A Hollister engineer technician in July sought feedback over his work email from City Manager Bill Avera about a campaign-like sign relating to a special sales tax, according to email records obtained by the Free Lance.
All too often in San Benito County, local government leaders have tried to push property or parcel taxes to fund initiatives or deficits caused by irresponsible budgeting. An example was the Hollister School District’s failed 2011 attempt to pass a $96 parcel tax at the depths of its financial problems, with the special election costing local taxpayers close to $150,000.
The statewide sales and use tax rate will increase one quarter of 1 percent from 7.25 percent to 7.5 percent on Jan. 1. This rate increase was approved by California voters when they approved Proposition 30 on Nov. 6.
The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors passed the second and final reading of an ordinance at their meeting Tuesday that asks voters to increase sales tax by one-eighth cent in November. It would increase the local tax rate from 8.375 percent to 8.5 percent. The board voted 4-0, with Supervisor Mike Wasserman absent.