San Rafael Proposes Property Tax Hike to Fund City Services

San Rafael is asking voters to approve Measure W, which proposes increasing the property transfer tax rate from the current 0.2% to 1%. This increase is projected to generate an estimated $6 million more annually, bringing the total revenue to about $7.5 million per year. The measure requires a simple majority to pass.

The proposed revenue is intended to help fund essential city services, including 911 response and the Specialized Assistance for Everyone Team. City officials state that San Rafael is facing annual deficits, which are projected to reach $2 million to $3 million in the years following.