Opinion: Measure A is a taxpayer bailout for poor planning, fiscal mismanagement

"Santa Clara County leaders are asking voters to approve Measure A, a five-eighths-cent sales tax increase on the Nov. 4 ballot, claiming more taxes are needed to support health care services. Before county officials hit hardworking residents with more taxes, voters need one simple question answered: Where is all our money going?"

"Santa Clara County's budget exceeds $13 billion annually, more than the budgets of 19 states. County leaders claim that they need the $330 million generated yearly by Measure A to support their health care services, but these tax dollars are general fund dollars that can be used for any purpose. The county promises independent oversight, but that's a false promise, as the current Board of Supervisors cannot constrain future spending of general fund tax dollars."

"County Executive James Williams' 2024 compensation exceeded $600,000, more than many comparable public executives. That same year, total compensation for another 146 county employees topped $600,000, six cleared more than $1,000,000. In 2021, $76 million of federal COVID-19 aid intended for small businesses, frontline workers and struggling families funded "Hero Pay" bonuses to almost every county employee. County employees are eligible for free health care for life after as few as 10 years of service."

Measure A would raise the sales tax by five-eighths of a cent to generate about $330 million annually for health care services. Santa Clara County's annual budget exceeds $13 billion, larger than 19 states' budgets. The proposed tax revenue would be deposited into the county general fund and could legally be used for any purpose. The county's promise of independent oversight cannot legally restrict future spending by the Board of Supervisors. The county has a record of high executive and employee compensation, use of $76 million in federal COVID aid for "Hero Pay" bonuses, lifetime employee health benefits, and expensive perks such as valet parking and taxpayer-funded mailers.

Read at The Mercury News