City of Palm Desert
Information About Measure T
Fall 2016
The Current Situation
 The City of Palm Desert has a proud tradition of high-quality local services and
well-managed finances.
 People live in Palm Desert because it offers a
higher quality of life than other cities in the
Coachella Valley, including:
 Public safety services
 Senior services
 Parks
 Cultural programs
 Services and programs make Palm Desert a desirable place to live, visit and do
business.
What is Measure T?
 On July 28, the City Council unanimously placed Measure T – the Palm Desert Community
Safety, Vital Services and Fiscal Stability Measure – on the November 2016 ballot.
 Measure T would enhance Palm Desert’s hotel/motel tax
from 9% – the lowest rate in the Coachella Valley – to
11% which would keep it among the lower rates for
this type of tax in the region.
 Measure T is a hotel tax paid only by hotel guests. Visitors pay this tax when they stay at a
Palm Desert hotel or motel. Palm Desert residents, homeowners, and property owners
are not taxed unless they stay a local hotel/motel.
Why was Measure T placed on the ballot?
 Measure T was placed on the ballot to
maintain Palm Desert’s long-term financial
stability, public safety, and other vital City
services with a locally-controlled revenue
source.
 Since the State eliminated redevelopment
in 2012, Palm Desert has lost approximately
$40 million each year in funds used for critical improvements and economic
development.
 Millions of dollars in other state takeaways through the years have demonstrated the
willingness and ability of State politicians to divert local funds to Sacramento.
Can Measure T funds be taken by the State?
 No. Funds from Measure T are legally required to stay in
Palm Desert and cannot be taken by the State.
 If enacted, Measure T provides local control of a
dedicated revenue source to protect vital city services
that make Palm Desert a safe, desirable place to live,
work and do business.
Would Measure T maintain essential services?
 Yes. If passed, Measure T will help protect and maintain essential City services,
including:
 911 emergency medical, police and fire protection and response
 Road and street maintenance
 Water conservation
 Senior services, parks, and cultural programs
 Long-term financial stability
What will Measure T cost me?
 Palm Desert homeowners and property owners who are not hotel guests would NOT
be taxed under this measure.
 A 2% increase to our hotel/motel tax will ensure that the hundreds of thousands of
tourists that come to our area – impacting public safety services, traffic, natural
habitats, and our quality of life – pay their fair share for the services they use when
they spend the night at local hotels.
Measure T & Fiscal Accountability
 Measure T is subject to strict accountability
provisions including public spending reports
and annual independent financial audits.
 Measure T provides our City with a dedicated
local source of funding to maintain vital city
services that by law cannot be taken by state
government.
 All funds must be used only in Palm Desert.
When is the Election?
 Look for Measure T on the Tuesday, November 8, 2016 ballot.
 For more election information and
to register to vote online, visit the
Riverside County Registrar of Voters: www.voteinfo.net
For More Information
 If you would like to find out more information about Measure T visit
www.cityofpalmdesert.org or contact:
 David Hermann, Public Information Officer:
 760.776.6380
 [email protected]