Although voters will make the decision on the November ballot for an extension to the 1 percent sales tax, the city’s first at-large mayor – if the measure passes – would be tasked with leading council members in deciding how to best spend the $3.2 million annually.
Those four mayoral candidates have stated varying views on whether voters should approve the Measure E extension to its precursor, Measure T, which won overwhelmingly on the November 2007 ballot. Voters in November will decide on the sales tax extension, but also will rid the city of its yearly mayoral rotation among council members by electing the first Hollister mayor chosen by the entire electorate.
Doug Emerson, a two-term councilman and retired school administrator, supports Measure E and expects to spend the funds on maintaining service levels and avoiding layoffs.
Marty Richman, a retirement engineering manager and military professional, also supports the measure but said he would use half the funds toward public safety – divvying up the rest between economic development and reserves.
Ignacio Velazquez, a downtown business owner, said he has yet to take a position on Measure E.
Keith Snow, a retired engineering foreman, asked the Free Lance about the purpose of the money and said he wants to leave it up to voters.
Emerson and Richman’s views both reflect the city’s dire fiscal situation, but with different approaches to address it. Hamstrung by the recession starting in 2008, Hollister leaders were not only unsuccessful in boosting services as they had committed to doing during the last campaign, but they also now face a $3.2 million deficit – slightly less than 20 percent of the general fund budget – if voters do not extend the tax and keep the local figure at 8.25 percent.
If the measure fails, Hollister officials have a so-called “austerity” plan in place – put together by City Manager Clint Quilter and approved by council members last December – which would result in, among other cuts, the loss of 10 police officer jobs and seven firefighters.
For Richman, the most important factor if it passes remains how the city would invest the money.
“I support the tax, provided the money is used constructively,” said Richman, a former Free Lance columnist and editorial board member.
Richman said his plan would include using 50 percent of the funds for police and fire – with the other half split between economic development efforts and putting money into reserves. He wants to set aside money and increase economic activity so the city “can eventually eliminate the tax and have more public services without raising taxes.”
“I called on council members to individually state what their plans are to use the funds,” said Richman, referring to public comments he made at a council meeting. “If there is no plan, the funds will be used without a purpose.”
Emerson, though, defended the city’s use of the Measure T funds over the past five years, noting how the city is “in a different situation” than 2007, with the Measure E dollars “unfortunately” meant to support the status quo.
“I’ve gone through the explanation over and over,” Emerson said. “What happened in the second half of 2008, nobody could’ve predicted. The city changed their business plan, just like every business did when they faced that.”
Emerson said that under Richman’s plan – Mayor Ray Friend last week broached a similar proposal that includes 50 percent toward public safety, and other funds toward economic development and reserves – there would be layoffs because the city now spends about 70 percent of the additional tax dollars on public safety.
“How would we explain to the public, if we put money into the reserve but we’re making cuts in other places?” Emerson said.
As for Velazquez, he said he is still analyzing the city’s budget situation.
“As of right now, I’m not taking a stance on it yet,” Velazquez said. “I’m still digging into the budget of the city and what can be done.”
Snow responded about his stance on Measure E by asking, “What’s that for?”
When told of its intention, he replied: “Let the voters decide because it’s up to them. I’m for the people.”
