECTION 2. ADJUSTMENT OF APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT.
Pursuant to Article XIIIB of the Constitution of the State of California and applicable laws,
the appropriations limit for the Town is hereby increased by the aggregate sum authorized to
be levied by this tax for fiscal year 2024-2025 and each year thereafter.
SECTION 3. CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT.
This ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act, Public Resources
Code section 21000 et seq., under, including without limitation, Public Resources Code section
21065, and CEQA Guidelines sections 15378(b)(4) and 15061(b)(3), as it can be seen with
certainty that there is no possibility that the activity authorized herein may have a significant
effect on the environment.
SECTION 4. SEVERABILITY.
If any provision of this ordinance or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is
held invalid, the remainder of the ordinance and the application of such provision to other
persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.
SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This ordinance relates to the levying and collecting of the Town transactions and use taxes
and shall take effect immediately.
SECTION 6. NOTICE.
Upon approval by the voters, the Town Clerk Administrator shall certify to the passage and
adoption of this Ordinance and shall cause it to be published according to law.
* * * * * * * * *
It is hereby certified that this Ordinance was duly adopted by the voters at the November 5,
2024 General Municipal Election and took effect 10 days following adoption of a resolution
Page 9 of 9
declaring the results of the election at a regular meeting of the Town Council held on _____, by
the following vote:
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
SIGNED:
MAYOR OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
DATE: __________________
ATTEST:
TOWN CLERK ADMINISTRATOR OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
DATE: __________________
1 of 4
Resolution 2024- June 18, 2024
ATTACHMENT 3
RESOLUTION NO. _______ A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA,
SUBMITTING A SUPPLEMENTAL GENERAL TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX MEASURE
TO THE VOTERS AT THE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024,
GENERAL MUNICPAL ELECTION
WHEREAS, Town of Los Gatos residents have indicated that the quality of life in Los Gatos is
highly valued; and
WHEREAS, the costs of providing Town services and programs to residents have significantly
increased over the years and Town revenues have not kept pace; and
WHEREAS, additional locally controlled funding would allow the Town to maintain and
enhance critical public safety services and infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, the Town seeks to maintain and improve public safety services; and
WHEREAS, the Town also seeks to maintain and improve emergency services, including
protection against wildfire and storm hazards; and
WHEREAS, the Town also seeks to help fund infrastructure programs improving traffic flow
and mobility to relieve congestion;
WHEREAS, Government Code section 53724 and Revenue & Taxation Code section 7285.9
authorize the Town Council to submit to the qualified voters of the Town for their approval a
proposed transactions and use tax; and
WHEREAS, locally-enacted funding sources such as a voter-approved transactions and use tax
are not subject to seizure by the State or County; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council desires to submit to the qualified voters of the Town a proposed
one-eighth of one percent (0.125%) Transactions and Use Tax(the "Tax") to be collected in
addition to the existing one-eighth of one percent (0.125%) Transactions and Use Tax currently
being collected within the Town; and
WHEREAS, the Tax must be approved by the electorate to be effective; and
WHEREAS, by Resolution 2024-029, the Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos called a
municipal election to be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, (“the Election”) and requested the
Board of Supervisors of the County of Santa Clara to consolidate the election with the General
Statewide election; and
2 of 4
Resolution 2024- June 18, 2024
ATTACHMENT 3
WHEREAS, the consolidated municipal election will be held, regulated, and conducted in
accordance with the provisions of the law as provided in Resolution 2024-029.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Council orders as follows:
Section 1. The Town Council finds and determines that each of the findings set forth above are
true and correct.
Section 2. The Town Council hereby submits the proposed ordinance set forth in Exhibit A,
attached hereto and incorporated in this Resolution by this reference, to the qualified voters of
the Town at the Election, and orders the following question to be submitted to the voters at the
Election and appear on the ballot immediately after the advisory measure:
“To provide funding that cannot be taken by the State/County, to
maintain/enhance Los Gatos essential services, including
Police/emergency services, rapid 911 response, wildfire/storm hazard
prevention/protection, infrastructure to reduce traffic congestion, and
for general government use, shall the measure enacting a 1/8 cent sales
tax (0.125%), raising approximately $1 million annually, ending in 20
years, with mandatory annual audits, independent resident oversight,
and all funds controlled locally in Los Gatos, be adopted?”
YES
NO
The measure requires a majority of the qualified voters voting on the proposed ordinance to pass.
Section 3. That the “full text” of the proposed ordinance shall appear in the Voter Information
Pamphlet. The “full text” of the proposed ordinance is attached to this resolution as “Exhibit A.”
Section 4. Pursuant to Elections Code Section 9280, the Town Council hereby directs the Town
Clerk to transmit a copy of the measure to the Town Attorney. The Town Attorney shall prepare
an impartial analysis of the measure, not to exceed 500 words in length, showing the effect of
the measure on the existing law and the operation of the measure, and transmit such impartial
analysis to the Town Clerk on or before 4:00 p.m. on August 12, 2024.
Section 5. Pursuant to Elections Code Section 9286 et. seq., August 12, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. shall
be the deadline for submission of arguments in favor of, and arguments against, this measure.
Arguments in favor of or against the measure shall not exceed 300 words in length. The Mayor,
or her designee(s), is hereby authorized to prepare a written argument in favor of the proposed
measure on behalf of the City Council. At the Mayor’s discretion, the Argument may also be
signed by bona fide associations or by individual voters who are eligible to vote in the Town of
Los Gatos. Each argument shall be signed, filed with the Town Clerk, and include the printed
name(s) and signature(s) of the author(s) submitting the argument. If more than one argument
for or against is received, the priorities established by Elections Code Section 9287 shall control.
3 of 4
Resolution 2024- June 18, 2024
ATTACHMENT 3
Section 6. Subdivision (a) of section 9285 of the Elections Code shall apply to the Election and
shall control the submission of any rebuttal arguments for this measure. If an argument in favor
and an argument against the measure have been selected to be printed in the voter information
guide, the Clerk shall send a copy of the argument in favor of the measure to the authors of the
argument against the measure and a copy of an argument against the measure to the authors of
the argument in favor of the measure. The rebuttal authors or persons designated by them may
prepare and submit rebuttal arguments not to exceed 250 words in length. Rebuttal arguments
must be submitted not later than August 19, 2024, by 4:00 p.m. This Section shall apply only to
the election to be held on November 5, 2024, and shall then be repealed.
Section 7. Pursuant to Elections Code Section 10002, the Town Council hereby requests the Board
of Supervisors of the County of Santa Clara to make available the services of the Registrar of
Voters for the purpose of performing the usual services necessary in the conduct of the
consolidated general municipal election, including the provisions of election supplies and voters'
pamphlets; and that upon approval of such requests, the Registrar of Voters of the County of
Santa Clara shall be reimbursed for all costs incurred by said services.
Section 8. Pursuant to Elections Code commencing with Section 10400, the Town Council hereby
requests the Board of Supervisors of the County of Santa Clara to order the consolidation of the
general municipal election to be conducted within the boundaries of the Town of Los Gatos on
November 5, 2024, with respect to which the Board of Supervisors of the County of Santa Clara
has the power to order a consolidation. The Town Council further consents to and orders the
consolidation of the general municipal election hereby called with the statewide general election
and acknowledges that the consolidated election will be held and conducted in the manner
prescribed in Section 10418.
Section 9. The Town Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to publish a notice of the general
municipal election within the time and in the manner specified in the Elections Code Section
12112. The Town Clerk is further authorized and directed to do all other things required by law
to hold the general municipal election above provided.
Section 10. The Town Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to certify to the adoption of this
resolution and to transmit a certified copy to the Board of Supervisors of the County of Santa
Clara and to the Registrar of Voters of the County of Santa Clara.
Section 11. That the Town Manager is authorized to negotiate and execute an agreement with
the Board of Equalization in accordance with Revenue and Taxation Code Section 7270 to
perform all functions incident to the administration and operation of the ordinance if adopted.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos
this 18th day of June, 2024 by the following vote:
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
4 of 4
Resolution 2024- June 18, 2024
ATTACHMENT 3
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
SIGNED:
MAYOR OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
DATE: __________________
ATTEST:
TOWN CLERK OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
DATE: _________________
Page 1 of 81
EXHIBIT A
ORDINANCE NO._________ AN ORDINANCE OF THE PEOPLE OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS IMPOSING A SUPPLEMENTAL TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX FOR A PERIOD OF TWENTY YEARS The People of the Town of Los Gatos ordain as follows:
SECTION 1. AMENDMENT OF MUNICIPAL CODE.
Chapter 25 of the Los Gatos Town Code is hereby amended by adding provisions as set forth
in this section below. Portions of the Chapter not included in this Ordinance are not changed.
Chapter 25
REVENUE AND TAXATION
ARTICLE VIII. SUPPLEMENTAL TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX
Section 25.080.010. Title.
This article shall be known as the Los Gatos Supplemental Transactions and Use Tax
Ordinance. The town of Los Gatos hereinafter shall be called "Town." This article shall be
applicable in the incorporated territory of the Town.
Section 25.080.020. Operative Date.
"Operative Date" means the first day of the first calendar quarter commencing more than
110 days after the adoption of this ordinance, the date of such adoption being as set forth below.
Section 25.080.030. Purpose.
This article is adopted to achieve the following, among other purposes, and directs that the
provisions hereof be interpreted in order to accomplish those purposes:
(1) To impose a retail transactions and use tax in accordance with the provisions of Part 1.6
(commencing with Section 7251) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code and
Section 7285.9 of Part 1.7 of Division 2 which authorizes the Town to adopt this tax
ordinance which shall be operative if a majority of the electors voting on the measure
vote to approve the imposition of the tax at an election called for that purpose.
(2) To adopt a retail transactions and use tax ordinance that incorporates provisions identical
to those of the Sales and Use Tax Law of the State of California insofar as those provisions
are not inconsistent with the requirements and limitations contained in Part 1.6 of
Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.
Page 2 of 8
(3) To adopt a retail transactions and use tax ordinance that imposes a tax and provides a
measure therefore that can be administered and collected by the California Department
of Tax and Fee Administration in a manner that adapts itself as fully as practicable to,
and requires the least possible deviation from, the existing statutory and administrative
procedures followed by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration in
administering and collecting the California State Sales and Use Taxes.
(4) To adopt a retail transactions and use tax ordinance that can be administered in a
manner that will be, to the greatest degree possible, consistent with the provisions of
Part 1.6 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, minimize the cost of collecting
the transactions and use taxes, and at the same time, minimize the burden of record
keeping upon persons subject to taxation under the provisions of this ordinance.
Section 25.080.040. Contract with State.
Prior to the operative date, the Town shall contract with the California Department of Tax
and Fee Administration to perform all functions incident to the administration and operation of
this transactions and use tax ordinance; provided, that if the Town shall not have contracted with
the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration prior to the operative date, it shall
nevertheless so contract and in such a case the operative date shall be the first day of the first
calendar quarter following the execution of such a contract.
Section 25.080.050. Transactions Tax Rate.
For the privilege of selling tangible personal property at retail, a tax is hereby imposed upon
all retailers in the incorporated territory of the Town at the rate of one-eight of one percent
(0.125%) of the gross receipts of any retailer from the sale of all tangible personal property sold
at retail in said territory on and after the operative date of this ordinance.
Section 25.080.060. Place of Sale.
For the purposes of this ordinance, all retail sales are consummated at the place of business
of the retailer unless the tangible personal property sold is delivered by the retailer or his agent
to an out-of-state destination or to a common carrier for delivery to an out-of-state destination.
The gross receipts from such sales shall include delivery charges, when such charges are subject
to the state sales and use tax, regardless of the place to which delivery is made. In the event a
retailer has no permanent place of business in the State or has more than one place of business,
the place or places at which the retail sales are consummated shall be determined under rules
and regulations to be prescribed and adopted by the California Department of Tax and Fee
Administration.
Page 3 of 8
Section 25.080.070. Use Tax Rate.
An excise tax is hereby imposed on the storage, use or other consumption in the Town of
tangible personal property purchased from any retailer on and after the operative date of this
ordinance for storage, use or other consumption in said territory at the rate of one-eight of one
percent (0.125%) of the sales price of the property. The sales price shall include delivery charges
when such charges are subject to state sales or use tax regardless of the place to which delivery
is made.
Section 25.080.080. Adoption of Provisions of State Law.
Except as otherwise provided in this ordinance and except insofar as they are inconsistent
with the provisions of Part 1.6 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, all of the
provisions of Part 1 (commencing with Section 6001) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation
Code are hereby adopted and made a part of this ordinance as though fully set forth herein.
Section 25.080.090. Limitations on Adoption of State Law and Collection of Use Taxes.
In adopting the provisions of Part 1 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code:
(1) Wherever the State of California is named or referred to as the taxing agency, the name
of this Town shall be substituted therefor. However, the substitution shall not be made
when:
a. The word "State" is used as a part of the title of the State Controller, State Treasurer,
State Treasury, or the Constitution of the State of California;
b. The result of that substitution would require action to be taken by or against this Town
or any agency, officer, or employee thereof rather than by or against the California
Department of Tax and Fee Administration, in performing the functions incident to
the administration or operation of this Ordinance.
c. In those sections, including, but not necessarily limited to sections referring to the
exterior boundaries of the State of California, where the result of the substitution
would be to:
1. Provide an exemption from this tax with respect to certain sales, storage, use
or other consumption of tangible personal property which would not
otherwise be exempt from this tax while such sales, storage, use or other
consumption remain subject to tax by the State under the provisions of Part 1
of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, or;
2. Impose this tax with respect to certain sales, storage, use or other
consumption of tangible personal property which would not be subject to tax
by the state under the said provision of that code.
Page 4 of 8
d. In Sections 6701, 6702 (except in the last sentence thereof), 6711, 6715, 6737, 6797
or 6828 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.
(2) The word "Town" shall be substituted for the word "State" in the phrase "retailer engaged
in business in this State" in Section 6203 and in the definition of that phrase in Section
6203.
a. “A retailer engaged in business in the District” shall also include any retailer that, in
the preceding calendar year or the current calendar year, has total combined sales of
tangible personal property in this state or for delivery in the State by the retailer and
all persons related to the retailer that exceeds five hundred thousand dollars
($500,000). For purposes of this section, a person is related to another person if both
persons are related to each other pursuant to Section 267(b) of Title 26 of the United
States Code and the regulations thereunder.
Section 25.080.100. Permit Not Required.
If a seller's permit has been issued to a retailer under Section 6067 of the Revenue and
Taxation Code, an additional transactor's permit shall not be required by this ordinance.
Section 25.080.110. Exemptions and Exclusions.
(1) There shall be excluded from the measure of the transactions tax and the use tax the
amount of any sales tax or use tax imposed by the State of California or by any city, city
and county, or county pursuant to the Bradley-Burns Uniform Local Sales and Use Tax Law
or the amount of any state-administered transactions or use tax.
(2) There are exempted from the computation of the amount of transactions tax the gross
receipts from:
a. Sales of tangible personal property, other than fuel or petroleum products, to
operators of aircraft to be used or consumed principally outside the county in which
the sale is made and directly and exclusively in the use of such aircraft as common
carriers of persons or property under the authority of the laws of this State, the United
States, or any foreign government.
b. Sales of property to be used outside the Town which is shipped to a point outside the
Town, pursuant to the contract of sale, by delivery to such point by the retailer or his
agent, or by delivery by the retailer to a carrier for shipment to a consignee at such
point. For the purposes of this paragraph, delivery to a point outside the Town shall
be satisfied:
1. With respect to vehicles (other than commercial vehicles) subject to
registration pursuant to Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 4000) of Division
3 of the Vehicle Code, aircraft licensed in compliance with Section 21411 of
Page 5 of 8
the Public Utilities Code, and undocumented vessels registered under Division
3.5 (commencing with Section 9840) of the Vehicle Code by registration to an
out-of-Town address and by a declaration under penalty of perjury, signed by
the buyer, stating that such address is, in fact, his or her principal place of
residence; and
2. With respect to commercial vehicles, by registration to a place of business out-
of-Town and declaration under penalty of perjury, signed by the buyer, that
the vehicle will be operated from that address.
c. The sale of tangible personal property if the seller is obligated to furnish the property
for a fixed price pursuant to a contract entered into prior to the operative date of this
ordinance.
d. A lease of tangible personal property which is a continuing sale of such property, for
any period of time for which the lessor is obligated to lease the property for an
amount fixed by the lease prior to the operative date of this ordinance.
e. For the purposes of subparagraphs (3) and (4) of this section, the sale or lease of
tangible personal property shall be deemed not to be obligated pursuant to a contract
or lease for any period of time for which any party to the contract or lease has the
unconditional right to terminate the contract or lease upon notice, whether or not
such right is exercised.
(3) There are exempted from the use tax imposed by this ordinance, the storage, use or other
consumption in this Town of tangible personal property:
a. The gross receipts from the sale of which have been subject to a transactions tax
under any state-administered transactions and use tax ordinance.
b. Other than fuel or petroleum products purchased by operators of aircraft and used or
consumed by such operators directly and exclusively in the use of such aircraft as
common carriers of persons or property for hire or compensation under a certificate
of public convenience and necessity issued pursuant to the laws of this State, the
United States, or any foreign government. This exemption is in addition to the
exemptions provided in Sections 6366 and 6366.1 of the Revenue and Taxation Code
of the State of California.
c. If the purchaser is obligated to purchase the property for a fixed price pursuant to a
contract entered into prior to the operative date of this ordinance.
d. If the possession of, or the exercise of any right or power over, the tangible personal
property arises under a lease which is a continuing purchase of such property for any
period of time for which the lessee is obligated to lease the property for an amount
fixed by a lease prior to the operative date of this ordinance.
Page 6 of 8
e. For the purposes of subparagraphs (3) and (4) of this section, storage, use, or other
consumption, or possession of, or exercise of any right or power over, tangible
personal property shall be deemed not to be obligated pursuant to a contract or lease
for any period of time for which any party to the contract or lease has the
unconditional right to terminate the contract or lease upon notice, whether or not
such right is exercised.
f. Except as provided in subparagraph (7), a retailer engaged in business in the Town
shall not be required to collect use tax from the purchaser of tangible personal
property, unless the retailer ships or delivers the property into the Town or
participates within the Town in making the sale of the property, including, but not
limited to, soliciting or receiving the order, either directly or indirectly, at a place of
business of the retailer in the Town or through any representative, agent, canvasser,
solicitor, subsidiary, or person in the Town under the authority of the retailer.
g. "A retailer engaged in business in the Town " shall also include any retailer of any of
the following: vehicles subject to registration pursuant to Chapter 1 (commencing
with Section 4000) of Division 3 of the Vehicle Code, aircraft licensed in compliance
with Section 21411 of the Public Utilities Code, or undocumented vessels registered
under Division 3.5 (commencing with Section 9840) of the Vehicle Code. That retailer
shall be required to collect use tax from any purchaser who registers or licenses the
vehicle, vessel, or aircraft at an address in the Town.
(4) Any person subject to use tax under this ordinance may credit against that tax any
transactions tax or reimbursement for transactions tax paid to a district imposing, or
retailer liable for a transactions tax pursuant to Part 1.6 of Division 2 of the Revenue and
Taxation Code with respect to the sale to the person of the property the storage, use or
other consumption of which is subject to the use tax.
Section 25.080.120. Amendments.
All amendments subsequent to the effective date of this ordinance to Part 1 of Division 2 of
the Revenue and Taxation Code relating to sales and use taxes and which are not inconsistent
with Part 1.6 and Part 1.7 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, and all amendments
to Part 1.6 and Part 1.7 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, shall automatically
become a part of this ordinance, provided however, that no such amendment shall operate so as
to affect the rate of tax imposed by this ordinance.
Section 25.080.130. Enjoining Collection Forbidden.
No injunction or writ of mandate or other legal or equitable process shall issue in any suit,
action or proceeding in any court against the State or the Town, or against any officer of the State
or the Town, to prevent or enjoin the collection under this ordinance, or Part 1.6 of Division 2 of
the Revenue and Taxation Code, of any tax or any amount of tax required to be collected.
Page 7 of 8
Section 25.080.140. Residents’ Oversight and Annual Audit.
(1) The Town Council shall appoint a committee (“Tax Finance Committee”) to review and
report on the receipt of revenue and expenditure of funds from the tax authorized by this
chapter (“revenues and expenditures”). The number, qualifications, and duties of Tax
Finance Committee members shall be established by ordinance or resolution of the Town
Council.
(2) Beginning with the fiscal year that ends June 30, 2025, the Town's independent auditors
shall, as part of their annual audit of the Town's financial statements, review the
collection and expenditure of revenue from the tax authorized by this chapter. The
auditors' review shall be a public document. The Tax Finance Committee shall annually
review the auditors' findings and report in writing to the Town Council regarding the
revenues and expenditures. The Tax Finance Committee report shall be transmitted to
the Town Council for consideration at a public meeting.
(3) By January 31, 2025, the Town Council shall adopt a resolution establishing the
composition of the Tax Finance Committee and further defining its responsibilities
consistently with this section. Provisions defining the scope of the Tax Finance
Committee’s responsibilities and reporting requirements shall address bond oversight, in
the event that a decision is made at a later time to sell bonds that are in part backed by
the revenues referenced in this section. The Town Council shall appoint the initial
members of the Tax Finance Committee no later than March 1, 2025
Section 25.080.150. Termination Date.
The authority to levy the tax imposed by this chapter shall expire on March 31, 2045, without
further action by the Town Council or the voters of the Town. After said date, the tax imposed by
this Chapter can only be continued or reestablished by a majority vote of Los Gatos voters.
SECTION 2. ADJUSTMENT OF APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT.
Pursuant to Article XIIIB of the Constitution of the State of California and applicable laws, the
appropriations limit for the Town is hereby increased by the aggregate sum authorized to be
levied by this tax for fiscal year 2024-2025 and each year thereafter.
SECTION 3. CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT.
This ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act, Public Resources
Code section 21000 et seq., under, including without limitation, Public Resources Code section
21065, and CEQA Guidelines sections 15378(b)(4) and 15061(b)(3), as it can be seen with
certainty that there is no possibility that the activity authorized herein may have a significant
effect on the environment.
Page 8 of 8
SECTION 4. SEVERABILITY.
If any provision of this ordinance or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is
held invalid, the remainder of the ordinance and the application of such provision to other
persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.
SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This ordinance relates to the levying and collecting of the Town transactions and use taxes
and shall take effect immediately.
SECTION 6. NOTICE.
Upon approval by the voters, the Town Clerk Administrator shall certify to the passage and
adoption of this Ordinance and shall cause it to be published according to law.
* * * * * * * * *
It is hereby certified that this Ordinance was duly adopted by the voters at the November 5,
2024 General Municipal Election and took effect 10 days following adoption of a resolution
declaring the results of the election at a regular meeting of the Town Council held on _____, by
the following vote:
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
SIGNED:
MAYOR OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
DATE: __________________
ATTEST:
TOWN CLERK ADMINISTRATOR OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
DATE: __________________
Page 1 of 1
Draft Ordinance Date Adopted
ATTACHMENT 4
DRAFT ORDINANCE
AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS APPROVING THE ORDINANCE TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE VOTERS OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS AT THE NOVEMBER 5, 2024, GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION THAT PROPOSES TO IMPOSE A ONE-EIGHTH OF ONE PERCENT GENERAL TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX IN THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
WHEREAS, The Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos has adopted a resolution
submitting to the voters of the Town of Los Gatos at the November 5, 2024, general municipal
election as a measure on the ballot for their approval an ordinance, a copy of which is attached
hereto as Exhibit A (“Proposed Ordinance”) that proposes to impose a one-eighth of one percent
(0.125%) general Transactions and Use Tax in the Town of Los Gatos; and
WHEREAS, The Town Council wishes to approve by its own ordinance the Proposed
Ordinance, although the Proposed Ordinance cannot go into effect unless and until approved by
a majority of the voters of the Town of Los Gatos voting on the measure at the November 5,
2024, general municipal election;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos as
follows:
The Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos approves the Proposed Ordinance, attached
hereto as Exhibit A, which proposes to impose a one-eighth of one percent (0.125%) general
Transactions and Use Tax in the Town of Los Gatos.
This Ordinance was introduced at a regular meeting of the Town Council of the Town of
Los Gatos on the 18th day of June, 2024, and adopted by the Town Council of the Town of Los
Gatos at its regular meeting on the ____ day of _____ 2024, by the following vote:
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
SIGNED:
_______________________________
MAYOR OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
DATE: __________________
ATTEST:
___________________________________
TOWN CLERK OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
DATE: __________________
Page 1 of 81
EXHIBIT A
ORDINANCE NO._________ AN ORDINANCE OF THE PEOPLE OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS IMPOSING A SUPPLEMENTAL TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX FOR A PERIOD OF TWENTY YEARS The People of the Town of Los Gatos ordain as follows:
SECTION 1. AMENDMENT OF MUNICIPAL CODE.
Chapter 25 of the Los Gatos Town Code is hereby amended by adding provisions as set forth
in this section below. Portions of the Chapter not included in this Ordinance are not changed.
Chapter 25
REVENUE AND TAXATION
ARTICLE VIII. SUPPLEMENTAL TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX
Section 25.080.010. Title.
This article shall be known as the Los Gatos Supplemental Transactions and Use Tax
Ordinance. The town of Los Gatos hereinafter shall be called "Town." This article shall be
applicable in the incorporated territory of the Town.
Section 25.080.020. Operative Date.
"Operative Date" means the first day of the first calendar quarter commencing more than
110 days after the adoption of this ordinance, the date of such adoption being as set forth below.
Section 25.080.030. Purpose.
This article is adopted to achieve the following, among other purposes, and directs that the
provisions hereof be interpreted in order to accomplish those purposes:
(1) To impose a retail transactions and use tax in accordance with the provisions of Part 1.6
(commencing with Section 7251) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code and
Section 7285.9 of Part 1.7 of Division 2 which authorizes the Town to adopt this tax
ordinance which shall be operative if a majority of the electors voting on the measure
vote to approve the imposition of the tax at an election called for that purpose.
(2) To adopt a retail transactions and use tax ordinance that incorporates provisions identical
to those of the Sales and Use Tax Law of the State of California insofar as those provisions
are not inconsistent with the requirements and limitations contained in Part 1.6 of
Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.
Page 2 of 8
(3)To adopt a retail transactions and use tax ordinance that imposes a tax and provides a
measure therefore that can be administered and collected by the California Department
of Tax and Fee Administration in a manner that adapts itself as fully as practicable to,
and requires the least possible deviation from, the existing statutory and administrative
procedures followed by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration in
administering and collecting the California State Sales and Use Taxes.
(4)To adopt a retail transactions and use tax ordinance that can be administered in a
manner that will be, to the greatest degree possible, consistent with the provisions of
Part 1.6 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, minimize the cost of collecting
the transactions and use taxes, and at the same time, minimize the burden of record
keeping upon persons subject to taxation under the provisions of this ordinance.
Section 25.080.040. Contract with State.
Prior to the operative date, the Town shall contract with the California Department of Tax
and Fee Administration to perform all functions incident to the administration and operation of
this transactions and use tax ordinance; provided, that if the Town shall not have contracted with
the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration prior to the operative date, it shall
nevertheless so contract and in such a case the operative date shall be the first day of the first
calendar quarter following the execution of such a contract.
Section 25.080.050. Transactions Tax Rate.
For the privilege of selling tangible personal property at retail, a tax is hereby imposed upon
all retailers in the incorporated territory of the Town at the rate of one-eight of one percent
(0.125%) of the gross receipts of any retailer from the sale of all tangible personal property sold
at retail in said territory on and after the operative date of this ordinance.
Section 25.080.060. Place of Sale.
For the purposes of this ordinance, all retail sales are consummated at the place of business
of the retailer unless the tangible personal property sold is delivered by the retailer or his agent
to an out-of-state destination or to a common carrier for delivery to an out-of-state destination.
The gross receipts from such sales shall include delivery charges, when such charges are subject
to the state sales and use tax, regardless of the place to which delivery is made. In the event a
retailer has no permanent place of business in the State or has more than one place of business,
the place or places at which the retail sales are consummated shall be determined under rules
and regulations to be prescribed and adopted by the California Department of Tax and Fee
Administration.
Page 3 of 8
Section 25.080.070. Use Tax Rate.
An excise tax is hereby imposed on the storage, use or other consumption in the Town of
tangible personal property purchased from any retailer on and after the operative date of this
ordinance for storage, use or other consumption in said territory at the rate of one-eight of one
percent (0.125%) of the sales price of the property. The sales price shall include delivery charges
when such charges are subject to state sales or use tax regardless of the place to which delivery
is made.
Section 25.080.080. Adoption of Provisions of State Law.
Except as otherwise provided in this ordinance and except insofar as they are inconsistent
with the provisions of Part 1.6 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, all of the
provisions of Part 1 (commencing with Section 6001) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation
Code are hereby adopted and made a part of this ordinance as though fully set forth herein.
Section 25.080.090. Limitations on Adoption of State Law and Collection of Use Taxes.
In adopting the provisions of Part 1 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code:
(1)Wherever the State of California is named or referred to as the taxing agency, the name
of this Town shall be substituted therefor. However, the substitution shall not be made
when:
a.The word "State" is used as a part of the title of the State Controller, State Treasurer,
State Treasury, or the Constitution of the State of California;
b.The result of that substitution would require action to be taken by or against this Town
or any agency, officer, or employee thereof rather than by or against the California
Department of Tax and Fee Administration, in performing the functions incident to
the administration or operation of this Ordinance.
c.In those sections, including, but not necessarily limited to sections referring to the
exterior boundaries of the State of California, where the result of the substitution
would be to:
1.Provide an exemption from this tax with respect to certain sales, storage, use
or other consumption of tangible personal property which would not
otherwise be exempt from this tax while such sales, storage, use or other
consumption remain subject to tax by the State under the provisions of Part 1
of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, or;
2.Impose this tax with respect to certain sales, storage, use or other
consumption of tangible personal property which would not be subject to tax
by the state under the said provision of that code.
Page 4 of 8
d. In Sections 6701, 6702 (except in the last sentence thereof), 6711, 6715, 6737, 6797
or 6828 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.
(2) The word "Town" shall be substituted for the word "State" in the phrase "retailer engaged
in business in this State" in Section 6203 and in the definition of that phrase in Section
6203.
a. “A retailer engaged in business in the District” shall also include any retailer that, in
the preceding calendar year or the current calendar year, has total combined sales of
tangible personal property in this state or for delivery in the State by the retailer and
all persons related to the retailer that exceeds five hundred thousand dollars
($500,000). For purposes of this section, a person is related to another person if both
persons are related to each other pursuant to Section 267(b) of Title 26 of the United
States Code and the regulations thereunder.
Section 25.080.100. Permit Not Required.
If a seller's permit has been issued to a retailer under Section 6067 of the Revenue and
Taxation Code, an additional transactor's permit shall not be required by this ordinance.
Section 25.080.110. Exemptions and Exclusions.
(1) There shall be excluded from the measure of the transactions tax and the use tax the
amount of any sales tax or use tax imposed by the State of California or by any city, city
and county, or county pursuant to the Bradley-Burns Uniform Local Sales and Use Tax Law
or the amount of any state-administered transactions or use tax.
(2) There are exempted from the computation of the amount of transactions tax the gross
receipts from:
a. Sales of tangible personal property, other than fuel or petroleum products, to
operators of aircraft to be used or consumed principally outside the county in which
the sale is made and directly and exclusively in the use of such aircraft as common
carriers of persons or property under the authority of the laws of this State, the United
States, or any foreign government.
b. Sales of property to be used outside the Town which is shipped to a point outside the
Town, pursuant to the contract of sale, by delivery to such point by the retailer or his
agent, or by delivery by the retailer to a carrier for shipment to a consignee at such
point. For the purposes of this paragraph, delivery to a point outside the Town shall
be satisfied:
1. With respect to vehicles (other than commercial vehicles) subject to
registration pursuant to Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 4000) of Division
3 of the Vehicle Code, aircraft licensed in compliance with Section 21411 of
Page 5 of 8
the Public Utilities Code, and undocumented vessels registered under Division
3.5 (commencing with Section 9840) of the Vehicle Code by registration to an
out-of-Town address and by a declaration under penalty of perjury, signed by
the buyer, stating that such address is, in fact, his or her principal place of
residence; and
2. With respect to commercial vehicles, by registration to a place of business out-
of-Town and declaration under penalty of perjury, signed by the buyer, that
the vehicle will be operated from that address.
c. The sale of tangible personal property if the seller is obligated to furnish the property
for a fixed price pursuant to a contract entered into prior to the operative date of this
ordinance.
d. A lease of tangible personal property which is a continuing sale of such property, for
any period of time for which the lessor is obligated to lease the property for an
amount fixed by the lease prior to the operative date of this ordinance.
e. For the purposes of subparagraphs (3) and (4) of this section, the sale or lease of
tangible personal property shall be deemed not to be obligated pursuant to a contract
or lease for any period of time for which any party to the contract or lease has the
unconditional right to terminate the contract or lease upon notice, whether or not
such right is exercised.
(3) There are exempted from the use tax imposed by this ordinance, the storage, use or other
consumption in this Town of tangible personal property:
a. The gross receipts from the sale of which have been subject to a transactions tax
under any state-administered transactions and use tax ordinance.
b. Other than fuel or petroleum products purchased by operators of aircraft and used or
consumed by such operators directly and exclusively in the use of such aircraft as
common carriers of persons or property for hire or compensation under a certificate
of public convenience and necessity issued pursuant to the laws of this State, the
United States, or any foreign government. This exemption is in addition to the
exemptions provided in Sections 6366 and 6366.1 of the Revenue and Taxation Code
of the State of California.
c. If the purchaser is obligated to purchase the property for a fixed price pursuant to a
contract entered into prior to the operative date of this ordinance.
d. If the possession of, or the exercise of any right or power over, the tangible personal
property arises under a lease which is a continuing purchase of such property for any
period of time for which the lessee is obligated to lease the property for an amount
fixed by a lease prior to the operative date of this ordinance.
Page 6 of 8
e.For the purposes of subparagraphs (3) and (4) of this section, storage, use, or other
consumption, or possession of, or exercise of any right or power over, tangible
personal property shall be deemed not to be obligated pursuant to a contract or lease
for any period of time for which any party to the contract or lease has the
unconditional right to terminate the contract or lease upon notice, whether or not
such right is exercised.
f.Except as provided in subparagraph (7), a retailer engaged in business in the Town
shall not be required to collect use tax from the purchaser of tangible personal
property, unless the retailer ships or delivers the property into the Town or
participates within the Town in making the sale of the property, including, but not
limited to, soliciting or receiving the order, either directly or indirectly, at a place of
business of the retailer in the Town or through any representative, agent, canvasser,
solicitor, subsidiary, or person in the Town under the authority of the retailer.
g."A retailer engaged in business in the Town " shall also include any retailer of any of
the following: vehicles subject to registration pursuant to Chapter 1 (commencing
with Section 4000) of Division 3 of the Vehicle Code, aircraft licensed in compliance
with Section 21411 of the Public Utilities Code, or undocumented vessels registered
under Division 3.5 (commencing with Section 9840) of the Vehicle Code. That retailer
shall be required to collect use tax from any purchaser who registers or licenses the
vehicle, vessel, or aircraft at an address in the Town.
(4)Any person subject to use tax under this ordinance may credit against that tax any
transactions tax or reimbursement for transactions tax paid to a district imposing, or
retailer liable for a transactions tax pursuant to Part 1.6 of Division 2 of the Revenue and
Taxation Code with respect to the sale to the person of the property the storage, use or
other consumption of which is subject to the use tax.
Section 25.080.120. Amendments.
All amendments subsequent to the effective date of this ordinance to Part 1 of Division 2 of
the Revenue and Taxation Code relating to sales and use taxes and which are not inconsistent
with Part 1.6 and Part 1.7 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, and all amendments
to Part 1.6 and Part 1.7 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, shall automatically
become a part of this ordinance, provided however, that no such amendment shall operate so as
to affect the rate of tax imposed by this ordinance.
Section 25.080.130. Enjoining Collection Forbidden.
No injunction or writ of mandate or other legal or equitable process shall issue in any suit,
action or proceeding in any court against the State or the Town, or against any officer of the State
or the Town, to prevent or enjoin the collection under this ordinance, or Part 1.6 of Division 2 of
the Revenue and Taxation Code, of any tax or any amount of tax required to be collected.
Page 7 of 8
Section 25.080.140. Residents’ Oversight and Annual Audit.
(1)The Town Council shall appoint a committee (“Tax Finance Committee”) to review and
report on the receipt of revenue and expenditure of funds from the tax authorized by this
chapter (“revenues and expenditures”). The number, qualifications, and duties of Tax
Finance Committee members shall be established by ordinance or resolution of the Town
Council.
(2)Beginning with the fiscal year that ends June 30, 2025, the Town's independent auditors
shall, as part of their annual audit of the Town's financial statements, review the
collection and expenditure of revenue from the tax authorized by this chapter. The
auditors' review shall be a public document. The Tax Finance Committee shall annually
review the auditors' findings and report in writing to the Town Council regarding the
revenues and expenditures. The Tax Finance Committee report shall be transmitted to
the Town Council for consideration at a public meeting.
(3)By January 31, 2025, the Town Council shall adopt a resolution establishing the
composition of the Tax Finance Committee and further defining its responsibilities
consistently with this section. Provisions defining the scope of the Tax Finance
Committee’s responsibilities and reporting requirements shall address bond oversight, in
the event that a decision is made at a later time to sell bonds that are in part backed by
the revenues referenced in this section. The Town Council shall appoint the initial
members of the Tax Finance Committee no later than March 1, 2025
Section 25.080.150. Termination Date.
The authority to levy the tax imposed by this chapter shall expire on March 31, 2045, without
further action by the Town Council or the voters of the Town. After said date, the tax imposed by
this Chapter can only be continued or reestablished by a majority vote of Los Gatos voters.
SECTION 2. ADJUSTMENT OF APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT.
Pursuant to Article XIIIB of the Constitution of the State of California and applicable laws, the
appropriations limit for the Town is hereby increased by the aggregate sum authorized to be
levied by this tax for fiscal year 2024-2025 and each year thereafter.
SECTION 3. CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT.
This ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act, Public Resources
Code section 21000 et seq., under, including without limitation, Public Resources Code section
21065, and CEQA Guidelines sections 15378(b)(4) and 15061(b)(3), as it can be seen with
certainty that there is no possibility that the activity authorized herein may have a significant
effect on the environment.
Page 8 of 8
SECTION 4. SEVERABILITY.
If any provision of this ordinance or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is
held invalid, the remainder of the ordinance and the application of such provision to other
persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.
SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This ordinance relates to the levying and collecting of the Town transactions and use taxes
and shall take effect immediately.
SECTION 6. NOTICE.
Upon approval by the voters, the Town Clerk Administrator shall certify to the passage and
adoption of this Ordinance and shall cause it to be published according to law.
* * * * * * * * *
It is hereby certified that this Ordinance was duly adopted by the voters at the November 5,
2024 General Municipal Election and took effect 10 days following adoption of a resolution
declaring the results of the election at a regular meeting of the Town Council held on _____, by
the following vote:
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
SIGNED:
MAYOR OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
DATE: __________________
ATTEST:
TOWN CLERK ADMINISTRATOR OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
DATE: __________________
1 of 3
Resolution 2024- June 18, 2024
ATTACHMENT 5
RESOLUTION NO. _______ A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS,
CALIFORNIA, SUBMITTING AN ADVISORY MEASURE TO THE VOTERS AT
THE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024, GENERAL MUNICPAL ELECTION
WHEREAS, the Town Council is submitting to the qualified voters of the Town a proposed
one-eighth of one percent (0.125%) general Transactions and Use Tax (the "Tax") to be collected
in addition to the existing one-eighth of one percent (0.125%) general Transactions and Use Tax
currently being collected within the Town; and
WHEREAS, revenues from the Tax, if approved by a majority of the qualified voters voting
on the measure, could legally be used by the Town for any legitimate municipal purpose; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council wishes to ask the voters to state in a non-binding measure
whether they would prefer the revenues from the Tax to be spent on certain identified
priorities; and
WHEREAS, by Resolution 2024-029, the Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos called a
municipal election to be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, (“the Election”) and requested the
Board of Supervisors of the County of Santa Clara to consolidate the election with the General
Statewide election; and
WHEREAS, the consolidated municipal election will be held, regulated, and conducted in
accordance with the provisions of the law as provided in Resolution 2024-029.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Council orders as follows:
Section 1. The Town Council finds and determines that each of the findings set forth above are
true and correct.
Section 2. The Town Council hereby submits the following question to the qualified voters of the
Town at the Election and appear on the ballot immediately before the general tax measure:
“If Measure __ is approved by Los Gatos voters, authorizing a local
1/8th cent sales tax, shall the measure providing that the revenues
from Measure __ should be dedicated to the following categories: 1)
Maintaining and enhancing Police and emergency services, including
rapid 911 response times; 2) Wildfire and storm hazard prevention and
protection; and 3) Infrastructure projects to improve traffic flow and
reduce congestion, be adopted?”
YES
NO
2 of 3
Resolution 2024- June 18, 2024
ATTACHMENT 5
This measure will require a majority of the qualified voters voting on the measure to pass.
Section 3. Pursuant to Elections Code Section 9280, the Town Council hereby directs the Town
Clerk to transmit a copy of the measure to the Town Attorney. The Town Attorney shall prepare
an impartial analysis of the measure, not to exceed 500 words in length, showing the effect of
the measure on the existing law and the operation of the measure, and transmit such impartial
analysis to the Town Clerk on or before 4:00 p.m. on August 12, 2024.
Section 4. Pursuant to Elections Code Section 9286 et. seq., August 12, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. shall
be the deadline for submission of arguments in favor of, and arguments against, this measure.
Arguments in favor of or against the measure shall not exceed 300 words in length. The Mayor,
or her designee(s), is hereby authorized to prepare a written argument in favor of the proposed
measure on behalf of the City Council. At the Mayor’s discretion, the Argument may also be
signed by bona fide associations or by individual voters who are eligible to vote in the Town of
Los Gatos. Each argument shall be signed, filed with the Town Clerk, and include the printed
name(s) and signature(s) of the author(s) submitting the argument. If more than one argument
for or against is received, the priorities established by Elections Code Section 9287 shall control.
Section 5. Subdivision (a) of section 9285 of the Elections Code shall apply to the Election and
shall control the submission of any rebuttal arguments for this measure. If an argument in favor
and an argument against the measure have been selected to be printed in the voter information
guide, the Clerk shall send a copy of the argument in favor of the measure to the authors of the
argument against the measure and a copy of an argument against the measure to the authors of
the argument in favor of the measure. The rebuttal authors or persons designated by them may
prepare and submit rebuttal arguments not to exceed 250 words in length. Rebuttal arguments
must be submitted not later than August 19, 2024, by 4:00 p.m. This Section shall apply only to
the election to be held on November 5, 2024, and shall then be repealed.
Section 6. Pursuant to Elections Code Section 10002, the Town Council hereby requests the Board
of Supervisors of the County of Santa Clara to make available the services of the Registrar of
Voters for the purpose of performing the usual services necessary in the conduct of the
consolidated general municipal election, including the provisions of election supplies and voters'
pamphlets; and that upon approval of such requests, the Registrar of Voters of the County of
Santa Clara shall be reimbursed for all costs incurred by said services.
Section 7. Pursuant to Elections Code commencing with Section 10400, the Town Council hereby
requests the Board of Supervisors of the County of Santa Clara to order the consolidation of the
general municipal election to be conducted within the boundaries of the Town of Los Gatos on
November 5, 2024, with respect to which the Board of Supervisors of the County of Santa Clara
has the power to order a consolidation. The Town Council further consents to and orders the
consolidation of the general municipal election hereby called with the statewide general election
and acknowledges that the consolidated election will be held and conducted in the manner
prescribed in Section 10418.
3 of 3
Resolution 2024- June 18, 2024
ATTACHMENT 5
Section 8. The Town Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to publish a notice of the general
municipal election within the time and in the manner specified in the Elections Code Section
12112. The Town Clerk is further authorized and directed to do all other things required by law
to hold the general municipal election above provided.
Section 9. The Town Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to certify to the adoption of this
resolution and to transmit a certified copy to the Board of Supervisors of the County of Santa
Clara and to the Registrar of Voters of the County of Santa Clara.
Section 10. That the Town Manager is authorized to negotiate and execute an agreement with
the Board of Equalization in accordance with Revenue and Taxation Code Section 7270 to
perform all functions incident to the administration and operation of the ordinance if adopted.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos
this 18th day of June, 2024 by the following vote:
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
SIGNED:
MAYOR OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
DATE: __________________
ATTEST:
TOWN CLERK OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
DATE: _________________
ATTACHMENT 6
Examples of Approved General Taxes with Advisory Vote
Loomis, California, Sales Tax with Advisory (November 2016)
General Tax - Yes 59.59%
Measure F: To support the continued operation of the Loomis library, and for other general fund
purposes, shall a quarter percent transactions and use tax ("sales tax") raising approximately $250,000
annually be adopted for a period of ten years, subject to annual audits?
Advisory Vote - Yes 64.41%
Measure G: If a local transactions and use tax is enacted in the Town of Loomis, should its revenue be
used predominantly to support the continued operation of the Loomis Library?
Santa Monica, California, Sales Tax with Advisory (November 2016)
General Tax - Yes 62.35%
MEASURE GSH: To maintain and improve Santa Monica community services including support for
preservation of affordable housing, reducing homelessness, school repair and improvement, education
of Santa Monica children and students, and other general fund services, shall an ordinance be adopted
to increase by one-half percent Santa Monica’s transactions and use tax, subject to independent annual
audits, all funds used locally, no money going to Sacramento, raising approximately $16 million annually,
until ended by the voters?
Advisory Vote - Yes 70.18%
MEASURE GS: ADVISORY VOTE ONLY: If a local transactions and use tax is enacted in Santa Monica,
should half its revenue be used to improve and maintain local public schools, including attracting and
retaining high-quality teachers, expanding access to pre-schools, assisting at-risk students, and improving
school technology, arts, music, math, and science instruction; and half to help preserve and ensure
housing in Santa Monica that is affordable, protect residents from displacement by rising housing costs,
and reduce homelessness?
King City, California Sales Tax with Advisory (November 2018)
General Tax - Yes 56.03%
Measure K: Shall the measure increasing the City of King’s current one-half percent sales tax to one
percent to generate an estimated increase of $800,000 annually for general city expenses, such as public
safety and other essential services, street repairs, economic development efforts, and improving the
City’s overall financial solvency subject to citizen oversight, an annual audit, and expiration of the tax in
10 years be adopted?
Advisory Vote - Yes 68.11%
Measure L: If the City of King General Sales Tax Measure K passes, should the revenues be used to
balance the budget in order to maintain existing services; pay off General Fund debt and establish a
financial reserve; fund public safety staffing, services and projects designed to eliminate youth violence;
fund improvements to street and sidewalk infrastructure; and fund downtown public improvements and
other economic development efforts designed to increase businesses, jobs and visitors to King City?
ATTACHMENT 6
Ukiah, California, Sales Tax with Advisory (November 2016)
General Tax - Yes 51.5%
Measure Y: Shall Ordinance No. 1165 be adopted to impose as a general tax and additional transaction
(sales) and use tax of one-half percent within the city limits of the City of Ukiah to fund essential City
services, including street repair and maintenance? Such tax increase is estimated to raise $2,470,000
annually at a rate of .5%. The duration of the tax will continue unless or until the tax is repealed by
majority vote in a municipal election
Advisory Vote - Yes 68.84%
Measure Z: Should street repair and maintenance and related public infrastructure improvements be the
exclusive use of the revenues from an additional .5% sales tax in the City of Ukiah and add to and not
replace current spending for street maintenance and repair?
Fort Bragg, California, Hotel Tax with Advisory (November 2016)
General Tax - Yes 59.55%
Measure AA: Shall Ordinance No. 924-2016 amending portions of Chapter 3.12 of the Fort Bragg
Municipal Code to increase the City of Fort Bragg's existing Transient Occupancy Tax (a bed tax paid
when overnight visitors rent a room) from ten percent (10%) to twelve percent (12%) to fund public
services and maintain public areas, effective April 1, 2017, which proposed rate increase and
amendment is anticipated to raise an additional $400,000 per year in revenue and which will continue
until repealed by the City Council or the city voters, be adopted?
Advisory Vote - Yes 69.65%
Measure AB: If Measure "AA" is approved by voters, shall the People of the City of Fort Bragg advise the
City Council to use the additional funds in the following manner: (i) One-half of the revenues to
substantially increase promotions, events, and marketing for Fort Bragg; (ii) One-quarter of the revenues
to enhance Coastal Trail maintenance and security; (iii) One-eighth of the revenues to support
establishment of the Noyo Center for Marine Sciences as a premiere visitor attraction; and (iv) One-
eighth of the revenues to undertake special projects that support tourism and benefit the community
including, but not limited to, repair and enhancement of local athletic fields?
Pasadena, California, Sales Tax with Advisory (November 2018)
General Tax - Yes 68.74%
Measure I: Shall an ordinance be adopted to maintain essential City of Pasadena services such as fire,
police, paramedics, emergency service/response times; keep fire stations open; improve neighborhood
and school safety; repair streets/sidewalks; address homelessness; maintain after-school
programs/senior services, and other general fund services, by establishing a ¾¢ sales tax providing
approximately $21,000,000 annually until ended by voters; requiring audits and all funds locally
controlled?
Advisory Vote - Yes 72.05%
Measure J: If Pasadena voters approve a local sales tax measure, should the City use 2/3rds of the
measure’s annual revenue to maintain essential City of Pasadena services such as fire, police,
paramedics, emergency service/response times; keep fire stations open; improve neighborhood and
school safety; repair streets/sidewalks; address homelessness; maintain afterschool programs/senior
services; with the remaining 1/3rd of the measure’s revenue going to support Pasadena public schools?