As a 38-year resident of Folsom and a committed volunteer to my community, I have been following all the arguments back and forth regarding the Measure G tax increase on the ballot.
Recently, one promoter of the tax increase plan commented that the Measure G tax increase pie chart was all “data-driven.”
I took a dive into this and recalled the Folsom City “residents and homeowners survey” of 2022. This expensive undertaking by city staff was designed to “inform a 2023 City-sponsored Strategic Planning Process.” It was intended to inform and guide the city’s priorities over “the next five years.”
The survey was pleased to have nearly 5,000 respondents and published results with beautiful color bar graphs. The report showed public safety, wildfire protection, and disaster preparedness as the top three areas of concern for residents. Combined, these three top concerns total 67.4% (lumped together as the areas of public safety). This does not line up with only 40% of the Measure G pie chart allocation. Why?
Way down in the number 4 spot is Parks & Trails at 10.6%. Folsom already has parks at about 16% of the city’s budget, and Measure G is asking for another 15% of the estimated annual revenue increase of $29,000,000.00 annually. Why?
The last three items show streets, city facilities, and city programs. Combined, those three are about 22%. Yet the Measure G pie chart allocation has streets, water, and capital projects at 30%. Why?
I know, I know! The tax increase proponents will say I only picked the one survey, and it did not include other (who knows what?) financial data. I say that any blending of data is also interpreted and, therefore, subject to biases and flaws. Can you say “manipulation?”
It was clear that the public wants the focus to be on public safety. There is NO mention of economic development—yet this has 15% of the Measure G pie allocation! Why?
Measure G funds will add 27% to the city’s operating budget forever! Why? Please join me and vote No on G!
Scott Bailey, Folsom Resident
The above commentary was authored by local resident Scott Bailey and submitted to Folsom Times. The views and opinions expressed in community commentary submissions are that of the authors and do not reflect the views and opinions of Folsom Times, its management, staff, stakeholders or advertisers.
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