Frequently Asked Questions

No, the measure restricts the use of G.O. bond proceeds to the following list of eligible capital infrastructure (“Improvements”):   

1. Repairing, replacing, and improving the deteriorating stormwater drain system to prevent system failure, flooding, water pollution and sinkholes, 
2. Repairing and improving the City streets, and  
3. Constructing and upgrading fire stations to ensure rapid emergency response, accommodate modern firefighting and life-saving emergency medical equipment and allow the stations to function during earthquakes and other natural disasters.

State law prohibits the use of G.O. bond proceeds for operational expenditures, including salaries, that are not required to build the Improvements. 

Council will review and approve all G.O. bond projects as part of the City’s annual capital improvement program budget process. The City’s ability to fund any specific Improvement ultimately depends on factors such project scope, bid results, and other components of the Improvements, which will be determined as plans are finalized, construction bids are awarded, and projects are completed. 

If voters approve Measure Q, the City will have the authority to begin issuing G.O. bonds for the Improvements. It is common, however, for a city to issue G.O. bonds in phases or “tranches” over a decade or more, given the multi-year nature of constructing the Improvements. So, the City may issue bonds in three tranches, in fiscal years 2025, 2030, and 2035. Circumstances can change, however, and tranches may be delayed or accelerated based on various conditions. 

If voters approve Measure Q, property owners will see a new line on their property tax bills in the fiscal year following the bond issuance. Using the example above, the 2025 tranche would appear on tax bills in 2026. 

Yes.  The City must stop collecting the tax when all outstanding bonds have been paid.   That means that the last year that the City can collect the tax depends on when the City issues the final tranche of bonds and the term of those bonds. If we assume that the City issues a final tranche in 2035, with a 30-year term, the tax levy fully expires in 2066. The example above is based on many assumptions and is provided solely to illustrate when the tax levy might fully expire.