pages: CityCouncil/2015-10-20.pdf, 8
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CityCouncil | 2015-10-20 | 8 | The Finance Director stated Alameda cannot ask for an increase in sales tax because the City is already at the cap. Councilmember Oddie inquired why San Leandro was allowed to increase its sales tax to 10%. The Finance Director responded four cities within the County have a 10% rate; the cities either had the sales tax in place or Measure BB caused the percentage to go above. Councilmember Oddie stated if Alameda would have to ask the State for legislation to go above the cap. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated impacts on our residents should be considered. The Finance Director continued the presentation. Councilmember Daysog stated regarding altering the Transparent Occupancy Tax (TOT), the possibility of doing a Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) working with property owners satisfies him, the language should include Air B and B. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she is intrigued by the TBID; can quickly and easily cause voter fatigue placing too many measures on the ballot; questioned who would manage the TBID and if the Chamber of Commerce could perform said function; the TBID would provide a stable funding source for tourism promotion; the TBID would be governed by those who pay the assessment and could not be diverted for government programs; even if the economy fluctuates the funding source would be there; the steps identified in Exhibit 3 of staff report, for formation process, owner outreach and education district plan, would be a good model for the Business Improvement Associations (BIAs). Mayor Spencer requested clarification on who could be a part of the TBID; is it limited to hotels, motels and other lodging, or could it include different business groups; stated the City has many businesses that sell things and generate a sales tax that goes into a pot to benefit the community in different ways; the TBID sounds as though they themselves would generate the tax and they themselves would decide how it is spent, which is very different from other taxes, requested clarification. The Community Development Director discussed how assessment Districts work; stated the entities that are assessed have to be the entities that make the decision on how the funds are expended; it would be possible for the Chamber to be the entity but they would have to form a committee or subgroup to decide how to expend of funds; money would range from $167,000 to $350,000 annually based on current TOT projections; of this year; the West Alameda Business Association (WABA) and Park Street Business Association (PSBA) have boards made up of the business representatives from their assessment district which decide how funds are expended. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 8 October 20, 2015 | CityCouncil/2015-10-20.pdf |