pages: CityCouncil/2015-02-03.pdf, 5
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CityCouncil | 2015-02-03 | 5 | In response to Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft's inquiry regarding a 2% drop-off over the year, the Interim Finance Director stated the period ending April to June is not a high sales season; high seasons include holiday and back-to-school shopping. In response to Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft's inquiry regarding online store competition, the Interim Finance Director stated sales tax from online sales with no brick and mortar presence accrues to a County pool which Alameda shares; the pool has increased over time. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated Alameda lagged in gas station sales in the per capita surplus gap comparison; the new Safeway and gas station near the tube received complaints, but sales tax generation comes from development. The Interim Finance Director stated grocery stores do not generate a great deal of sales tax and sales tax on gasoline is decreasing because prices dropped; Alameda will not see a boost in sales tax revenues over the next three or four quarters. Vice Mayor Matarrese inquired whether $313,000 recovered tax would be spread over a number of years in arrears. The Interim Finance Director responded she would do research and provide an answer later. In response to Vice Mayor Matarrese's inquiry, the Interim Finance Director stated when an error is found, money is given back to the City from the beginning of the error and is corrected going forward. Vice Mayor Matarrese requested the information be flagged in the next report. Councilmember Daysog stated sales tax is an important revenue source to finance the quality of life in Alameda; sales tax increase is driven by business-to-business Alameda should have business attraction and retention strategies; figuring out ways to reduce leakage and get residents to spend in town is important; grocery stores are not sales tax generators but are an overall economic development strategy which drives foot traffic; data should be used as a beginning point for a wide range of strategies. In response to Councilmember Daysog's inquiry, the Interim Finance Director stated the Economic Development Manager and staff participate in discussions with HDL when reviewing quarterly information; the process is ongoing to secure more data. In response to Councilmember Oddie's inquiry, the Interim Finance Director stated sales tax revenue for Target would be found in "all other areas"; stated Alameda Landing will be added in the next report. Councilmember Oddie inquired about north of Lincoln Avenue and Webster Street. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 5 February 3, 2015 | CityCouncil/2015-02-03.pdf |